How is martial arts related to lion dancing?

Question

So I know martial arts is connected to lion dancing, but I'm not sure the specific way. If you are a lion dancer, then you should have studied martial arts for a while.

How--specifically--are they related? I can only imagine in general.

Answer 1

The dancers are usually from the local Kung Fu schools. Their movements are based on some of the  martial art "Katas" or dance movement. Their Kung Fu stances are used in the dance - using low stances, leaping, change of directions as if it is fighting an imaginary opponent. And these involves the same muscles used in their training with the dance.

Answer 2

though the upper half of the body can't be seen, the footworks of the lion dance and even the jerking of the body is martial arts.  there's just no actual fighting done