Tradition of the Lion Dance

The Chinese Lion Dance dates back for centuries to the Han Dynasty (205 B.C. to 220 A.D in China) and peaks during the Tang Dynasty (716-907 A.D.) The dance was introduced in China, Korea and Taiwan from Iran and Afghanistan via the famous Silk Road. Rulers of Iran and Afghanistan sent lions to Chinese emperors as gifts in order to get the right to trade with the Silk Road merchants.

Legend said that the Lion Dance helps chase away bad spirits and attract good luck. Therefore whenever the people gather to celebrate a good cause, the dance was performed as a form of thanks giving. 

At ProcureCon Asia 2007, the Middleton Lion Dance team will help the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce bring all the good blessings of prosperity, wealth, and power of the heaven to the whole business community.

The Art of Martial Arts

Martial Arts and Tai Chi performers from Aghanistan's Noorzad Martial Arts Academy will follow to help complete our cultural-business program.