HONOLULU (KHON2) — We are one week away from Chinese New Year and that means there are a few days left to see a lion dance.

“We do it at Chinese New Year because thatʻs technically the passing of the Chinese New Year lunar calendar and when it transfers thereʻs always a new animal. This yearʻs the year of the wooden snake,” Elise Chan, a lion dancer with Asian Lion Dance Team told KHON2.

The lions are accompanied by drums, which play a significant role as the heartbeat of the lion. The drums set the pace that the lions dance to while the audience watches while extending offerings of red envelopes.

Different lions display different personalities, depending on the dancers within.

“Different people play differently. Some of them are shy, some of them, like some of our instructors, are super active and they love to play with people.”

If youʻve ever wondered what it takes to perform, wonder no more. It takes only the desire to participate.

Elise joined when she was only seven years old.

“My brother joined when he was five so you donʻt have to be older to join. You can join at any time and then you can learn from there.”

If youʻd like to join, visit the Asian Lion Dance Teamʻs website or Instagram page. They practice Saturday mornings unless they have a performance.