GEORGE TOWN – Chinese New Year celebrations this year will be muted seeing that lion and dragon dance performances are prohibited during the current movement control order.
The traditional dances have been a staple feature believed to usher in good luck and rid bad spirits.
Lim Kok Wei, owner of the Penang Lion and Dragon Xuan Gang Dance Culture Centre here, said he hoped that the government will change its mind and set standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enable the centre to operate.
Lim runs the business full-time with his wife, Lim Kai Poh, 33.
He told The Vibes that lion and dragon dances, which are synonymous with luck and fortune, is a Chinese tradition that should be maintained, apart from being a major source of income for his family.
He added that new SOPs can be set if views of dance operators are taken into consideration.
“Maybe the government can arrange for lion and dragon dance performances to be held in only large areas, such as hotel lobbies, while crowds maintain social distancing.
“These dance performances do not require many members, and even musical instruments are not placed near one another.”
Lim, who has been operating the centre for 14 years, said this year is the worst as bookings are at only 30% compared with previous years.
He said normally, the centre gets more than 100 bookings a month, taking the members all over the northern region.
“Most of the bookings received this year are from hotels and malls.
“These places do not want to cancel the bookings yet because they still hope that the government will allow lion and dragon dance performances at the last minute.”
To ensure the survival of his troupe, Lim had to sell musical instruments and performance equipment to other cultural centres.
“Starting last year, we get only one booking a month.”
On taking performances online, he said it is not appropriate as the dances are performed to obtain blessings, as well as ensure well-being and prosperity for those physically present.
On February 4, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that traditional performances and cultural activities for this year’s CNY celebrations, such as lion and dragon dances, will not be allowed. – The Vibes, February 10, 2021
