Lion dance is very popular in China. As a well-known folk activity    1     is traditionally believed to bring prosperity and good luck, lion dance is often seen performed at festive occasions. Accompanied by the sound of beating drums, dancers     2     (dress) up in lion costumes jump back and forth, showing stunning Kung Fu and acrobatic(杂技的) skills. Crowds bursting into applause in response to the performance of this special kind of dancing always help create     3     festive atmosphere that fills the air.

In the 1990s, high-pole lion dancing     4     (introduce) and promoted in Nanhai of Foshan City. Different     5    traditional lion dancing, it has its own unique rules.     6     (performer) do not jump around on the ground but on poles ranging between one to three meters high. Besides, the space between poles also     7     (vary). The poles are often set up where dancers’ skills could be showed while at the same time the audience can enjoy a safe    8     satisfying watching experience. It’s not easy    9     (balance)well while performing the dance of a fierce lion so     10     (active) on poles. That’s why compared with the traditional one, the high-pole lion dance is more challenging and dangerous.

It has been almost 28 years since the first day we     1     (meet). The more I got to know you, the more I liked you. However, when I was     2     (final) ready to get serious, you left me off the school team. I was hurt. I think I even cried.

Then I wanted you more than ever. So I practiced. I worked on my game--passing, shooting (投篮) and thinking. I ran. I did a lot of     3     (push-up). I lifted weights. I studied you. I began to fall     4     love and you noticed. That night, in the final seconds of     5     championship game against Georgetown, you found me in the corner and we danced.

Since then, you     6     (become) much more than just a ball to me. So much has changed and to a large degree, I have you to thank. Thank you for the players     7     compete against me. Thank you for the championships and the rings. Thank you for the     8     (grace) moves and jumps. Thank you for the will and the     9     (determine), the heart and the soul. Thank you for giving me the courage     10     (challenge) the competitive spirit. Thank you for everything. I love you, Basketball.

Much love and respect,

Michael Jordan