Lion Dance brings Sarawak youth across ethnicities together

KUCHING (Feb 17): Lion dance, a widely recognised traditional performance art associated with the Chinese community, fosters unity across ethnic groups in Sarawak.

In the state, it is common to see performers from non-Chinese communities taking part in lion dance troupes.

During a first-day Chinese New Year visit to the Kuching Buddhist Society (KBS) this year, The Borneo Post met three 15-year-olds from the Jing Ying Dragon and Lion Dance Association, each of whom had joined the troupe for different reasons.

For Nur Qasryna Eryna, she joined out of a genuine interest in the arts, having been active in her school’s Cultural and Arts Club.

“At first, I was afraid to join because I thought people would say it went against my religion. But after a while, I realised it does not, as it is purely artistic,” she said.

The young Malay girl added that lion dance has been a valuable experience, allowing her to learn new skills along the way.

Meanwhile, Damia Aleesya joined because, for her, participating in activities like this is a great opportunity to make friends and learn about other cultures.

“I have been with the troupe for two years now. It has been really fun,” she said.

She also joined the troupe at the invitation of her fellow Malay friend, Nur Qasryna.

Like Damia, Moses Putit, an Iban boy from Bintulu, said he joined the troupe after his brother encouraged him.

“I loved watching lion dance performances, so I decided to join a troupe. I felt a rush of excitement when trying it out,” he said.

He also views lion dance as an art form widely accepted by the public that does not discriminate between ethnicities.

KBS chairman Kho Kak Hee said the lion dance performance aims to usher in good luck for the New Year and ward off negative energies.