The Lion and Dragon Dance Team of Fo GuangShan Temple of Toronto held its annual achievements showcase on December14, 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 andpassing on Chinese cultural traditions.

Venerable ZhiGuan, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, offered wordsof encouragement inspired by New Year greetings from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, “Harmony and Coexistence, GallopingToward Success,” extending wishes for harmony, growth, and fulfillment. Shealso conveyed warm regards and blessings from Abbess Chueh Fan, and presented tokens of appreciationto thank the coaching team and volunteers for their continued support.

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

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

Emphasizing teamwork and shared commitment, Lyremarked that the team’s work could never be sustained by only one or twoindividuals, 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 todistribute gifts to team members, creating a warm and memorable moment.

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

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