Fo Guang Shan Toronto Lion and Dragon Dance Team Celebrates Annual Achievements, Highlighting Cultural Continuity and Community Spirit

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto
January 23, 2026

The Lion and Dragon Dance Team of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held its annual achievements showcase on December 14, presenting the results of a year of dedicated training in lion dance, drumming, and martial arts. Joined by family members, friends, and instructors, team members demonstrated refined skills and a strong commitment to preserving and passing on Chinese cultural traditions.

Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, offered words of encouragement inspired by New Year greetings from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, “Harmony and Coexistence, Galloping Toward Success,” extending wishes for harmony, growth, and fulfillment. She also conveyed warm regards and blessings from Abbess Chueh Fan, and presented tokens of appreciation to thank the coaching team and volunteers for their continued support.

A total of 40 team members took turns performing throughout the program, attracting nearly 100 parents and relatives. The atmosphere was joyful and moving as families witnessed the students’ steady progress, discipline, and growing confidence developed over the past year.

Tom Ly, Mentor of the Lion and Dragon Dance Team, shared that the team’s achievements are the result of collective effort made possible through close collaboration among coaches, assistant instructors, volunteers, and monastics. He expressed special appreciation to long-time supporter Lee Ly for her continued dedication. Ly also noted that several members who began training in childhood have since returned as assistant instructors, reflecting responsibility, gratitude, and continuity within the lion and dragon dance tradition.

Emphasizing teamwork and shared commitment, Ly remarked that the team’s work could never be sustained by only one or two individuals, but depends on the ongoing support of many behind the scenes. Adding a joyful highlight, he appeared in the role of the Big-Head Buddha to distribute gifts to team members, creating a warm and memorable moment.

Volunteer representative Jenny Zhao shared that her son joined the team at age ten and, even after graduating from university, continues to participate in performances and community outreach at seniors’ residences, schools, and public institutions. She reflected that through dedication and cultural engagement, the youth bring joy to the community while growing into confident and well-rounded young adults.

The showcase also featured the youngest participants, aged five and six, whose focused expressions and endearing performances inspired many parents to capture the moment. The event concluded with a joyful vegetarian potluck and raffle, bringing the celebration to a warm and harmonious close.