A well done lion dance is a total experience involving many of the senses. Of the antics and exaggerated movements of the colorful lion, the synchronized pounding and clanging of the percussion instruments to the deafening sound and the sulfurous smell of the fire crackers.

Each lion is brought to life by two individuals (in most cases students of a kung fu school), one in the head being fleet of foot and lighter in stature than the one in the rear who must be solid and strong as it is he which must support the weight of the foremost individual during various stunts and tower-like maneuvers. Lion dancing helps develop one's kung fu as the skills necessary for this performance require strong stances, quick accurate stepping quick thinking and stamina.

Another important element in this performance is the music, which is performed by three or more individuals playing a drum, gong and cymbals. Long hours of practice are necessary not only for each individual to perform correctly and vigorously, but to bring the music together with the performance. For the performance to be effective, all members must be united as one, as any one element being substandard will detract from the performance.