Meet the Crew That Makes Dancing Lions for the Lunar New Year

Corey Chan and his team of martial artists in San Francisco are dedicated to preserving the ancient art of Chinese lion dancing.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Corey Chan, 63, and his crew of martial artists in San Francisco have dedicated themselves to preserving the ancient art of Chinese lion dancing. They construct elaborate lion and dragon costumes, teach the traditional dances, and even travel to China to learn from skilled craftspeople. Despite the labor-intensive and financially unrewarding nature of their work, the group is committed to keeping this cultural tradition alive.

Why it matters

Chinese lion and dragon dances are an important part of Lunar New Year celebrations and other cultural events, but the knowledge and skills required to create and perform these dances are in danger of being lost. Corey Chan and his crew are working to document and pass on this ancient art form to future generations, ensuring that it continues to be a vibrant part of Asian American culture.

The details

Chan and his crew, which includes Jeff Lee, Travis Lum, and Thomas Chun, have spent years learning the intricate five-step process of making lion heads, from building the bamboo skeleton to adding the finishing touches. They've also traveled to China to study with skilled craftspeople and learn the proper techniques. The group runs a side business called "Of Course Lion Source" where they repair and restore damaged lion and dragon costumes for people across the country. Despite the labor-intensive nature of their work, they are committed to keeping this cultural tradition alive.

  • In 2000, Chan led a group from Kei Lun Martial Arts on a research trip to China to study with skilled craftspeople.
  • In 2014, the New York Historical Society and the Marysville Chinese Community in California commissioned the squad to restore Moo Lung, a massive, nearly 150-year-old dragon believed to be the oldest in the United States.

The players

Corey Chan

A 63-year-old San Francisco resident who is the heritage director at Cameron House, a nonprofit in Chinatown, and the director of Kei Lun Martial Arts. He is deeply committed to preserving the ancient art of Chinese lion dancing.

Jeff Lee

A 61-year-old member of Corey Chan's crew who has a "photographic memory" when it comes to learning the intricate lion dance moves.

Of Course Lion Source

A side business run by Corey Chan and his crew that repairs and restores damaged lion and dragon costumes for people across the country.

Moo Lung

A massive, nearly 150-year-old dragon believed to be the oldest in the United States, which the squad was commissioned to restore in 2014.

Kei Lun Martial Arts

The martial arts group that Corey Chan joined at age 18 and where he met the members of his lion dance crew.

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What they’re saying

“What do you call it if you have a photographic memory but with your body? The master shows it one or two times and then, boom, Corey's got it.”

— Jeff Lee, Crew Member

“It's a labor of love, but also an appreciation of their family art, their tradition.”

— Jeff Lee, Crew Member

“Anybody that makes these things, prepares these things, they're putting not just their time, they're putting in their soul. A little bit of me goes into this.”

— Corey Chan, Heritage Director, Cameron House

“You don't do this kind of thing to make a lot of money real fast. It's art.”

— Corey Chan, Heritage Director, Cameron House

What’s next

Corey Chan and his crew plan to continue their efforts to document and preserve the ancient art of Chinese lion dancing, including publishing a book that collects the traditional Cheng puzzles that are part of the lion dance performances.

The takeaway

Corey Chan and his dedicated crew of martial artists are working tirelessly to keep the centuries-old tradition of Chinese lion dancing alive, despite the financial and logistical challenges. Their passion for this cultural art form serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how Asian Americans are shaping and preserving important aspects of their heritage for future generations.