Traditional Malaysia Art Form

We were assigned to choose a Malaysia tradition art form. For my group, we chose LION DANCE!!

Thanks to the chance given, we had the opportunity to in deeply understand the history of Lion Dance.

I think I can relate the feelings of the authorities and leaders of Lion Dance from the past until today. (If you have read my older post - Performing Arts).

First, I had never thought of Lion Dance had been once involved in the political issue. The issue of not being recognized as part of Malaysia local culture and tradition. The situation when your culture, tradition or kind of practice you will be proud of is being ignored, your contribution in working in it to "protect" and maintain it, will exceed your own expectation.

Next, I really feel touched of knowing and exploring so much information and hidden stories in Lion Dance that have happened throughout decades. The contribution, efforts, hard work of our Chinese immigrants ancestors, the leaders, and the authorities of Lion Dance, just to maintain the reputation, the culture and the practice of Lion Dance in Malaysia.

Sometimes, I believe, the competitions we join are not for the awards. There are many hard works, skills, and time have spent in the rehearsals just to play the perfect one. I would say, the thing we ask for, is the public to see, to realize our hard work, to understand how important is the practice/culture/tradition to us, and to support us because we are really putting efforts in it.

It is sad listening to the old uncle who is our interviewee, saying Lion Dance is truly dying and fading in our Malaysia Chinese society. Perhaps, he is right, the youngsters view the importance of valuable things, instead of the culture, tradition, skills, efforts that have to be passed down from generations to generations. Not to forget to mention, even Malay and Indian friends are playing and learning Lion Dance in Malaysia, how about us Chinese?

You may not have any interest in it, but, never ever judge a tradition. It has included efforts, sweats, tears, bloods, emotions to keep it alive until today. Not to judge, but support it. The people who are still contributing and sacrificing their time in this culture and tradition, are those who deserve some respects and supports.

Last but not least, thanks to my group mates who contributed a lot too in our presentation. It is not easy to play the Lion Dance. So, here's a video of them doing Lion Dance. SALUTE!