University of Bristol Chinese Lion Dance Troupe @ Bristol SU

Bristol SU recognises that the costs of participating in student groups can be prohibitively expensive for some students. The Activity Hardship Fund was created to support those students who wouldn't otherwise be able to participate in their chosen activity due to the cost.

Welcome to the University of Bristol Chinese Lion Dance Troupe! 🦁

We are a cultural dance society based in the University of Bristol, founded in 1995, and have since been actively performing around Bristol, the West UK and neighbouring areas to share the culture of Chinese Lion Dance throughout the UK. This year marks our 31st anniversary!

Everyone is welcome to join! Our memberships are free and we welcome both beginners and experienced performers from all nationalities!

Image #8 — The Troupe Performing At The Bristol Museum, Which We Do Every Chinese New Year!

What is Lion Dance?

Lion dance is a prevalent form of celebration in many East Asian cultures, such as in Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. It is usually performed for special occasions including Chinese New Year, wedding ceremonies and shop openings to spread good luck and prosperity!

It involves an Orchestra of a Drummer, Cymbalists, and a Gongist, who accompany 1-4 Lions. Each Lion is composed of a Head and Tail performer. Out Troupe also has a Caishen performer and Coordinators. There's something for everyone - musician, dancer, coordinator! Each Troupe member usually has a personal favourite role, but rotating is part of the fun!

Lion Dancing is distinct from Dragon Dancing, which it is often mistaken for. Dragon Dancing involves multiple people puppetting a giant dragon.

Membership Details 🦁

Our Troupe is free to join! Your membership gives you access to:

Weekly training sessions
Differrent roles to explore (lion head, lion tail, cymbals, drum, gong, Caishen and coordinating)
Trips to performances all over the UK
Regular socials and teambuilding activities with the Troupe

➡️ Sign up for a free membership here!

Upcoming Events 📅

This year, our weekly training sessions will be on:

Sundays, 11:30 - 13:30, at Anson Rooms 6, First Floor Richmond Building, BS8 1LN
During Teaching Block 1, from 21 September to 11 December 2026
During Teaching Block 2, from 18 January to 22 March 2027

Our other upcoming events/socials are: