Lion dancing is no easy feat. Requiring a significant amount of skill and agility, many adults spend years training before they are able to perform with grace and ease. However, a few young Malaysian children are paving the way to show that with enough practice, you can become a nimble performer at any age.
A recent TikTok video has been making waves online after TikTok page @liondoncefreak shared a clip of multiple young children performing a lion dance routine at LaLaport Bukit Bintang Centre. Competing in a lion dance competition for children called the World Dragon & Lion Dance Extravaganza 2024, the children performed on behalf of the Hong Teck Cultural Club from Kepong.
Referred to endearingly as lion cubs, the children can be seen practicing on makeshift structures before putting their lion costume on and performing the full routine. From jumping atop elevated boards to rolling out a piece of fabric from the lion’s mouth, all the instruments for the performance, including the drums, cymbals, and gongs, were also played by children from the club.
Ultimately, the children dazzled the onlookers who gathered outside the centre to watch their ambitious performance.
Receiving immense praise from viewers in the comments section, many Malaysians praised the kids for keeping the spirit of this tradition alive and continuing the practice on behalf of their elders.
“Good and talented young lion dance performance. Keep it up and enjoy it, keep the spirit of the lion dance alive!” wrote one user.
Watch the full lion dance performance on TikTok below:
@liondoncefreak 马来西亚龙狮节 World Dragon & Lion Dance Extravaganza – Malaysia Edition 2024 Young #liondance performers from 甲洞弘德体育会 Persatuan Kebudayaan Kepong Hong Teck Rehearsal and actual show. LaLaport BUKIT BINTANG CITY CENTRE 1 January 2024
Lion cubs, you are the cutest and most talented performers we’ve ever seen!
Also read: M’sian-Indian Lion Dancers Perform at House Warming Event & the Celebration Was Filled With Pure Joy
