A couple of days, there was a lion dance competition that was held at a mall here in the city. I was there for about three hours shooting videos and taking pictures. Have you seen a lion dance before? Lion Dance in the city is performed to drive away back luck and bring wealth for the new year.
YELLOW LION
The most popular colour for a lion in a lion dance is the colour yellow. Usually, during Chinese New Year, these lions raise money for schools, charities and their organizations by going house to house, business to business to collect red packets. I've had experience of bring lions around the city to places all over to collect red packets and it is pretty tough. Especially for the person who is behind who constantly bends down. Sweaty, hot and perhaps smelly.
There are some of the lions that were performing. It's great to see a crowd of spectators watching. Covid cases have been steadily declining here in Sarawak as everyone gets their booster shots. I've had mine. Everyone in the city wants that shot because we all want to escape for a vacation, sit on planes and carry on with our lives. 3 to 11 year olds are getting their first doses too.
Preparing to dance
Lots of practise goes into performing the lion dance. It is definitely not easy. I am not sure if you have to think like a lion.
The band
The drum head is made of skin, yes skin.
The best thing about watching the lion dance is seeing such acrobatic skills. The person who mans the back of the lion is usually bigger in size as compared to the person that is manning the head. He has to be able to lift the person up high. That is always the scary part to see.
Beautiful sight to see.
RED LION
This is one of my favourite colours. I love red colour so I am going to give it a thumbs up for the Red one.
The lion is about to fly up high.
DRUM WITH CUTE GRAPHICS
I saw the design of the lions here was quite pretty so I took a picture of it.
New Tigers
This is the first time I've seen these. Maybe someone had the idea of having a tiger dance.
The moment when the lion flies
His expression is speechless. Hahaha.. perfect moment captured.