Dancing Dragon

The Dancing Dragon is an ancient firebending form dating back to the era of Raava, practiced by the Sun Warriors, who learned it from the original firebenders, the dragons. Zuko and Aang later learned this technique while on a journey to the ancient Sun Warrior ruins in order to find a way to master firebending.
== History ==
During his banishment in the Spirit Wilds, Avatar Wan became the first practitioner of the Dancing Dragon, developing the technique by copying the movements of a white dragon that lived there. He later used this technique to protect the forest from hunters, his fluid style of bending proving too much for them to overcome.
At some point toward the end of the Hundred Year War, Iroh learned this form from the dragons Ran and Shaw and incorporated it into his own fighting style.
In 100 AG, Zuko and Aang traveled to the ruins of the ancient Sun Warrior civilization, as the prince's firebending had weakened due to the loss of his original motivation and former rampant rage. Aang and Zuko learned the Dancing Dragon technique by imitating a series of statues they discovered in a locked room within the seemingly abandoned city; the statues demonstrated the Dancing Dragon just as it was practiced in the era before the Avatar.
After being discovered by the Sun Warriors, Aang and Zuko performed the movements when their worthiness to learn firebending was being judged by the dragons Ran and Shaw; Aang referred to this as "dancing with the dragons". After their performance, Ran and Shaw deemed Aang and Zuko worthy to understand the true meaning of firebending.
When Zuko incorporated the Dancing Dragon into his fighting style, it greatly improved his skills, to the point where he was able to duel his sister, who was considered a firebending prodigy, on even terms. After Zuko became Fire Lord, the Dancing Dragon movements became mandatory in schools.Avatar: The Last Airbender Cookbook: Official Recipes from the Four Nations, p. 121.
== Trivia ==
* The Dancing Dragon is based on three types of attacks: low kicks, high punches or hits, and double punches with both fists. It has a similar appearance to Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu: it is fierce, quick, and very strong.
* The tenth and final move of the Dancing Dragon looks similar to the end of the "Fusion Dance" move in Dragon Ball Z.
* Real world "dancing dragons" are a colorful staple of traditional Chinese festivals.
== References ==
== See also ==
* Arts in the World of Avatar
* Firebending
* Ran and Shaw
* Sun Warriors
fr:Danse du Dragon
nl:Dansende Draak
ru:Танцующий дракон
Category:A to Z
Category:Arts
Category:Fire Nation
Category:Firebending
Category:Spirituality
Category:Sun Warriors