15/07/2023
This cause has always held a special place in my heart, and I sincerely hope that the Ministry of Education (MOE) will provide greater support and include it as a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) in more schools. I personally had the opportunity to learn and appreciate this rich art and culture during my secondary school days, even though my school was a Christian institution. Remarkably, our principal was incredibly supportive, recognizing the importance of passing down this cultural tradition to young individuals.
While I understand that some parents may have concerns about their children being influenced negatively due to the historical association of lion dance with gangsters and illicit activities, it is crucial to note that such perceptions were prevalent in the past, particularly during the 50s to 70s. Today, lion dance has transformed into more of a sporting event, with numerous local and international competitions. Many people might not be aware, but Singapore used to be at the forefront of luminous dragon dance internationally during the 90s to early 2000s. However, Malaysia and other countries have made significant progress in catching up, putting in tremendous effort and recruiting young individuals to carry on the tradition.
The demand for lion dance performances during events like Chinese New Year and opening ceremonies has consistently been high. The joy and smiles on the faces of people witnessing these performances have served as our motivation to continue for as long as our physical abilities allow. However, if the current trend persists, it is concerning that the sound of the gongs and the lively atmosphere created by the lion dance may gradually fade away.
SINGAPORE - A common sight during Chinese New Year, the lion dance is considered not only an important cultural treasure, but also a sport and performance art. Read more at straitstimes.com.