Traditionally, lion dances are performed for auspiciousness for important functions including Chinese New Year or the opening of a new business premise. It is believed that the lion dance together with the noise of firecrackers, cymbals and drums will drive away evil spirits replacing the place and the new year with good fortune and growth.
This is not any old lion dance in the image. It is a lion dance performed on stilts by the world-renowned Kun Seng Keng lion troupe from Muar, Johore, the southernmost state in West (Peninsula) Malaysia.
Muar Kun Seng Keng Lion Dance Association has won 51 world and 59 local championship titles over the last 23 years and in recognition of its success in putting Malaysia on the world map, the government has presented a RM100,000 allocation.
In a few short years time, more lion-dancers around the world will be able to learn from this famous lion dance association as a blueprint has been drawn up by the multi-racial association to set up an international academy for lion dancers. The academy will have a training centre for local and international trainers, a museum to house "lion heads" from all over the world as well as exhibition and lecture halls.
A piece of land has been bought in Taman Aman in Parit Bakar, Muar, eight years ago for the purpose. Public donations have been sought to expedite the completion of the academy within three years.
Source: NST..Kun Seng Keng lions get cash incentives
A thrilling lion dance for your viewing pleasure..
I love to watch lion dance
ReplyDeleteNeed plenty of perfect coordination between the two person to be jumping like that on high stilts. They are simple the best
ReplyDeleteBananaz was once a 'tail' for a last minute stand-in for a lion dance in Puttaparthi, India during a CNY celebration. First time doing it all I need to do is bend low look follow the steps of the lion header in front and occasionally flap my arms as though the lion is breathing. Nothing of that sort as in the video merely on flat ground no stilts. It was fun.
ReplyDeleteCongratz to Muar Kun Seng Keng Lion Dance Association, truly made Malaysia proud. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteso fast got CNY feeling liao~
ReplyDeleteI love to watch Lion Dance.
ReplyDelete