About Us

Dragon of the South, a non-profit making organisation based in Poole (South of England), was established early 2005. A successful bid to "Awards for All South West" allowed the Club to buy its first batch of equipment. The club was founded by Andy Chu and his nephew Gilberto Alves da Fonseca, working in partnership with SoundStorm at Dorset Music Service, the Music Development Agency for Bournemouth and Poole (www.dorsetmusicservice.org.uk).

Andy had been heavily involved in the involvement of the Chinese Community and Bournemouth Chinese School in Dorset Music Service's showcase concert at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2005. It was decided after that concert that it would be beneficial for Bournemouth and Poole to set up their own dragon and lion dance club. SoundStorm helped Andy and his committee put their successful bid together.

Andy also acts as the PR Manager for the club and liaises with instructor and dancer Gilberto in preparation for upcoming performances. Originally from Macau in Mainland China, Gilberto has extensive experience in Lion Dancing. He believes in the idea of equal opportunities and anyone who has interest can learn the Lion and Dragon dance, no matter what race, skin-colour, religion or ethnic background.

Purpose

Even in a multi-cultural society we live in today it is still sometimes difficult to understand our cultural differences within the community. As a club we believe it is important for people to better understand the Chinese Culture and the benefits it brings to the local community. We think one of the best ways to achieve this is through schools by educating the younger generations and participating in a variety of social, cultural and other educational events.

The club will be working alongside local authorities, schools and societies to organise public performances for various events. These will include fund-raising for charities, voluntary work, cultural festivals, opening ceremonies and more.

Members

Our group is comprised of young and talented members, each with their own unique styles, skills and abilities. Traditionally, lion dance students were restricted to practising certain aspects of the lion dance (e.g. only learning the instruments) and rarely anything else. We think this system is too rigid, therefore our students are instead encouraged to learn different aspects of the lion dance, from playing the instruments to practising the lion itself.