Ssso many snakes: The young performers petting a python during a practice session at the Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas. — KT GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: A snake dance at the Snake Temple, what better way to welcome the Year of the Snake.
Three 12-year-olds – all born in the Year of the Snake – will be among the performers to kick off the Chinese New Year festivities at Hock Hin Keong (Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple) in Bayan Lepas.
Khoo Boo Yik, Teoh Jing Hui, and Tan Pei Nee, all pupils from SJK(C) Kheng Tean and born in 2013, will join senior performers from the Xuan Kang Sports Cultural Centre in a vibrant display of artistry before the crowd.
The snake dance will be similar to the more famous Chinese dragon dance, but with a snake puppet instead.
Khoo, who is captain of his school’s lion dance troupe, was excited about taking part in the grand event on Feb 3.
“My friends at school are envious of us. This will be the biggest performance I have ever done, and I will give it my all,” Khoo said during a practice session at the centre in Taman Green Lane.
Teoh and Tan, who play the drum and cymbals during lion dance performances, are also thrilled about taking on the challenge of handling the snake puppet.
“Even though I’m small in size, I can be loud,” said Teoh. “This opportunity has really boosted my confidence to perform in front of large audiences.”
For Tan, this will be her first time inside the puppet.
“I’m glad to be able to perform alongside experienced seniors. The puppet is heavy, but I’m determined to make it an amazing show for everyone,” she said.
The trio’s coach, Lim Kok Wei, 43, was proud of his charges and said this year’s performance will feature a team of 15 selected from a pool of 50.
He said the team had been practising since October and the inclusion of the three Snake Year pupils was a happy coincidence.
“Our troupe has been performing at the temple’s festival since 2013, the year these kids were born. Having them join us this year adds a special touch.
Lim said the seven-minute performance will feature two snake puppets owned by the temple.
According to Lim, the movements of the snake puppets are deliberately slower than the dragon dance.
“This year, instead of the traditional pearl leading the dance, there will be a golden egg.
“In addition, the beats of drums and cymbals will be replaced with traditional orchestra music,” he added.
