Who We Are

Gund Kwok, which means heroine in Chinese, symbolizes women’s power and strength. Traditionally, women’s power, strength and intelligence have been unacknowledged and hidden from public view. An old Chinese saying, “A heroine will not admit defeat to the hero” expresses women’s hidden power.

Gund Kwok, the only Asian Women Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe in the United States, was established in February of 1998 to give Asian women an opportunity to express their creativity, power and strength through performing the lion and dragon dances. The lion and dragon dances are art forms which require martial arts discipline, endurance, flexibility and creativity.

The lion dance is not only looked upon as the skillful display of strength and artistry but as the discipline of mind and body. Externally, it enhances health and is used for self defense. It is also the cultivation of inner strength and self discipline to receive life’s challenges with grace and elegance. It represents a symbol of power and courage and has traditionally been denied to women. Gund Kwok gives Asian women the opportunity to cultivate and express these essential qualities as well as their connection to their cultures and traditions.

Gund Kwok is a performing troupe of diverse Asian women of varying ages and occupations. Ten-week trial classes are offered to prospective members once or twice a year. Regular troupe members meet once a week to practice routines, refine techniques, increase strength and endurance, build community and teamwork and prepare for performances. Gund Kwok performs year-round at a variety of events and occasions, ranging from weddings, special functions, celebrations, to major festivals in and out of Massachusetts and has been featured in The Boston Globe, the Boston Herald, Boston Metro and local TV news stations.

 

Our Mission

Traditionally, because lion dance requires discipline, skill and mastery and represents a symbol of power, courage and justice, it was denied to women. The Gund Kwok Asian Women Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe was created to achieve the following goals:
To give Asian women the opportunity to learn and perform a traditional Chinese martial art form that has not been performed by women.

• To challenge women to realize their physical potential and achieve excellence in a supportive environment.
• To empower Asian women to break through traditional stereotypes and limited roles.
• To build teamwork cooperation among Asian women from diverse communities.
• To contribute back to the community by donating surplus funds to projects that focus on empowering Asian women and girls.

 

Joining the Troupe

Membership is open to all Asian women who have graduated from the ten-week trial class and who are willing to make the commitment to meet troupe requirements. Gund Kwok offers a unique opportunity for all Asian women to learn and experience lion dance in a supportive environment.

Ten-week trial classes are offered once or twice a year. Trial class curriculum covers strengthening exercises, martial arts stances, basic kicks, punches, cymbal playing, role of Buddha and a lion dance routine. Trial class members graduate by performing the lion dance for family, friends and community at the end of the course. If interested, please contact us.