The Kwan Tai Gua Musang Temple Lion Dance Troupe after a rehearsal in Gua Musang, Kelantan. — Bernama
IN ADDITION to continuing the lion dance legacy of their ancestors, the uniqueness of Kwan Tai Meow Temple Gua Musang Lion Dance Troupe in Kelantan lies in the fact that members range in age from six to 30.
Chong Won Soon, 26, said the younger generation of Chinese in the district have shown a deep interest in continuing the tradition of lion dance.
Chong, who has been active in lion dance performance since 2019, said performers not only needed to learn various body movements but also play several instruments.
“There are more than 10 lion dance movements.
“Lion dancers need to know all these moves according to the rhythm of the music being played.
“Where the music is concerned, we need to make as loud a sound as possible to drive away ‘bad things’.
“During Chinese New Year, the lion dance together with the beating of drums, gongs and cymbals helps remove bad aura,” he told Bernama at the Gua Musang temple.
Chong also said that these dances were performed from the first day to the 15th day of the Chinese lunar calendar.
“To maintain our stamina, we train from 7pm to 10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for Chinese New Year performances,” he said.
Chong said no fee was charged for each performance, however usually the audience would give ang pow as a sign of appreciation.
Chore Yie Kian, 17, a Form Five student from SM Tengku Indera Petra (SMKTIP) 1, said he was willing to attend training sessions to improve his skills in dancing and playing the musical instruments.
“I learned this traditional Chinese art since I was young.
“I ensure this activity does not interfere with my studies as training is only in the evenings,” he said.
Choo Hao Yuan, 17, from SMKTIP 2 said young people, especially the Chinese, needed to learn the art to preserve the legacy of their ancestors.
“They should be involved in lion dance because we want to keep it ‘alive’.
“It is aimed at ‘sweeping’ out bad elements and inviting ‘ong’ (good luck and fortune) in,” he said.
