LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Las Vegas celebrated the first day of the Lunar New Year calendar with a traditional lion dancing performance at the Forum Shops on the Strip for the Year of the Horse.
Lohan School of Shaolin, which has been performing in Las Vegas for over 30 years, put on six shows this week alone. The local lion dancers performed at multiple venues, including the Forum Shops.
They were also supposed to perform at the Lunar New Year Parade in Downtown Summerlin at 6 p.m. but the parade was cancelled and postponed until Monday due to weather conditions.
“The year of the firehorse means a few different things… it means if you’re gonna be doing something at the beginning of the year… you’re going to be continuing on… usually it’s a fast year,” said Raul Baugh, senior instructor at Lohan School of Shaolin.
School continues founder’s legacy
The Lohan School of Shaolin practices daily at its Chinatown location, preparing for its many traditional Chinese dragon dancing performances throughout the year.
“So I’ve been here actually since 1999 practicing at the school of shaolin, and as far as our lion dance team has grown exponentially,” said Lance Brazil, sifu of the Lohan School of Shaolin.
The school started under Sifu Steven Baugh, who was immersed in the Asian community and the traditional and spiritual roots of Southern Chinese Lion dancing. The school is now led by his son, Raul Baugh.
Community embraces celebration
The performers said Las Vegas has embraced the holiday over the years.
“It’s so like American… like everybody knows about it now, all walks of life are celebrating… it’s not just one particular group anymore, and that’s what kinda makes it special,” Brazil said.
At the Forum Shops, visitors and locals came together to learn about the culture and celebrate.
“I think my favorite part is always seeing the families come together … the store blessings are great, but to see the crowds and everyone feed the red dragon their red envelopes and see the smile on their face is always a great moment,” said Cassandra DeMoss, assistant director of marketing at Forum Shops.
The Lohan School of Shaolin will continue putting on shows through March 6 at different locations, totaling about 50 performances. The school also offers other martial arts, including traditional kung fu, tai chi, qi gong, and praying mantis, and is open to all ages.
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