Tai Yim's Kung Fu Dragon Dancers

In observance of Asian-Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, UNC Asheville will host a performance of a traditional Chinese lion dance by Tai Yim’s Kung Fu Dragon Dancers at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, on UNC Asheville’s Quad. In case of rain, the performance will be moved to Lipinsky Auditorium. The event, which is sponsored by UNC Asheville’s Multicultural Student Programs Office, is free and open to the public.

Tai Yim’s Kung Fu Dragon Dancers have performed across the U.S. for more than
20 years, including performances at the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian Institute, the Kennedy Center and the Embassy of Singapore. The troupe is based in Maryland.

The traditional Chinese lion dance recounts the tale of how the inhabitants of one ancient village fought off an attack by Lin Shu, the fierce beast which guards the South Gate of Heaven. With directions from the gods, the villagers were successful. The next day, the beast returned – this time to act as a guard. Lin Shu served as a protector until the village grew large enough to care for itself. To express their gratitude after its departure, the villagers created the lion dance.

For more information, call Deirdre Wiggins, UNC Asheville Multicultural Student Programs Office, at 828/232-5110.