The dragon dance is a traditional Chinese dance performed mainly during celebrations of certain holidays. The term Wushu means ‘martial art,’ originated in China and is the oldest martial art that gave rise to other martial disciplines. The dragon is made in such a way that it can be moved by a set of people according to coordinated movements that mimic the sinuous movements of the mythical animal and result in a real ‘dance’ in which straight movements are combined with circular paths. At the same time, the construction and decoration of the dragon, particularly its head, represent a traditional art that can reach high technical and aesthetic levels.

The classic undulating movement of the dragon is achieved by the coordinated moves in succession of each cylindrical section. This is the basic step, while all other moves are left to the imagination and creativity of each dance troupe. In general, the different steps are made up of running spirals to make the dragon’s body turn and weave around itself. Sometimes the dancers themselves jump across or over sections of the dragon’s body, adding acrobatic visual effects, or climb on each other’s shoulders to increase the height of the animal’s body. To be part of a dragon dance troupe requires several skills, a combination of athletic training and stage techniques. The spectacular effect is due more to the cooperation of the whole team in individual movements than to the personal skills of each dancer.

The Weisongschool is a Chinese martial arts school in Pordenone, Italy, established in 2000 fe wave by master Liu Yuwei, a disciple of one of China’s greatest masters. All the stars of the show are competitive athletes of national, international and world level.