Keeping the Lion Dance tradition alive in multicultural Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR — In the course of its history on the Malayan peninsula, the Lion Dance has evolved from a traditional show of inviting prosperity by the Chinese community into a highly competitive extreme sport that encapsulates Malaysia’s multicultural tapestry.
One person who has witnessed the transition first-hand is Master Albert Fong Kong Yip, Chief Instructor of the Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association, as well as Secretary General of the Malaysia Lion Dance Federation (MLDF).
Back when Master Albert first led a Lion Dance troupe at age 15, they were nowhere near as organised as the viable business entities they are now.
In fact, the performance of the Lion Dance itself wasn’t widely accepted in society quite like it is these days, even coming close to being a banned sport.
As a direct result of the 1971 National Cultural Policy, police permits became compulsory for every non-Malay or non-Islamic cultural performance.
In a famous incident, the then Home Affairs minister, Tan Sri Ghazali Shafie, had declared the Lion Dance as a foreign dance, with its roots to the martial arts scene and the masters from China who came to teach it in the 1970s.
Ghazali even went on to suggest renaming it to a "Tiger Dance" (the tiger is the national animal of Malaysia), and incorporating ‘local’ instruments like the gamelan and tabla.
As Master Albert explained, one couldn't simply perform the Lion Dance anywhere, with clan and territorial disputes also part of the scene.
From almost banned to symbol of multiculturalism
Half a century on, however, the pageantry, acrobatic athleticism, disciplined synchronisation and sheer innovation have found widespread acclaim and appreciation across Malaysia.
The artform has evolved over the years, and Malaysia has played a significant role in the development and practice of Lion Dance. Some of the most prestigious and respected competitions even happen here.
And Malaysians of all walks are embracing it.
“One thing’s for sure, it’s a great way to sweat it out and stay fit. Plus I get to meet my friends. [Friends] that I normally wouldn’t have made, it’s nice to catch up with them," said Muhammad Adnin Iqmal, a tail dancer and instruments player for Khuan Loke.
Beyond a good workout, the sport and artform is also a way for Iqmal to connect with Malaysia's unique cultural make-up.
"As a Malay, I get a chance to find out about Chinese culture as well,” Iqmal said.
Perhaps there is no better testament to the evolution of Lion Dance from traditional custom to modern competitive artform than Mariam Abdul Nazar.
The tudung-clad 26-year-old is a practising Muslim woman who used to play the Chinese drum for Khuan Loke’s Lion Dance Troupe, though she took a break from active performance as she is currently expecting. Still, Mariam already has her sights on her return.
“Next year there will be a competition, an international championship that will be held in July. So I will come back for sure, I will not miss this opportunity,” the expectant mother beamed with excitement as she discussed the prospect of competing.
“Some might call me selfish but I will not miss the chance [to participate].”
She's even already thinking about the next generation, adding, “I’ll encourage my children to join Lion Dance and make sure — eh not make sure, just encourage them la — to love it as much as I [do].”
It's Master Albert's wish that more students of all backgrounds follow in Iqmal's and Mariam’s lead, and give the artform a chance.
In addition to the more inclusive Lion Dance we see in Malaysia today, there’s also global interest, Master Albert said.
"Countries from South America and [countries like] USA, Nigeria. Even Réunion (France) are interested in the art of Lion Dance," he shared.
"Hopefully, we can bring all of them into Malaysia, to have a gathering to meet up and discuss the further development of Lion Dance."
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