Lion dancing is an art form that captivates and inspires, but behind the vibrant performances lies a grueling and dedicated lifestyle. Imagine the scene: the air vibrates with the beat of drums and cymbals as lion dancers prepare for the Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney, Australia.
'Be the lion, feel the lion'
This is the mantra of Kelvin Tran, a co-founder of the Qing Fong Dragon and Lion Dance Team. As the sun sets on Mingyue Lay Temple, the team gears up for a marathon of performances, with the Lunar New Year festivities lasting over three weeks. The heat is intense, but these dancers are committed, training rigorously to embody the majestic lion.
And this is no ordinary year; it's the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare occurrence that adds to the excitement. Long Huynh, a veteran lion dancer, emphasizes their dedication: 'Rain, hail, or shine, we still train.'
The training is intense, with dancers practicing at least twice a week for three hours. They start with conditioning, running laps, stretching, and circuit exercises. Then, they split into groups, each with its own drummer, cymbal player, and a pair of lion dancers. The lion costume is a complex dance partner, with one person controlling the head and another the tail, creating a mesmerizing performance.
But here's where it gets fascinating: the tail dancers feel just as important as the head. They receive pats on the bum from appreciative audience members, a sign of good luck. 'People just see the lion, they don't see the two people underneath,' explains team instructor Adelene Pham.
The dance requires precise coordination. Dancers must move in sync, creating the lion's facial expressions by manipulating strings inside the head while keeping pace with the music. The tail follows the head's lead, wagging with joy during crowd interactions. Once inside the costume, visibility is limited, and dancers must trust their partners implicitly.
'You have to trust each other and rely on each other,' Tran emphasizes. This trust extends beyond the performance, fostering a sense of family within the team. With members ranging from 12 to 40 years old, they truly grow up together.
Music plays a vital role, too. Students learn to play phrases that correspond to specific movements, creating a synergy between the lion and the music. Nicky Phan, a seasoned lion dancer, poetically describes the music as the 'heartbeat of the lion.'
Lion dancing holds cultural significance, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity. For many dancers, it's a way to connect with their heritage. Phan, who is Vietnamese-Chinese, felt a renewed appreciation for her ethnicity through lion dancing, stating, 'Being a lion brings back something you feel like you've lost for a long time.'
The Lunar New Year is their busiest season, but the team's dedication doesn't waver. They continue training throughout the year, performing at weddings and business openings. Despite the challenges, the dancers find solace in their shared meals after long days, fostering a tight-knit community.
As the dancers gather for their final rehearsal, the energy is electric. For some, it's a nerve-wracking yet exciting moment before the big Lunar New Year showcase. Pham reflects on her journey, 'It has become a really big part of my life, and a very good part.'
But what do you think? Is lion dancing merely a performance or a powerful cultural symbol? Do you agree that it fosters a unique sense of community and family? Share your thoughts below!
