Thought's of a Lion Dancer

Well, I guess it's about time a write a thing or two here. Just remember, I'm not going to give away all my secrets. The first thought I have is thank all the people that I work with to make the Lion Dances take place. It is an honor to have such dedicated people to play with. When you think about the support we give each other,,, well, it really is amazing. And ya, we really do work hard. Not just for the up and coming show, but for next year also. Starting out with Sifu Playter was great. Learning to dance with others was interesting at first, but having a team of dancers turned out to be a lot better. Being the oldest and heaviest lion head (not to mention the guy with the van) means that I have a lot of reponsibilities. And I'm grateful cause it keeps my mind off of other things. So, you might wonder,,,,, what makes a good lion dancer???? I really don't know!!! I have only seen it a couple of times cause I'm always in the head. Nerves,,,, no not really cause you can't see anything. (Except that dam Lama at Onoway, boy it made me nervous) Self concious,,,, no,,, not really because nobody can see me!! If you make a mistake,, it doesn't matter. The only one who knows is thelion dance team. And sometimes, it's only me that knows. Those times when I seem to be taking a long time to get to the next part, that's right, I was lost. Didn't have a clue where I was going next or what to do!! WOW!! What a job!! You have heard the saying, I saw my life flash before my eyes,,, well that's what it's like being the lion head. You get stuck and you start the whole dance again in your head. The druming,,,, well what druming!! It's funny, cause you hear them, but you don't. I couldn't do the dance without it, and when there is someone else other than Master Brinker at the sticks,, it really does make a difference. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I do hear them and it really does make a difference cause the louder the better. Kids are great to perform for. Except my first group of kids, when they threw the lettuce back at me. I would rather dance for 20 kids at a school than 1000 people at the mall. All of the heads have there own style. It's not really something you can teach. You can show them the movements, but they have to achieve there own style. Watch other dancers, yes, but you can't copy them. It probably won't be your style. (except for the little head jesture I learn from another head last week) We are so priviledged to be able to perform this with Master Brinker. I can't believe that there are not more people who are interested in the Lion Dance. So, thanks again to my fellow partners for your patience and support. Let's have another great year and a fantastic Chinese Lion Dance 2006!!! (PS.Where in the heck is the spell check,,,, a little help please!!)

Thanks, Sifu Clements