Enter the dragon: The Penang Hong Guan Culture Association dragon performers perfecting their routine for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.
GEORGE TOWN: Dragon dances are stealing the spotlight from lion dances this Chinese New Year as demand soars.
Penang Hong Guan Culture Association troupe leader Law Choon Lim, 31, noted a surge of nearly 50% in requests for dragon dance performances due to the Year of the Dragon.
“Many clients hosting large celebrations now prefer the dragon dance alongside or instead of the lion dance,” said Law.
To meet the heightened demand, the association has imported two new dragons from China and expanded its team since last year. The new dragons feature LED lights and innovative designs, such as replacing the traditional big ball dubbed the “Pearl of Wisdom” with a Phoenix.
“Some of our drums have also been repainted to incorporate elements of the dragon on them to blend with the celebration,” he said at the association’s office in Jalan Kuantan.
However, the grandeur of the dragon dance requires a larger crew, driving up costs, he added.
“While a lion dance typically needs eight performers, a dragon dance requires around 12, making it approximately 50% more expensive,” said Law.
“We provide performances with a pair of lions for RM800 and the dragon dance costs RM1,200 onwards.”
The dragon, being the only mythical beast in the Chinese zodiac, is seen as a symbol of power and greatness.
