Canada Day is a celebration of unity and diversity, and this year, Chau Luen Athletics proudly joined the festivities with a series of exciting events across the community. From impressive kung fu demonstrations to traditional dragon and lion dance performances, our team showcased the rich heritage of martial arts and brought joy to audiences of all ages.
Canada Day Drumming in downtown Vancouver
The morning event began with a lively showcase of cultural heritage at the annual Canada Day Drumming in downtown Vancouver, an event that was held in several cities across the nation. During the event, there were four lion dance groups, each with two lions, totaling eight lions and symbolizing prosperity coming from all directions (四面八方). With the eight lions plus our two LED lions as greeters, this brought the total lions to 10, symbolizing completeness and perfection (十全十美).
The event continued with a series of cultural performances and ceremonies, including traditional Korean drumming, an award-winning routine by Lion Dance BC, and of course, kung fu demos by yours truly. Our talented students Leanne Yu, Tayden Wong, Shawn Zhang, and Andrew Wong took the stage to demonstrate their traditional kung fu sets, captivating the audience and highlighting the grace, strength, and discipline inherent in Choy Lee Fut kung fu. VIP remarks, video clips, and special presentations added to the festive atmosphere, while a simultaneous drumming segment across several cities in Canada underscored the event's theme.
Canada Day lunch celebration in Vancouver’s Chinatown
The Canada Day Drumming event continued into the afternoon with more festivities in Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown. Here, our magnificent LED dragon took center stage, weaving through Floata Seafood Restaurant in a mesmerizing display of colour and movement. Alongside our dragon dance, multiple lion dance performances from different groups, including ours, added to the festive atmosphere.
During the lunch celebration, we had the honor of witnessing a special ceremony where Elder Kelly White and members of the Musqueam Nation presented a beautiful blanket to our sigung (“grandmaster”) Peter Wong. This heartfelt gesture underscored the unity and respect fostered through cultural exchange and appreciation.
One highlight of the afternoon was once again our students' kung fu demos. Their dedication and skill were on full display, proudly representing Chau Luen Athletics and embodying our commitment to preserving and promoting traditional martial arts.
Canada Day Streetfest in Burnaby
As the sun began to set, we brought our festivities to Burnaby’s Canada Day Streetfest, where our LED dragon and two LED lions danced to life, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and warding off evil spirits. Our lions interacted with spectators, engaging children and adults alike with their playful antics. They mesmerized the crowd with their synchronized movements and acrobatic stunts, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of drums and cymbals that echoed through the summer air.
The kung fu demonstrations that followed were a testament to the ongoing legacy of Choy Lee Fut, featuring talents from our sibling club, Hung Hsing Choy Lee Fut, and dedicated practitioners from our community. The audience was treated to a showcase of forms, techniques, and the deep-rooted cultural significance embedded in every movement.
The kung fu, dragon, and lion dance performances were arguably the highlight of the event, drawing cheers and applause from onlookers of all ages. For many in attendance, it was their first experience witnessing this ancient tradition firsthand, leaving a lasting impression of joy and admiration for spectators.
Thank you for your support!
As we reflect on our participation in this year’s Canada Day events, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the beauty and discipline of martial arts. The enthusiastic response from the community reaffirms our commitment to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage through dynamic performances and engaging activities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating Canada Day and experiencing the rich history of martial arts. Your support inspires us to continue striving for excellence and sharing the values of respect, perseverance, and unity that define Chau Luen Athletics.
Ask us about our free trial classes
Whether you’re curious about martial arts, seeking a new way to stay active, or simply want to connect with a community passionate about tradition and growth, Chau Luen Athletics welcomes you. Email us at hello@vancouverliondance.com to ask about our trial classes and how you can become part of our martial arts family.
Together, let’s celebrate diversity, embrace discipline, and forge lasting friendships through the timeless art of kung fu. Happy Canada Day from Chau Luen Athletics!
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