The dragon dance is a form of traditional dance and performance in Chinese culture. Like the lion dance, it is most often seen in festive celebrations. The dance is performed by a team of experienced kung fu practioners who manipulate a long flexible figure of a dragon using poles positioned at regular intervals along the length of the dragon. The dance team simulates the imagined movements of this river spirit in a sinuous, undulating manner. Because of the skill, dexterity and stamina are required for Chinese dragon, uinorn and lion dances. The performers are always kung fu students, although being a martial artist certainly isn’t a formal requirement. Joining a dance troupe is an honor and demands even more time and discipline from martial arts students who already have a regular training regimen.

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The dragon’s flowing and curving movements are coordinated carefully by poles. Dragons range from 80 feet long to the record of over three miles long! An "average" dragon used in a dance is usually close to 100 feet long. As many as 15 performers may be controlling the dragon. Odd numbers are auspicious, teams of 5, 7, 9, 11, or 13 kung fu students involved at once. Dragon dances are often led by a performer controlling a “pearl”, a sphere representing wisdom that the dragon chases.

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Chinese dragons are a symbol of China's culture, and they are believed to bring good luck to people, therefore the longer the dragon in the dance, the more luck it will bring to the community. The dragons are believed to possess qualities that include great power, dignity, fertility, wisdom and auspiciousness. The appearance of a dragon is both fearsome and bold, but it has a benevolent disposition and it was an emblem to represent imperial authority. The movements in a performance traditionally symbolize historical roles of dragons demonstrating power and dignity.

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