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Feature: Dutch dragon dancers prepare to dazzle at Chinese New Year party

Xinhua, February 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

As the lunar year of the goat draws near, a group in The Hague is busy preparing to celebrate China's most important festival of the year.

The lead actors of the municipality's Chinese dragon and lion dance team are finalizing every gesture to make sure that their long-awaited performance dazzles people at the Chinese Spring festival celebrations in the Netherlands.

At Yuliang Fei's martial arts club in the Dutch political capital, Guus Kramer, a 45-year-old Kungfu fan who works as adviser of the Dutch Ministry of Justice, told Xinhua that his team has been practicing for several months.

"We started months before the Chinese New Year to choose nine performers good enough to form a dragon dance team. Then we kept practicing so that everyone masters each of his positions and every step of his movements. Weeks before the festival, we rehearse with costumes to check that everything is perfect," he said.

For the past 13 years, Guus' team -- made up of Fei's martial arts followers -- have staged many performances in the annual parade in The Hague's Chinatown.

Amid vigorous drumming and fireworks, the dancing dragons and lions have wowed crowds with their rich expressions, unique footwork and colorful appearance.

Guus is happy to see the Chinese New Year so exuberantly celebrated in the Netherlands, and even happier to contribute to the celebrations. "I can see that the celebration is highly valued by both the Dutch and Chinese communities. Surely this tradition brings us closer to each other," he said.

Anil Bhagole and Gwan Pieters, who perform as the lion's head and body in the dance, told Xinhua they love the wushu aspects of the dance.

"With technique, we aim to make spectators feel the energy of the lion," said Bhagole.

"The lion must also feel the energy from the spectators," added Pieters, "Sometimes kids seem scared by the lion, so we make the lion also look a bit scared. Then the kids get courage and become happier. By interacting with the audience like this, we make it a festive party for everyone." Enditem