On July 9, the fifth episode of the NBA's Cultural Crossover Series, "Meet the Legends: Power and the Lion," was broadcast on CCTV-6. The official NBA social media accounts also shared the episode across various platforms.

Olympic diving champion He Chong served as the episode's cultural ambassador, guiding NBA legend Joakim Noah to Nanhai, Foshan in Guangdong Province. They visited Huang Qintian, a national representative inheritor of the traditional dance project, the Guangdong Lion Dance, to deeply experience the unique artistic charm and spirit of the region, and to appreciate the cultural heritage and historical legacy of Lingnan.

As an NBA star, Joakim Noah was already somewhat familiar with China, particularly its delicious food, with noodles leaving a strong impression on him. Additionally, Noah expressed his interest in martial arts and his fandom for Bruce Lee.

Building on the topic of Kungfu, He Chong introduced Wong Fei-hung, a famous martial arts master in Nanhai, and introduced Ye Zhongming, the successor of Wong Fei-hung and the head coach of the Dragon and Lion Association.

It turns out that lion dance and Kungfu share a subtle connection, with the dance steps reflecting traditional martial arts. This piqued Noah's interest, as he had seen lion dance performances in New York's Flushing but was eager to witness the most authentic lion dance in Foshan Nanhai.

Driven by curiosity, He Chong and Joakim Noah visited the Wong Fei-hung Lion Dance Training Base. As they entered, two lion dancers performed a welcoming dance. Their attention was immediately drawn to a gigantic lion head, standing 7.28 meters tall and 6.89 meters wide, the centerpiece of the base.

Following Coach Ye, they explored the base, filled with various lion dance training equipment, leaving Noah in awe. One playful lion even dribbled a basketball, as if inviting the NBA legend for a friendly match.

After experiencing the lion dance, Noah grew more interested in the cultural heritage behind the performance. Coach Ye then introduced his master, Huang Qintian, who explained the century-old tradition of lion dance.

Master Huang followed up his explanation with a live lion dance performance. The rhythmic drumbeats, dynamic expressions, and intense atmosphere captivated both He Chong and Joakim Noah.

Noah remarked, "I've seen lion dance performances in New York, but I never truly understood the significance of this heritage or the perfect synchronization between the performers and the drumbeats. It's all so beautiful."

As the 2013-2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time NBA All-Star, Joakim Noah gained a profound appreciation for the art. Accompanied by He Chong, they made friends through lion dance in Foshan Nanhai, witnessing a significant way of preserving and promoting traditional culture.

Reporter | Eleanor

Revisor | Zoey, Eddie

Photo | China Daily, CCTV Movie Channel

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