A black and gold lion taking to the stilts during National Luen Seng Cup Lion Dance Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Drumbeats and cymbals set the stage for a dazzling display of culture, tradition and agility as National Luen Seng Cup Lion Dance Championship 2025 kicked off in Kuala Lumpur.
The championship featuring the best lion dance teams provided a platform for a riveting acrobatic showcase.
It was a fierce competition as 15 teams from around the country showed their mastery combined with innovative choreography.
Movements of the lion dance are deeply rooted in Chinese martial arts, kung fu stances and techniques, which require significant strength, balance and agility from the performers.
Elegance personified in a striking display of skill.
The intense yet friendly showcase of skill and spirit saw teams pushing their limits as they danced on poles to deliver routines that wove together martial arts, athleticism and artistic expression.
Meanwhile, performers from Shaolin Cultural Centre of Malaysia in Cheras impressed with their precision and martial arts stunts during an exhibition.
The crowd’s reaction and their applause made the event an interactive and communal celebration.
The event, which is in its fifth iteration, saw the Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Rawang team winning the “Traditional Lion Dance” category, ahead of Malaysia Kepong Hong Teck and Pei De Dragon and Lion Dance Association Kajang.
A lion dancer waiting to showcase his team’s acrobatic prowess and dance skills.
In the “Acrobatic Lion Dance” category, the top prize went to Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association Malaysia, beating out Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Rawang in second place and Yu Hua Dragon and Lion Dance Association Kajang in third.
The “Best Decoration” category was won by Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Rawang, while the “Best Drum Performance” prize went to Malaysia Kepong Hong Teck.
