USDLDF Dragon & Lion Dance Championships

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Truong Nguyen

If you’ve ever experienced a Chinese New Year celebration with colorful dancing dragons and live drumming, you’ll know the thrill of experiencing this art form up close. Madison is lucky enough to attract the national championship competition, which includes Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association of Madison as one of 10 teams from around the country participating in the annual celebration. Featuring costumed dancers, acrobatics and drumming. Admission is free for the competition, taking place from 9:30 am-5 pm on Saturday and 9 am-3 pm on Sunday; a post-tournament banquet closes the event.

press release:

Saturday 6/29

9:00 am – Doors open to the public

9:30 am to 10:00 am – Opening ceremonies

10:00 am to 5:00 pm – Competition Day 1 – Traditional Lion Dance

5:00 pm to 11:00 pm – Shake the Lake

Sunday 6/30

8:30 am – Doors open to the public

9:00 am to 3:00 pm – Competition Day 2 – Freestyle (Jongs) Lion Dance, Drum Showcase and Dragon Dance.

3:00 pm – Competition closes (approximate)

6:00 pm to 11:00 pm – Post Tournament Banquet (purchase tickets here)

“The National Dragon and Lion Dance Championships will provide a unique and unforgettable competition for the Madison community and visitors,” said Jamie Patrick, Vice President of the Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC). “We look forward to enjoying the artistic and athletic talents of the competitors and are especially excited to cheer on Madison’s local participants.”

The Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association, Madison’s local team, will compete in this year’s championship in both the Traditional Lion Dance and Drum Showcase competitions. The team has almost 20 members, ranging in age from 9 to 29.

“We are excited to have this culturally-rich and festive tournament take place at the Monona Terrace,” remarked Nelson Ferreira, President of the U.S. Dragon and Lion Dance Federation and Owner/Shifu of Zhong Yi Kung Fu Assoication. “Spectators will be in for a special treat as they watch the creativity, acrobatics and teamwork in each of the competition categories. Our local team hopes to continue improving from their competition experiences last year, and most importantly, make our hometown proud!”

17 teams representing 10 different states will compete in Madison for the title of National Champion. Winning teams will be eligible to participate in the world championship competition. Admission is free to the Dragon and Lion Dance Championships. Doors open at 8:30 A.M. on Saturday and Sunday.