Lion dancers in Guangzhou on hunt for greatness

(ECNS) -- Lion-dance master Su Peijian teaches students how to perform every night at a training class in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.

The lion dance is a traditional folk art in Chinese culture that mimics the various movements of the big cats.

The class starts from deep knee bends and trains the learners in the postures and expressions of the Lion Head.

Su is strict with his students. Only those who are proficient at deep knee bends and other techniques can act as the lion head.

Their goal is to become the top lion dancers in the world.

As one of the two main forms of lion dance in China, the Southern Lion in Guangdong Province combines martial arts, dancing skills, and music.

Since ancient times, the Southern Lion has been considered an auspicious art that can exorcise evil spirits.

It is usually performed during the Chinese New Year and other traditional and cultural festivals.