The Lion Kings

The demand for lion dance performances has increased this year.

Sheila Sri Priya talks to the experts about Chinese New Year's 'mane' attraction.

The junior team of the Malaysian Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association.

Drummers are an integral part of the troupe and they must remain focussed during the lion dance performance.

working towards it,” said Chan. It helps if lion dancers have an agile body.

PETALING JAYA: We know that it has a prominent role in the Chinese culture but how did the lion dance become so famous?

Many have their own interpretations.

The chief instructor at Malaysian Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association, Albert Fong said the lion dance started centuries ago, when a Persian king offered a lion as a gift to a Chinese emperor.

Its majestic appearance and loud roar fascinated the villagers, who started to impersonate the lion. It soon turned into a popular dance show. Today, the dance is believed to cast away evil spirit.

He said the lion dance took prominence over dragon dance because of its grander appearance, and because it also required a smaller place to perform.

Fong and his peers are experts in lion dance performances, formed a lion dance group about 20 years ago in Sungai Way.

"I was 13 when my dad encouraged me to join this dance," he said.

However, he said most parents did not want their children to join lion dance troupes as they were linked to gangsterism. That image came from Hong Kong based movies, which portrayed lion dancers as bad boys. This is not true," said Fong.

Today, the lion dance is known as an Asian sport. The dancers travel around the world to compete internationally.

"During my trip to Hawaii, I was impressed by how the Westerners were able to appreciate the dance," said Fong.

He said the most prestigious lion dance championships are held at Genting Highlands.

"We meet people from all over the world and we are well-respected too. This dance also promotes the tourism industry," said Fong.

"The Federation of Selangor Dragon and Lion Dance has given us many opportunities and under this federation, there are many reputable and respected judges, my master being one of them," said Fong.

At present the Malaysian Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association has over 100 members and the lessons are free. All a student needs is motivation and a desire to learn.

Fong said Johor has the best lion dance teams in the country.

This is because of its close-knit society, and the parents' better undertanding of the dance. The children are encourage to join and do their best.

"But it's hard to convince parents to send their children for lion dance practice in the Klang Valley. This is because parents in bigger cities are more into academic achievement."

He said the demand for lion dance has increased this year.

"This could be due to the bad economy, and our clients hope to 'cast' away bad luck and they also hope to welcome a bright and prosperous year," said Fong.

Fong's youngest student is 11 years old, and the oldest is in his early 30s. The majority are teenagers and young adults. His students are also not limited to the Chinese.

Sarah Balqis Yussoff, 17, is a Malay girl who joined the academy four years ago. She plays the drum. "My parents are very supportive and the dance does not clash with my religion or faith," she said.

Nursultan Nazar Abdul Nazer, 14, loves the lion dance too. He joined the troupe last year and enjoys being the person in front who moves the lion's head.

Chan Chee Hong, 11, and the youngest in the group, is enthusiastic, often volunteering himself during demonstrations.

"I want to be the guy who moves the lion's head, and I am working towards it," said Chan.