How Malaysian Lion Dance Takes the Ancient Tradition to New Heights

If you have ever witnessed a lion dance performance, you would know how captivating and exhilarating it is. The lion dance is a form of traditional dance that originated in China and is performed on auspicious occasions, such as the Chinese New Year, to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The lion is a symbol of power, wisdom, and courage in Chinese culture.

But did you know that there is a unique style of lion dance that is practiced only in Malaysia? It is called the high-pole lion dance, and it is one of the most challenging and thrilling forms of the art. In this style, the lion dancers perform on a series of poles that are up to eight feet high and 12 inches wide, jumping, balancing, and flipping between them. The poles are arranged in different patterns and heights, creating a dynamic and unpredictable terrain for the lion to navigate.

The high-pole lion dance is a relatively recent innovation that emerged in the 1980s in Malaysia. It was inspired by the northern style of lion dance, which is more acrobatic and martial arts-based than the southern style, which is more playful and expressive. The Malaysian lion dancers wanted to add more excitement and difficulty to their performances, so they started to experiment with different props and stunts. They eventually settled on the poles, which were originally used as scaffolding for construction.

The high-pole lion dance requires a high level of skill, coordination, and teamwork from the performers, who are usually trained in kung fu or other martial arts. The lion costume consists of two parts: the head and the tail. The head dancer controls the movements and expressions of the lion, while the tail dancer follows and supports the head dancer. The head dancer also has to communicate with the tail dancer and the musicians, who play the drums, cymbals, and gongs that accompany the dance.

The lion dance is not only a physical feat, but also a cultural and spiritual one. The lion dancers have to imbue the lion with life and personality, making it seem like a real animal. They also have to respect the traditions and rituals that are associated with the lion dance, such as bowing to the elders, blessing the audience, and picking up the red envelopes that contain money or gifts. The lion dance is a way to honor the ancestors, celebrate the heritage, and express the hopes and wishes for the new year.

The high-pole lion dance has become a popular and distinctive feature of the Malaysian Chinese culture, and has also gained recognition and admiration from around the world. The Malaysian lion dancers have participated and won in many international competitions, such as the Genting World Lion Dance Championship, which is held every two years in Malaysia. They have also performed in various countries, such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and the United States.

The high-pole lion dance is a testament to the creativity, passion, and resilience of the Malaysian lion dancers, who have taken an ancient tradition and transformed it into a modern spectacle. They have also preserved and promoted the lion dance as a cultural treasure and a source of pride and joy for the Chinese community.

That’s why I love watching lion dances on Chinese New Year. They are more than just dances. They are stories, symbols, and celebrations. They are a source of pride, joy, and inspiration.

Happy Chinese New Year! 🎊🎉🦁.