Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
September 7, 2023

On the evening of September 2nd, the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Team was invited to perform at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) during their back-to-school and freshmen welcome event. Team leader Li Changhuang led the group, presenting the Toronto Fo Guang Shan Temple with thrilling drumming and a spectacular lion dance, showcasing the folk characteristics of Chinese culture.

To enrich the performance, four senior team members went to the FGS Temple of Toronto for additional training on the morning of September 2nd. In the afternoon of the same day, the FGS Temple of Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Team conducted lion dance training and rehearsals. After dinner, the coach, team members, and their parents, totaling 40 people, traveled to UTM.

Four senior team members conducted a percussion performance. the photo／The Life News Agency

The UTM orientation event began by showcasing video footage to introduce the Chinese New Year celebrations at the FGS Temple of Toronto, allowing the freshmen to learn about Chinese culture. Following this, the FGS Temple of Toronto conducted a percussion performance, in which the four senior members excelled, and the entire audience in the venue appreciated their performance.

After the percussion performance, the Dragon and Lion Dance Team performed a lion dance for an impressive 30 minutes, interacting with the students and sharing oranges with them as a symbol of good luck and auspiciousness. At the end of the performance, the entire audience applauded enthusiastically.

The parents of the Dragon and Lion Dance Team students, witnessing their children's performance being so well-received, were very pleased. The Dragon and Lion Dance Team not only promotes the healthy growth of the children but also helps them build friendships. Anson, who just started at the University of Waterloo this year, took a bus to return to FGS Temple of Toronto for training and the performance. After the performance, he rushed back to school. His passion for Chinese culture has inspired many young team members.

The coach, members of FGS Temple of Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Team and their parents took a group photo. photo／The Life News Agency