Although dragon dancing is challenging, Fifie (left) says she enjoys the demands of the sport. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
NON-Chinese are breaking traditional barriers with some finding a passion for dragon and lion dancing.
For 18-year-old Fifie Farizatul Fazreen Mohd Fadzli, what started off as curiosity quickly grew into a lasting passion.
The former student of SMK Permas Jaya 2 in Masai, Johor was 15 when she took the bold step to join her school’s dragon dance team in 2022.
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“Growing up, I loved watching dragon and lion dances and longed to join a troupe but was worried what others would think.
“The routines also looked challenging but I like pushing myself so I took a leap of faith,” she told StarMetro.
Although she was keen to join her school’s dragon dance team earlier, her plans were shelved due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With her parents’ support, she later joined the Malaysia Yahya Awal Dragon Dance Troupe, where she realised her talent as well as the demands of the sport.
“There was a language barrier at first, because the movement and pattern names are in Mandarin but with practice, I got the hang of it.
Tan is proud of being part of the team to win big at the 2022 Luminous Dragon and Lion Dance Championship in Hong Kong.
“I usually perform in the third position of the dragon. I am required to be in sync with the other nine performers in order for the dragon to flow seamlessly.
“Ego has no place in the team because one selfish move can mess up the whole performance,” said the youngest of five children.
At home, her dedication is clear as she often practises using a broomstick to the amusement of her family.
Despite a traumatic encounter during last year’s Chingay Festival in Johor Baru where a stranger publicly harassed her for participating in a Chinese traditional event, and even pulled her headscarf, Fifie is refusing to give up.
“The incident shook me badly. Although my coach and teammates backed me up, we ended up going to the police station to lodge a report for my safety.
“It was a traumatic experience. I almost quit but my mother reminded me how much I love dragon dancing and that gave me the strength to continue,” she said.
Now working as a part-time promoter after finishing her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, Fifie is hoping to return to dragon dancing and the chance to participate in competitions soon.
“Cross-cultural activities like this can help us understand one another.
“While we have our flaws and differences, when we come together, we can become stronger,” she said.
For 17-year-old Nurul Ain Zhulaikha Zahari from Muar, lion and dragon dancing is more than just a school activity – it is a personal challenge that she refuses to give up on, even after sustaining an injury.
The SMK Tun Dr Ismail student joined the Bakri Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association last year, after learning about the opportunity from a teacher.
“With my parents’ blessing, I signed up and discovered the physical intensity involved in the performances,” she said.
“Both lion and dragon dancing are tough, especially for girls as there is a lot of jumping and climbing on high poles, which require strength and stamina.”
She started off learning the musical instruments that accompany the performances before gradually moving into dragon dance routines with the other girls in the troupe.
However, her momentum was interrupted by an ankle injury in December, when her doctor advised her to stay off straining activities for the time being.
“After I recovered, I was placed in the music section of the team.
Nurul Ain is hoping more young people step forward to try lion and dragon dancing.
“It was hard not being able to dance, but I’m glad to still be part of the team as I want to persevere and keep learning,” she said.
Nurul Ain added that while some people had questioned her decision to join a Chinese cultural troupe, she chose to focus on her passion.
“As long as I stay within my boundaries, I will continue improving my craft.
“I hope more young people, regardless of background, will step forward to try lion and dragon dancing as they are healthy and educational sporting activities,” she said.
The teenager also pointed out that there was a growing interest among people around her as her classmates got excited whenever she shared her experience.
“I think some just do not know who to approach to learn. Schools are a good starting point,” she added.
At just 21, Tan Ka Chai has spent a decade immersed in the world of dragon dancing.
Born to a Chinese father and Indian mother, his dragon dance journey began with a lantern- making project at school.
“When my classmate visited my house to complete the project, he mentioned training with the Malaysia Yahya Awal Dragon Dance Troupe and invited me to join,” said Tan.
“My father thought it was a good idea to have a hobby and I have never looked back since.”
His interest in the art grew, juggling school with three weekly training sessions at night.
“The routine was exhausting especially when it was a school day, but I have learned discipline, teamwork and resilience.
“I kept going because dragon dancing feels like second nature,” he said.
He plays percussion, which provides the “soul” of the performance, for the team.
Tan’s commitment paid off when he was part of the team that clinched the championship at the 2022 Luminous Dragon and Lion Dance Championship in Hong Kong, a high point of his dragon dance journey.
Now working as a construction site supervisor, he finds it harder to commit to regular training, but still makes time to guide younger troupe members whenever competitions are around the corner.
“I miss the sport a lot but at the same time, I know it is time for the juniors to shine,” he said.
“There is no point holding on to a spot if it keeps others from learning and growing,” he said, adding that dragon dance was not just about performing but being a part of a legacy too.
“The future of this traditional artform depends on the younger generation. I will continue being a part of it, even from the sidelines.” – By YEE XIANG YUN
