Bringing dragon and lion dances to greater heights

PETALING JAYA: They are synonymous with Chinese culture but interest groups are now pushing for dragon and lion dances to become better known as a competitive multiracial sport.

Malaysia Lion Dance Federation (MLDF) secretary-general Albert Fong Kong Yip acknowledged that dragon and lion dances had already been classified as sports in Malaysia but they want further promotion as a competitive event.

“For a start, we are advocating for lion dance to be part of Sukma, Malaysia’s national biennial sports competition,” he said.

In fact, he said Indonesia had already included dragon and lion dances in their national sports competition.

“Malaysia is the birthplace of the acrobatic high-pole lion dance but other countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand and Indonesia are more advanced in recognising dragon and lion dances as a sport,” he added.

However, Albert acknowledged that dragon and lion dances are a growing sport in Malaysia.

“Last year, there were more dragon and lion dance competitions compared to previous years.

“And more non-Chinese and female participants have joined the sport as well,” he said.

To further promote the sport, he said MLDF is working towards removing the language barrier by developing coaching materials in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Albert also pointed out that dragon and lion dance teams are not adequately funded.

“Most of them are self-funded. They rely on Chinese New Year performances to raise funds,” he added.

Malaysia Hong Yi Dragon and Lion Dance Association founder Calvin Hong Weir Hahn said many non-Chinese have been participating in these performances.

“Dragon and lion dances are no longer associated with a cultural background. We have even performed at a Malay wedding.”

Hong said one of the main challenges faced by teams such as his is a lack of proper training venue.

“Although Malaysia is the best for lion dance, we don’t have a training venue with proper equipment. Dragon and lion dances are loud, and finding an appropriate space is challenging.

“We practise in neighbouring areas and clubhouses, but we need a venue where we will not get complaints or be chased away,” said Hong.

Wen Wei Lion Dance association chairman Steve Hau Han Yong said his troupe competes regularly and it has to be financially self-sufficient.

“The profits from our Chinese New Year performances are used to support the entire year’s expenses. So when the need arises, we will host fundraising dinners,” Hau said.

Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association team leader Eric Fong hopes that dragon and lion dances are better recognised and supported.

“When we represent Malaysia in competitions, we are self-funded. I hope the government can see our efforts and the dedication that we put in to develop this sport,” Eric said.

He said young people these days have many choices in extracurricular activities.

“Parents tend to prioritise sports that have more visibility and opportunities to win medals, such as wushu or badminton,” he said on challenges faced by the sport.