舞狮：千年非遗，南北分韵
The Lion Dance is a traditional performance in Chinese culture with roots dating back thousands of years. It is commonly seen during festive occasions, especially during Chinese New Year and other important celebrations. During the more than 2,000 years of development, the Lion Dance has developed into two major genres — the Northern Lion Dance and the Southern Lion Dance. What are their differences?
The Northern Lion is typically larger and more detailed in design. It often features a colorful appearance. The lion has big eyes and a noticeable horn-like thing on its forehead. The Southern Lion is generally smaller in size and has a simpler design. Its appearance is more modest, with a shorter, stiffer mane (鬣毛) and a head that is smaller and rounded.
The Northern Lion Dance emphasizes powerful and majestic movements. It involves complex acrobatics, including high jumps, somersaults (空翻), and intricate footwork. The lion’s movements are often more physically demanding and require great strength and coordination. The Southern Lion Dance focuses more on theatrical movements. It involves agile footwork and intricate gestures. The movements of the Southern Lion are often more graceful and expressive, imitating the behavior of a lion in a more interesting and animated manner.
The Northern Lion Dance is closely associated with martial arts and northern Chinese folklore. It is often performed during festive occasions, such as the Chinese New Year, to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity. The Southern Lion Dance is deeply rooted in southern Chinese culture and often performed during important celebrations, including temple festivities and weddings. It is believed to bring blessings, and it holds significance in local folklore and traditions.
While these are general differences, both the Northern Lion Dance and Southern Lion Dance play significant roles in Chinese cultural heritage and continue to be cherished forms of performance art.
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1.1. What is the second paragraph mainly about?
A The origins of Chinese Lion Dance.
B Appearances of the Northern Lion and the Southern Lion.
C Movements of the Northern Lion and the Southern Lion.
D Cultural Significance of Chinese Lion Dance.
解析：选B。段落大意题。根据第二段内容可知，本段主要讲了北狮和南狮外观上的差异。故选B。
2.2. What can be inferred about the performers of the Northern Lion Dance?
A They are likely to be more experienced in martial arts.
B They prefer performing during temple festivities.
C They focus on graceful and expressive movements.
D They are less physically fit compared to Southern Lion Dance performers.
解析：选A。推理判断题。根据第三段的“It involves complex acrobatics, including high jumps, somersaults, and intricate footwork. The lion’s movements are often more physically demanding and require great strength and coordination.”以及第四段的“The Northern Lion Dance is closely associated with martial arts and northern Chinese folklore.”可知，北方狮舞与武术紧密相关，强调有力而雄伟的动作，涉及复杂的杂技，且动作要求力量和协调性，因此可推断北方舞狮表演者可能在武术方面有更多经验。故选A。
3.3. What do the underlined words “ward off” mean?
A Dress up.
B Cheer on.
C Look for.
D Drive away.
解析：选D。词义猜测题。根据划线单词后面的“bring good luck and prosperity”可知，北方舞狮经常在春节等节日期间表演，为了带来好运和繁荣，由此可推测，舞狮表演被认为可以驱除邪祟。故选D。
4.4. What do the Northern Lion Dance and Southern Lion Dance have in common?
A Both of them can be performed at any time of the year.
B They both emphasize agile footwork.
C They both hold important positions in Chinese culture.
D They both have a simple but beautiful design.
解析：选C。细节理解题。根据最后一段的“both the Northern Lion Dance and Southern Lion Dance play significant roles in Chinese cultural heritage and continue to be cherished forms of performance art”可知，北方舞狮和南方舞狮在中国文化中都扮演着重要角色。故选C。