Yip’s lion dance team Belgium

🦁 ONE TRADITION 🦁

When people hear Chinese liondance, they often think of one tradition. But are actually two major forms, Northern lion (北獅) and Southern lion (南獅 / 醒獅) each with its own history, appearance, movement, music and character.

NORTHERN LION (北獅)

The Northern lion is designed to resemble a more realistic, living lion. Its body is covered in long fur, giving it a softer and more animal-like appearance.

Its movements focus heavily on playfulness, agility, balance and acrobatics. You will often see Northern lions jumping, rolling, climbing, balancing and interacting with props or other lions. The dancers aim to capture the natural behaviour of a lion…curious, playful, energetic and sometimes fierce.

SOUTHERN LION (南獅 / 醒獅)

The Southern lion is very different. Rather than trying to look exactly like a real lion, the Southern lion is symbolic and mythical. Its large expressive head, movable eyes and mouth, mirror and horn give it a distinctive character.

Southern liondance has a strong connection with Chinese martial arts, particularly through its stances, footwork, explosive movements, body control and physical discipline. The lion is not simply “dancing”! It is expressing emotions, personality, power and martial spirit.

The Southern tradition also includes important ritual elements such as Choi Cheing (採青) “plucking the greens”. Traditionally associated with prosperity, good fortune and the symbolic gathering of blessings.

Within Southern lion itself there are different traditions, including Fut San / Foshan (佛山) and Hok San / Heshan (鶴山), each with their own characteristics, movement vocabulary and musical traditions.

❗️THE DIFFERENCE ❗️

Northern lion:
🐾 More animal-like
🤸 Acrobatic & playful
⚖️ Balance & agility
🎭 Natural animal behaviour
🥁 Dynamic interaction & movement

Southern lion:
🔥 More mythical & symbolic
🏮 Strong martial arts influence
🦾Power, stance & footwork
👁️ Highly expressive
🥬 Ritual, tradition & symbolism

Despite their differences, both share the same foundation:

Discipline. Teamwork. Timing. Trust.
Tradition. Respect. Culture. Honor.

Two different expressions of liondance.
“ one tradition, two distinct spirits” 🦁❤️‍🔥

🐉 Keep the culture alive 🐉

#北獅 #南獅 #醒獅 #佛山獅 #鶴山獅

The weather gods are in our favor 💥
Thanks for having us 🤗🙏🏻
events.entertainment Robby Vandereyt

The Great Monkey King (Sun Wukong 孫悟空) will be joining our fearless lions from now on. 🦁❤️‍🔥🦁

Strength without arrogance.
Courage without recklessness.
Intelligence with discipline.
Power with purpose.
Fearlessness with wisdom.
Pride with humility.
Freedom guided by virtue.
A wild spirit, forged through discipline.

The journey begins. ✨🌍✨

🐉 Three brothers, one oath, one heart 🐉

Lau Bei, Kwang Yu and Tjong Fei were not connected by blood, but by loyalty, brotherhood and a shared destiny. Their famous oath in the peach garden became a symbol of trust, honor and standing together through every battle.

劉備 Lau Bei represented compassion, benevolence and leadership.

關羽 Kwang Yu represented loyalty, righteousness and courage.

張飛 Tjong Fei represented strength,
bravery and unstoppable spirit.

Their story reminds us that true brotherhood is not only about family, it is about loyalty, respect and walking the path together, no matter how difficult the journey becomes.

Like the lion dancers who move as one body, the three brothers showed that true power comes from unity.
Different strengths, one purpose.
Different paths, one heart.

Honor the past, protect the tradition and let the lion spirit roar. 🦁