JOHOR BARU: Two groups of Malaysian youth have made the country proud after clinching championship titles at the Taoyuan International Dragon and Lion Dance Tournament in Taiwan.
The Malaysia Yahya Awal Dragon Dance Troupe finished in first place in the luminous dragon category with a score of 9.33, securing a third consecutive title in the event.
The troupe’s coach Amos Poh said the victory was especially meaningful because the team members, including female performers, are youths aged 17 to 21.
“The team spent about six months preparing for the competition. We are elated that we defended our title by finishing in the top spot for three consecutive years.
“One of our biggest strengths was the chemistry between our percussion team and the dragon dancers.
“When the tempo slowed, the dragon’s movements slowed as well. When the beats became faster, the dragon became more fluid. That made the performance vibrant and lively,” he said in an interview.
He said the team, made up of 18 members, took home a trophy, medals and a cash prize of NT$60,000 (RM7,602).
He added that another Johor-based Malaysia Wen Ching Kelapa Sawit lion dance troupe, also clinched the top spot in the southern lion freestyle high-pole category with a score of 9.43 and won a trophy, medals and NT$40,000 (RM5,065).
Poh said the annual tournament, held on July 25, drew top dragon and lion dance teams from Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Australia and Malaysia.
“I am proud of our youths’ performance, and hopefully this will encourage more young people to join the sport,” he said, adding that this would ensure the traditional Chinese culture is passed down from generation to generation.
He added that his team would have little time to celebrate as it is preparing for the Open International Dragon and Lion Dance Cup in Kuching on Aug 8 and 9, with other competitions lined up almost every month.
The Malaysia Yahya Awal Dragon Dance Troupe is also one of the country’s most successful dragon dance teams and holds the Malaysia Book of Records for winning the most dragon dance championships, with 74 national and international titles as of last year.
Poh said the latest triumph showed that Malaysian dragon and lion dance teams could continue competing successfully against some of the strongest teams in the region.
“This is not just a victory for our teams, it is a victory for Malaysia,” he added.
