STORY: British student experiences lion dance in China's Luoyang
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Feb. 1, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:40
LOCATION: LUOYANG, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Daliwang lion dance
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ADAM POWNALL, Student, Henan University of Science and Technology
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ADAM POWNALL, Student, Henan University of Science and Technology
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): WANG LUWEI, Head of Daliwang lion dance troupe
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ADAM POWNALL, Student, Henan University of Science and Technology
6. SOUNDBITE 5 (English): ADAM POWNALL, Student, Henan University of Science and Technology

STORYLINE:

A British student studying in the ancient city of Luoyang celebrated Chinese New Year with the traditional Daliwang lion dance - an experience richer than expected. He even had the chance to try it himself, realizing it's much harder than it looks!

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ADAM POWNALL, Student, Henan University of Science and Technology
"The Spring Festival is one of China's most celebrated holidays, during which lion dancing symbolizes peace and happiness. The Daliwang lion dance in Luoyang is known for its exceptional craftsmanship. Today, let's explore this ancient traditional art."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ADAM POWNALL, Student, Henan University of Science and Technology
"Can you teach me?"

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): WANG LUWEI, Head of Daliwang lion dance troupe
"Sure. Lift it up. Yes. Level it, and draw a circle in the air. Level it, and draw a circle in the air. Yes. Keep your chest facing straight forward."

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ADAM POWNALL, Student, Henan University of Science and Technology
"How to balance?"

SOUNDBITE 5 (English): ADAM POWNALL, Student, Henan University of Science and Technology
"Well, actually, I didn't really expect it to be so tiring. They have to work very hard to do that dance, and all have to communicate with each other all the time. When you're the one at the front, like I was, leading them, I need to know which way to go, what actions to do, so that they will follow me. So, it's a lot of teamwork involved. It's very unique. And I saw all of this, and I met some people, they explained all the history, and how it's the ancient capital, and everything. It made me interested in the city. There's lots to do, always lots to do, and lots to learn about the city."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Luoyang, China.
(XHTV)