By: Sam Nguyen and Crystal Sanchez

SAN JOSE, CALIF.– Silver Creek High School Lion Dance Club Spreads Their Passion For Culture Here On Campus.

SAN JOSE, CALIF.—Silver Creek High School’s Lion Dance Club keeps cultural tradition alive through rhythmic drumming and vibrant performances along with a welcoming community. 

Lion Dancing has long been a part of our school. Originating in China as a traditional performance to drive off evil spirits with loud sounds and music while bringing good fortune and longevity.

The music is created through the clanging of cymbals, the beat of drums and clapping. Inside the colorful lion costume, there are two performers draped over with a cape with one controlling the head and the other controlling the tail. The head is operated using strings and sticks to make the eyes blink, the mouth is guided up and down while holding it from the bottom. Whereas the tail functions with a wooden stick to help mimic lifelike motions.

The club performs at events such as Lunar New Years, Winterfest and Groove4Kids showcasing expressive and coordinated movements that tell a story. Members also organize fundraisers and services to support their club or raise money for charity, including events at Chipotle, Yogurtland, and Crumbl Cookie.

Josh Baluyot, a senior with three years of experience in Lion Dance Club shares his experience with the team;When asked what he does in the club, he says, “I’m either helping with newcomers or learning how to drum by myself.”  On what it means to be part of Lion Dance, Baluyot added, “Lifelong commitment, discipline, blood sweat and tears.”