Something new is cascading through Ann Arbor…

Watch a bedazzling spectacle as the new U-M dragon winds its way down garden pathways filled with blossoming peonies, a welcome event to usher in good fortune and summertime cheer.

Dancing with the Dragon initiated by the LRCCS has brought together students, community, faculty and artists to experience the myth and magic of dragons in East Asian performance, artistry, podcasts and exhibitions.

The heart of the project has been the building of a 25-foot long dragon that is coming to life at Ann Arbor’s festivals and public art spaces through dance, music and soundscapes. More than a sculpture, though–it’s an immersive, community-powered experience.

Handcrafted by students, faculty, and artists, using recycled, repurposed materials, the newly imagined U-M dragon is a dragon of the people and for the people—flashing by to found music rhythms, showing off cast away materials, bells and bottle caps, and dressed with a 100-patchwork quilt skin of donated t-shirts. In its dance, the serpent chases the glowing pearl of wisdom--an ongoing quest for enlightenment.

The dragon is an attention grabber with its majestical presence and futuristic flair. Standing for growth, prosperity and environmental sustainability, the unbound serpent is everywhere all at once. And, remember, the dragon is a transformative creature--always visible through culture, time and space. Sending auspicious wishes skyward--one look at the dragon brings infinite good luck!