Today I had the joy of watching a lion dance performance at the mall, and it made me so happy.
I have always loved lion dance. There is something about it that feels both majestic and adorable at the same time. The lions move like real cats. The blinking eyes, the curious head tilts, the playful hops. When done well, they truly feel alive.
What many people do not realise is how technically demanding lion dance is. It is not just festive entertainment. It is a sport that requires tremendous stamina, strength, balance, and coordination. The dancers carry the weight of the costume while executing precise footwork, jumps, lifts, and sometimes even acrobatic stunts. It takes serious conditioning to perform under that costume, especially in the heat.
At the same time, lion dance is an art form.
Beyond the physical strength, the dancers must animate the lion. They must breathe life into it. Every head movement, every blink, every pause has intention. The ultimate goal is not just to perform movements, but to infuse personality into the lion.
And today, I saw personality.
One lion was active and serious about his “work,” moving with focus and purpose as he went from shop to shop giving blessings. The other lion was playful and a little lazy. At one point, I saw him take a “nap” at a furniture shop while waiting for his partner to finish blessing the store. He just lay there, resting, as if he had decided he needed a break. It was so cute and so believable that everyone around started laughing.
That is the magic of good lion dance. You forget there are two people inside. You see a character.
I am grateful that this beautiful blend of sport and art is still alive in our modern world. In a time of screens and digital distractions, traditions like lion dance continue to bring communities together. They remind us of culture, discipline, teamwork, and joy.
Grateful for the strength of the performers.
Grateful for the artistry.
Grateful for the playful lion that decided to nap mid duty.
Some traditions deserve to endure. And lion dance is one of them.
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