LION dance troupes will start dancing again in a few weeks after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Troupes speaking to The Malaysian Insight said they have received about 30% to 50% of their bookings with only a few weeks left until Chinese New Year, which falls on February 1 and 2.

While they are excited to be able to perform again, bookings are still down on previous years, because many people are still afraid that the government will change the standard operating procedures (SOP) at the last minute.

Ivan Chai Xun Fu, a coach with Persatuan Tarian Singa dan Naga Jee Xiang Ruyi, said the group has received about half its bookings, while many others are calling to enquire about prices and available dates.

“Business are still worried about the coronavirus and if there will be a sudden lockdown,” he said.

“We are also worried, especially with the Omicron variant, so we explain to our customers that if the government decides to suspend all performances, we will have to cancel.”

If the troupes are still unable to perform this year, many will no longer be able to hold on, he said.

“We haven’t been able to perform in two years. We rely on our own salaries to support the troupe’s expenses,” Chai said, adding that they are also facing a shortage of members.

The group, which is based in Kuching, has been around for eight years and used to have 40 members. Now only 18 remain.

“Half of our members were originally students but they have now all found jobs and have lost interest in performing.

“I’m working on incorporating more modern elements into the dance to attract younger people to join us so that the art and culture can be passed on.”

Simpler performances

Though the troupes have not performed in a long period of time, they cannot charge excessively as everyone is struggling, Daniel Koh Kok, head of Persatuan Tarian Singa Zhou Jia Sungai Dua Pulau Pinang said.

“We are working hard but businesses are also having a hard time, so we have to maintain our fees and not charge too much.”

Instead of elaborate performances, Koh said he is recommending a simpler performance, which can be to smaller crowds and bring down costs, while also ushering in good luck for the rest of the year.

Since they have been dormant for two years, many of their appliances are in need of replacement or repair, he added.

“The lion head was kept in the storage room but we were not able to check on it for a long time due to the lockdown.

“When we took it out of storage recently, the colour of the head had faded and was eaten by termites.

“Other items in storage were also stolen. We are now looking for sponsors but this is difficult due to the current economic situation.”

With about three weeks until Chinese New Year, Koh said his troupe had secured about 30% to 40% of bookings.

“It’s still not as much as pre-pandemic but it is an improvement.

“What we are worried about is whether we will be allowed to perform as we seem to be in the dark. The government should make it clear.

“This is a worry and we have declined large-scale events and opted for smaller ones because of this.”

Yong Kheng Chien, secretary-general of Dragon and Lion Dances Federation of Malaysia, said lion dance performances have been approved.

“The Chinese New Year SOP falls under the Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage, so we have to wait for its announcement.”

There are more than 1,200 troupes nationwide looking forward to performing again, he said.

“Last year, around 20% to 30% of the troupes were unable to cope with the epidemic and had to close down.”

This year, businesses are requesting simpler performances that cost less, he added.

“Previously, people will also ask us to perform at their homes This year there are no reservations. Everyone is worried about the epidemic and maintaining the SOP.” – January 10, 2022.