Despite their championship wins, support and acknowledgment for lion dance troupes remain elusive.
I’m watching a video of a lion dance performance at the Prime Minister’s Cup held in Kuala Lumpur in September 2022. Singapore-based Yiwei Athletic Association is putting on a stunning show in the regional lion dance championship. Its lion, adorned in a breathtaking sheath of shimmering yellow and gold, deftly hops from one crimson-red high pole to another.
Beneath the lion are two skilled dancers, one supporting the other on his thighs. Ferocious drums reverberate in the background, keeping time as the lion floats gracefully, seemingly weightless, over the high poles.
It’s an impressive display of athleticism and showmanship. A flawless backflip off the poles marks a climactic end to the 10-minute exhibition. All the while, the signature red-and-white of the Singapore flag, strategically placed beside the towering steel poles, observes the team. Yet, despite their significant achievements, the Yiwei Athletic Association receives scant official recognition or support, proudly representing Singapore under challenging circumstances.
Yiwei Athletic Association would go on to win this competition, raising Singapore’s flag high for the 20th time since 2008. Unfortunately, this relationship seems largely one-sided.
Swashbuckling Lion Dancers
The dazzling performance by Yiwei Athletic Association secured them another first-place finish, surpassing other award-winning teams from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Out of a perfect ten points, they scored 9.31 points to clinch the Prime Minister’s Cup. Their recent victory adds to a long list of accomplishments.
Despite their stellar record in international competitions, the lion dance troupe finds themselves underappreciated at home. Celebrations seem confined to their circles. “When we represent the country and win, all I can do is hug the trophy at the back of my lorry and celebrate by myself,” lamented Marcus, the head coach and founder of Yiwei Athletic Association.
The Lion Awakes
My colleagues and I visited one of their practice sessions to glimpse the secret behind their award-winning performance. Expecting a community club or a shophouse down one of Chinatown’s alleys, we were surprised to arrive at an industrial building along Defu Street, where the Yiwei Athletic Association trains.
Joson, a coach with the troupe, greeted us in the car park and explained that such remote locations are common for lion dance troupes seeking training space. “We get noise complaints if we train near residential areas. Even though we train after hours here, we still receive complaints from nearby workers,” he shared.
The troupe is preparing for their next competition in Penang, where they have previously triumphed. As the rhythmic crack of the drums signals their first rehearsal, my questions fade amidst the percussions.
Cultural Artefact or Business First?
Not far from the dancers, Marcus monitors the practice closely. “It’s not easy to start a lion dance troupe. The props, equipment, and lion costs money,” he explained. Each lion costs between S$1,200 and S$1,500, with the troupe owning about 50 lions, totaling approximately S$60,000.
A blend of corporate sponsorships, performance revenue, and competition prize money helps fund the troupe’s endeavors. However, lion dancers themselves earn meager allowances—“We only get a minimum of S$20 for transport,” Joson added.
The Mundanity of Excellence
A slick somersault off the poles concludes their routine, drawing applause from the audience. The lion’s grace belies the hard work behind the performance—two dancers synchronizing their movements to the drumbeats.
Training occurs three times a week for two to three hours each session, with each team taking turns to practice. “Every dance tells a story. It follows a structure where the lion must overcome obstacles,” Joson remarked, as he observed the rehearsal.
Despite their achievements, the Yiwei Athletic Association faces a lack of recognition and support. “It’s hard for performers to take time off for competitions because there’s little support,” Marcus noted. No one in Singapore can financially support themselves solely through lion dance, and members must balance their passion with day jobs or studies.
Cultural Favouritism
While the lion dance receives fleeting attention during cultural festivities, the performers themselves remain underappreciated. The disparity between the support given to lion dance and Wushu, another sport under the same governing body, highlights this issue. Wushu athletes benefit from funding because they compete at major games, whereas lion dance largely exists at the community level.
Despite this, the Yiwei Athletic Association has managed to sustain itself, thanks to a dedicated community. Joson emphasized, “We sacrifice a lot of time with friends and family. When we train, Yiwei becomes family.”
The Curious Intersections of Lion Dance
The future of lion dance troupes and their recognition remains uncertain. However, the art form reflects the rich Chinese cultural heritage. Lion dance combines performance art, sport, and cultural expression, making institutional support essential.
As we leave the industrial building, the sounds of lion dance training resonate in the night. Tomorrow, the Yiwei Athletic Association heads to Penang, aiming for their next championship win. While recognition may remain elusive, the spirit and dedication of these lion dancers continue to unite the Chinese community across Southeast Asia.
With ongoing support, the cherished cultural practice of lion dance can become a roaring source of pride for Singaporeans.
