Kōrero: Cultural dance

A traditional lion dance, symbolising the bringing of good fortune, is performed at the start of Chinese New Year festivities at Sky City in Auckland in January 2012. Usually two people wear the elaborate costume and perform a carefully choreographed dance, including skilful martial-arts-inspired moves, that reflects the characteristics of a lion. There is a lively instrumental accompaniment. Various forms of lion dance are also found in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.