Stephen Barry

The Dancing Lion Stephen Barry

Bill Harris is dismayed when his new principal assigns him to teach classes filled with Vietnamese immigrants. The year starts badly, but takes a dramatic upward turn when the kids enlist him to supervise a cultural club they want to form. Unexpectedly, he finds himself on a magical journey through a culture almost totally unknown to him, his kids thrilled that an American teacher is interested in them and obviously growing to love them. The centerpiece of the story is a wondrous New Year Tet Show performed by the students. Filled with music and dance, comedy and drama, legend and fantasy, it begins with a riveting performance by The Dancing Lion, a mythical beast from the palace of a powerful god come to earth to bless and protect its chosen people. It ends with, a dramatic rendition of The Legend of Stone Woman, a cultural story that looks deep into the heart of the Vietnamese way of thinking and illustrates the integrity and strength of the Vietnamese woman.

The Dancing Lion describes the life of an American teacher working with students from a deeply traditional heritage. It is a touching display of people reaching out to each other across a cultural divide.