Creative Writing
Dancing with Dragons!
Dear Dragonites,
How is your Chinese New Year going? How many dragon dances have you spotted? You might notice there are more dragon dances than lion dances this year because it’s the Year of the Dragon. Let’s embrace this splendid season and let your imaginations soar with your pen, storytellers!
In crafting your tale, you’re not just practicing your writing skills but also connecting with a part of your identity and sharing it with others. Whether it’s celebrating Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, or Christmas, every festival here is a dance of unity, a chance to come together with family and friends.
Alright, young writers, before we set our pens to paper, there’s a bit of detective work to do! Think of writing as creating a colorful mural—you’ll need a palette full of different colors of knowledge to make your masterpiece shine. To gather these colors, read some books and search online — always make sure to visit trusted sites that are just right for your age. Like explorers on a treasure hunt, the more you seek, the more gems of information you’ll find to enrich your writing.
In Chinese culture, a dragon represents power, strength, and good luck. The performers mimic the movements of the dragon with a long, colorful dragon costume held aloft on poles. These dragon dances are meant to ward off evil spirits and usher in good fortune for the community. In the context of the Chinese New Year in 2024, the dragon symbolizes hope for a year filled with success, abundance, and positive energy.
Choose Your Topic
Choosing the story to write is like picking the brightest lantern from a sky full of stars. It’s common to feel uncertain about what to write or to struggle with choosing a topic. Just remember, your story is a unique reflection of your experiences and imagination. Here are some ideas for you:
- Second Chinese New Year Gathering After Covid-19
- The Amazing Dragon Dance
- My First CNY Dinner at the Community Centre
- My First Chinese New Year Performance
Let’s dive into the magic of The Amazing Dragon Dance, perfect for the dragon year!
Let Your Imagination Lead
Have you ever watched the dragon dance during Chinese New Year? If so, how did it make you feel? What did you see, hear, and feel? Your story could begin with you standing there, right in the heart of the festivities, your eyes wide with wonder as the vibrant colors of the dragon’s costume catch your gaze, its undulating movements capturing the rhythm of the beating drums.
Or have you ever dreamed of being part of the performance? If so, you can write about feeling the weight of the dragon’s body moving in sync with your steps, the cheers of the crowd lifting your spirits.
Consider these questions as you write your story. Picture yourself in the midst of the celebration, whether as an audience, a performer, or even as the dragon itself.
No matter which narrative you choose, here are some tips to make your story come alive:
Build Your Characters
Whether your story is about a child watching a dragon dance performance, a brave child learning the dragon dance or a mischievous dragon, give your characters desires, fears, and challenges to overcome.
Paint with Words
Use descriptive language to create vivid imagery. Is it the bustling streets of Singapore or a magical realm? How do the decorations look and what makes the atmosphere special? Let your readers see the colors, feel the excitement, and taste the festive treats through your words.
Let your characters speak
Dialogue can add life to your story, showing how your characters interact and what they think and feel about the Chinese New Year.
Find the Heart of Your Story
Every story has a message or a moral. What do you want your readers to take away – Is it about the joy of traditions or the courage to try something new? How did it change you or your view of the festival?
No matter which narrative you choose, here are some tips to make your story come alive:
My First Dragon Dance Performance
The moment I donned my dragon costume, my heart thumped like a drum in the parade. It was my first time performing the dragon dance for Chinese New Year, the excitement buzzed through me like electricity.
As the drums started their lively beat, a wave of nervousness washed over me, but it soon turned into a river of thrill. Our feet began to hop and skip along with the rhythm. With each synchronized step, we brought the dragon to life. It snaked through the air, its scales shimmering under the bright lights and I was at its heart, beating with pride and joy.
When the dance ended, applause and cheers thundered like a storm, filling me with warmth. My heart swelled with happiness, seeing faces around me brimming with smiles. It made me feel special, like I was part of something big and wonderful, sharing a happy moment with everyone there. At that moment, I felt like a real dragon, majestic and powerful, soaring through clouds of joy and celebration.
That night, I went to bed with a smile, knowing I had been part of a centuries-old tradition that still had the power to bring people together. The dragon dance was more than just a performance, it was a celebration of life, community, and new beginnings.
Want to learn how to write interesting stories and bring your tales to life? Join our creative writing workshops during the March school holidays! Contact us now to find out more and let your storytelling journey begin!
