ABOUT US
LionDanceME is the world's premier lion and dragon dance company, setting the global standard for performances, talent, and innovation.
We are dedicated to revolutionizing lion dance, pushing its artistic and technical boundaries, and bringing it to audiences worldwide. Through world-class performances, we aim to make lion dance a globally recognized art form while inspiring and training the next generation to carry it forward.
From the Streets to the Stage
Founded in 2013 by Norman Lau, our team was built on the vision of modernizing lion dance while preserving its rich traditions—much like Michael Jordan revolutionized basketball and Bruce Lee redefined kung fu.
What began as a small group of students quickly expanded to programs at seven SFUSD high schools. Without a dedicated practice space, we turned Chinatown’s Grant Street into our training ground, growing a passionate community. By 2019, we had hit 400 shows a year, secured our first international performances, and competed in our first world championship—only to have the pandemic bring everything to a halt.
Undeterred, we pivoted to virtual performances and worked tirelessly to navigate the challenges of the pandemic. By 2022, we made an incredible comeback—rising from a complete shutdown during the pandemic to booking over 600 shows annually. In 2023, we made history by winning the Western Lion King title and celebrating the first-ever female champion at the world championships.
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In 2024, we reached new heights—securing a temporary warehouse, surpassing 700 performances, and achieving our first million-dollar milestone. 2025 is already shaping up to be our biggest year yet, with 350 shows in just two months and a record-breaking 64 performances in a single day.
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As we continue this incredible momentum, our next goal is to secure a permanent home—a space where we can expand, innovate, and empower the next generation to take lion dance to even greater heights.
World Lion Dance Championship
2023
In 2023, our team made history at the Genting World Lion Dance Championships in Malaysia.
Competing on the world’s biggest stage, we were the youngest team in attendance, with an average age of just 17. We shattered expectations in the heavily male-dominated lion dance industry—our team featured the competition’s only female competitor on poles and proudly brought home the prestigious Western Lion King title, solidifying our status as the best lion dance team in the West.
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Our groundbreaking performance went viral, amassing over 15 million views across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, capturing worldwide attention.
Check out our Media page for press coverage and highlights from this unforgettable moment!
