Lion Dance Serves As A Cultural Bridge Between China, Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (Bernama-Xinhua) – The powerful people-to-people bonds between China and Malaysia are expressed in many ways, reflecting the shared cultural and traditional values of both nations.

One such expression is the strong interest shown by Malaysian Malays in Chinese cultural traditions, particularly the lion dance. This tradition, which originated over a thousand years ago in China, has garnered many admirers in modern Malaysia, Xinhua reported.

Among them is Adzwin Puteri Faizal, a petite Malay girl from Rawang, Selangor, who is part of a troupe under the locally renowned Yong Jun Lion Dance Association.

With fluid and energetic movements, the 18-year-old Adzwin plays the role of the lion's tail and moves as one with her partner in the classic springs onto the poles, leaping gracefully, and balancing steadily.

“When my master performed at our school for the first time, I was captivated. They looked so cool. After that, I really wanted to join the lion dance,” she told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Having been part of the troupe for the past five years, Adzwin has honed her skills and gained experience in the art form alongside her teammates, who are Malaysians from various ethnic groups aged between 10 and 18.

Lion dance in Malaysia shares its roots with the Chinese lion dance, specifically from the southern lion dance style. It arrived with Chinese immigrants and took root in Malaysia.

Initially, the lion dance was performed exclusively during Chinese festivals and celebrations. However, with the blending of Malaysia's diverse ethnicities and cultures, it has gradually transcended ethnic and religious boundaries, becoming a beloved cultural activity embraced by all communities. Its cultural significance is now widely recognised by the public.

Behind Adzwin's involvement in the lion dance association lies her family's firm support, mainly through her father Faizal Salehudin's passion for the lion dance in his youth.

Thirty years ago, when he was still a student, Faizal was also drawn to the lion dance but in those days financial constraints as well as having to travel a long distance prevented him from pursuing his interest.

“It's a culture. We want to learn about other ethnic groups' cultures, like those of the Chinese, Indians, or Sikhs, because the charm of culture is universal,” Faizal said.

Now, his daughter has rekindled Faizal's love for lion dance. As a ride-hailing driver, he takes Adzwin to the training grounds on time every weekend night, accompanying her throughout practice and recording her progress on his smartphone.

Adzwin's lion dance master, Chan Yong Zhen, began learning the art of lion dance at the age of 16 and has since spent 17 years immersed in this cultural tradition. The Yong Jun Lion Dance Association, founded by his father, is now being carried forward and developed under Chan's leadership. He considers Adzwin one of his most outstanding students, noting that her dedication and focus on lion dance are truly inspiring.

“Don't underestimate her because she's a girl; she's very strong and can lift her partner with ease to complete high-difficulty moves,” said Chan.

“In earlier generations, it was difficult for people from other ethnic groups and for women to learn lion dance. But things have changed. The uniqueness and inclusiveness of lion dance have allowed us to build a family here,” he said.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia. According to a joint statement signed in June 2024, both countries have agreed to collaborate on a multinational nomination to include lion dance on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Both nations celebrate lion dance as a symbol of shared history and are committed to jointly safeguarding this cultural heritage.

--BERNAMA-XINHUA