As part of our Lunar New Year celebrations this year, we were delighted to welcome Mr Danny Ma to the Royal High School Bath to lead a series of traditional Lion Dance workshops.

The workshops were open to all senior school pupils and gave students a unique opportunity to experience this vibrant cultural tradition first-hand. Rather than simply watching a performance, students were able to step inside the lion costume themselves, learning how two performers must move in complete harmony to bring the lion to life. They practised the foundational Kung Fu stances and conditioning exercises that create the strong, grounded movements essential to Lion Dance, developing coordination, balance and teamwork along the way.

Mr Ma introduced students to the dynamic Hong Kong style of Lion Dance, known for its expressive character, powerful footwork and intricate rhythmic patterns. Students learned how the lion’s movements, from playful curiosity to bold strength, are communicated through precise head gestures, eye movements and body control. They also explored the importance of musical accompaniment, trying their hand at the traditional drum, cymbals and gong. Working together, they discovered how the driving drum rhythms guide the lion’s steps, creating the energy and excitement that make performances so captivating.

Miss Cheers, Head of International Students, led the initiative with the support of her International Sixth Form Leadership Team made up of international students. Reflecting on the workshops, she said: “After bringing a Lion Dance performance to the school a few years ago, I felt it was time for students to engage more directly with this incredible tradition. We are so privileged to have Mr Danny Ma share his expertise, his time and his cultural knowledge with us. The students embraced the challenge enthusiastically; I am incredibly proud of how well they worked together and how willing they were to try something completely new.”

The workshops were filled with energy, laughter and determination as students supported one another to master new skills. It was wonderful to see such collaboration across year groups, with pupils encouraging each other and building confidence throughout the sessions.

We are thrilled that this experience does not end here. There is now an exciting opportunity for students to join an after-school Lion Dance club led by Mr Ma, with the long-term goal of establishing a Royal High School Lion Dance troupe.

Watch this space!