The dragon dance class at Qutang senior high school in Hai'an, Nantong, Jiangsu rovince kicked off the new semester on March 11.

The course is taught by experts in the field, including Ding Yongsheng, a provincial representative inheritor of the Luohan dragon dance, and Professor Hua Jiangming, a city-level representative inheritor of the Canglong dragon dance from Nantong.

Hua said that the dragon dance curriculum covers various aspects of the dance, including history and culture, essential movements, and footwork.

Since 2020, Qutang senior high school has been offering specialized courses such as dragon dance training and handicrafts for making dragon props to promote the dragon dance among students.

The school established a dragon dance club four years ago, building upon the foundation of its course curriculum. In 2023, the club achieved great success, winning first place in the prescribed routine category for Group A at the Jiangsu Province Youth Dragon and Lion Dance Championship.

This year, the school has also launched construction on a dragon dance cultural base. Vice-principal Zhou Qiang said, "Our school's dragon and lion dance pavilion is currently under construction. Once completed, it will serve as a hub for showcasing dragon culture and dragon dance courses, promoting China's traditional culture among students.

Students learn the dragon dance. [Photo/ntjoy.com]