During the Chinese New Year, people can watch colorful dragon dances in the street or on TV programmes. ___1___ It is because both in the north and in the south, Chinese can express hope for a happy life through the activity.

Dragons are respected and loved in Chinese culture. In ancient China, the dragon was thought as a mythical animal that could make clouds and bring rains, and prevent disasters and bring happiness. ___2___ And they are also said to scare away evil spirits and bad luck.

Guided by a big dragon ball, the dragon dancers make different kinds of movements while holding the cloth dragon. ___3___ As many as 9 to 15 dancers use long poles to guide the dragon’s head and snakelike body. Usually one dancer does tricks on the dragon. Tricks are often jumps and moves that make the dragon turn in different ways.

___4___ It is usually performed in the evening. One of Hong Kong’s modern-looking neighborhoods in Wan Chai District is home to the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, a folk art form with a history of over 100 years. ___5___ Then the villagers started to perform a fire dragon dance for three days to drive it away. Since then, around Mid-Autumn Festival every year, the villagers perform fire dragon dances to make wishes.

Today people often see dragon dances during holidays, festivals and the opening of new businesses. These performances invite wealth and good luck.

A. A special kind is the Fire Dragon Dance.

B. The Cloth Dragon Dance has a long history.

C. It is said that a disease swept through the village.

D. Why is the dragon dance so popular across China?

E. Where can people usually enjoy the dragon dance?

F. Now they still represent wisdom, power and wealth.

G. Dragon dancers have to work as a team to make the dragon come to life.