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Lions of the city

A lion dance performer getting ready. AMIRUL SYAFIQ MOHD DIN / THESUNA lion dance performer getting ready. AMIRUL SYAFIQ MOHD DIN / THESUN

The Lion dance is a common sight during Chinese New Year. According to Chinese culture, this famous traditional dance is supposed to bring good luck and fortune. Some people have the tendency to mistake a lion dance for a dragon dance. The reality is both of them are different dance forms. Normally only two people are needed to perform a Lion Dance while it takes seven to nine people to perform the Dragon Dance.

Located in Kuala Lumpur, the Hong YI Dragon and Lion Dance Association has been doing both types of dance forms for the past 12 years. The founder of the association, 35-year-old Calvin Hong, learned these dance forms when he was 12 years old. There are about 27 staff, including 12 full time, working in the association.

“We have branches in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and China,” Calvin said

theSun pixman Amirul Syafiq followed them for one of their lion dance assignment and was left mesmerised.

$!Strong teamwork is a must in order to perform well.
Strong teamwork is a must in order to perform well.
$!The drum sets the beat of the dance.
The drum sets the beat of the dance.
$!Safety is an essential part of the performance.
Safety is an essential part of the performance.
$!Members of the group checking the dance floor before starting the show.
Members of the group checking the dance floor before starting the show.
$!Members of the group getting ready for the show to start.
Members of the group getting ready for the show to start.
$!The trousers worn shows the lion’s feet.
The trousers worn shows the lion’s feet.
$!This lion dance is accompanied by gongs, drums and firecrackers that are said to bring luck.
This lion dance is accompanied by gongs, drums and firecrackers that are said to bring luck.
$!Lion dances are commonly seen China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Each country has different dance patterns and styles.
Lion dances are commonly seen China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Each country has different dance patterns and styles.
$!The Lion Dance is part of Chinese folklore.
The Lion Dance is part of Chinese folklore.
$!The dance is said to have started over 1,000 years ago.
The dance is said to have started over 1,000 years ago.
$!Two people are needed to perform the Lion Dance.
Two people are needed to perform the Lion Dance.

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