.jpg)
KUALA LUMPUR – The festive allure of 2021’s Lunar New Year has been severely diminished by the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
The vibrant display of fortune-granting dragons dancing to the beat of thunderous drums and clanging cymbals has now been replaced by Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) forbidding such lion dance performances from taking place.
Local YouTuber, JinnyBoyTV, recently produced a short film, ‘The Last Dance - CNY 2021’, which focuses on the effects of the MCO on this iconic cultural artform.
Notwithstanding the brilliant portrayal of Master Liu in his firm stand on tradition, what really stood out in the film was the ending, which depicted the virtual streaming of lion dance performances in lieu of a physical representation.
While ‘The Last Dance’ culminated in a modern take of a traditional practice, it also spotlighted how the training, performances and competitions pertaining to dragon and lion dances, which are categorised as a contact sport, have been put on hold due to the ongoing pandemic.
The short film may have given us a glimpse into an impending reality, but what better way to understand the full implications than to hear it from the lion’s mouth?
As such, The Vibes reached out to the lion dance troupe featured in the film, the Catholic High School Alumni Association (CHSAA) Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe, and spoke to Martin, an esteemed member of the alumni lion dance troupe committee.
As of March 2020, this pandemic has not only hit the pause button on the troupe’s ability to practice and compete, it has caused an entire sport ─ one that regularly has an entire year filled with competitions ─ to go silent.
Although strength and stamina for the sport can be trained through other means, according to Martin, it is the comradery that is sorely missed.
“We can’t train or compete, which is quite saddening. But mostly, the members miss the sport.”
Beyond the physical limitations placed on the sport, how is the troupe surviving financially without the surge of income that floods in during the Lunar New Year?
Fortunately for the CHSAA Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe, who not only occupy the premises of a building funded by the association, they are financially supported by other associations related to the Catholic High School.
Therefore, they potentially have enough savings to tide them over for a couple of years at least.
Although the CHSAA Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe is able to stay afloat during these difficult times, there are other troupes that may not be as fortunate.
Dragon and Lion Dances Federation of Malaysia secretary-general, Yong Kheng Chien, shared on our fellow media that, "it has been a very difficult period for us to generate income as the troupes have no chance to perform during these challenging times.
“Many of us find it hard to remunerate our professional performers and recruit students to train in the ancient art."
As a result, what happens to tradition? Will the fate of future lion dances be the stuff of video recordings and online streams?
According to Martin, although the experience of watching a lion dance performance is far more impactful in person than through a screen, 2-D lion dances are in the realm of possibility.
As a student, Martin and his troupe were taught to be open to changes; provided they stick to the traditions and basic fundamentals of the art form.
“Our sifu always taught us, don’t worry about ignoring tradition, because there are always new ways to go about things, just make sure you keep to the basic traditions,” shares Martin.
The dragons and lions may need to continue their hibernation throughout this Lunar New Year, but hopes are high that the nation will be able to overcome these turbulent times and emerge stronger than ever in time to come. ─ The Vibes, 12 February, 2021
