The Pride is the first lion dance CIO at UVA. The dance involves performers collaborating inside a lion costume to mimic the movements and characteristics of a lion, incorporating both traditional styles and contemporary influences. There can only be two performers in a lion at any given time, but it is common to substitute during a performance. The lions collaborate with a drummer to synchronize
their movements with the drum's rhythms. The drummer is usually a trained percussionist who can execute elaborate beats in an often vigorous style on the drum, cymbals, and gong. Another aspect of the performance is the acrobatic "Laughing" Buddha, who adds comic relief. The Buddha often wears a mask and plays, taunts, and leads the lions around the stage. The members of the Pride train weekly to perfect the moves they know and master new, more difficult skills. They perform at events such as culture shows, festivals, weddings, among other celebrations. Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.
