DRAGON and lion dances are most commonly associated with China, where its popularity has dimmed somewhat among the young generation, but the traditional kung fu martial arts underpinning the performances have captivated enthusiasts beyond China's borders.

That global ardor was on display last weekend at an international dragon and lion dancing championship held at Yuanshen Stadium in the Pudong town of Sanlin.

Participants from some 15 countries were among the 35 teams competing in what is described as the “Olympics of dragon and lion dances.”