Optimization Design of the Coiling Dragon Dance Movement

Abstract

The Coiling Dragon is an important traditional folk cultural activity, and studying the movement of the coiling dragon dance team can enhance its visual appeal. This paper establishes a mathematical model for the coiling dragon based on isometric spiral motion, aiming to improve the scientific design of such traditional activities through mathematical models and optimization methods. The model analyzes the position and speed of each segment of the coiling dragon through geometric relationships and recursive formulas. It determines that at 300 seconds, the specific positions and velocities of all handles, among which the coordinates of the dragon head are (4.425059, 2.324049), the dragon tail's coordinates are (1.784408, 9.301190), and the speed of the dragon tail is 0.999910 m/s, with a slight velocity loss observed across successive segments. Additionally, the paper establishes a single-objective optimization model for the optimal pitch, solving it using a genetic algorithm, with the optimal pitch being 0.4386 m and the error 0.009780. This optimal configuration enables the coiling dragon to maneuver into the turning space through the most compact motion path, achieving a feasible and visually optimal turnaround. The proposed model and methodology effectively describe the coiling dragon’s motion and provide scientifically grounded guidance for selecting motion parameters in coiling dragon performances.