PETALING JAYA: Bookings for dragon dance performances have shot up from celebrants wanting to usher in the Year of the Dragon with the right touch.
According to dance troupes, bookings have hit a new peak with both businesses and individuals eagerly reserving slots.
“Usually, we would have only about five performances a year. But so far this month, we have received 40 bookings for dragon dance performances,” said Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association troupe leader Eric Fong.
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“The dragon dance is so popular that we have received more bookings compared to pre-pandemic times.”
He said these dances were not as popular during the last “dragon” year, which was 12 years ago.
The dragons, symbolising wisdom, power and wealth, are believed to bring good luck.
Dragon dances are performed in various styles, with dragon costumes of different colours. Each colour carries its own meaning.
In Malaysia, dragon dances are performed with either a seven-section or a nine-section dragon, requiring eight and 10 performers respectively.
Siow Ho Phiew, who has been in the dragon dance industry for 38 years, said this year’s bookings have surpassed the previous year.
Orders for dragon dance costumes at his workshop have also doubled compared to last year, with enquiries still coming in.
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“Typically, it takes eight days to create a set of dragon and lion dance costumes. If we are unable to take on any more orders, we will refer them to our counterparts,” said Siow, 69.
“After the pandemic, businesses are hoping to expand their wealth and attract good fortune through dragon dance performances.”
However, he noted that there is equal demand for lion dance performances for this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
He explained that dragon dances require more space due to the movement of the dragon’s body, while lion dances have the advantage of being able to perform indoors.
Because of that, he said the choice between the two performances depends on the needs of the businesses.
Wen Wei Lion Dance Association chairman Steve Hau Han Yong said their troupe, which is based in Melaka, received at least 10 times more bookings than the previous year.
“The dragon dance is not very popular in Melaka, but this year we have a large number of bookings both during the 15-day period of Chinese New Year and a week before and after,” he said.
“It is tough for us to meet the number of bookings as we are still teaching new members the dragon dance.”
He said the dragon dance is tougher than the lion dance because it requires more performers.
“It takes practice for the performers to be synchronised with each other,” said Hau.
