Namibian youths master traditional lion dances
WINDHOEK — During the Chinese New Year, a group of passionate young Namibian dancers studying at the University of Namibia achieved a stunning feat by mastering the intricate art of dragon and lion dances, showcasing dedication, perseverance and cross-cultural exchange.
Over the past eight months, this dynamic ensemble devoted itself to rigorous training, presenting a performance that seamlessly integrates the Namibian spirit with the rich traditions of Chinese culture.
Kula Rodriguez, president of the University of Namibia, or UNAM, dance society who also owns a dance studio, shared insights into their journey, saying, “We have been practicing the dragon and lion dances for eight months now. It has been a long process that started last year and has followed us all the way until now.”
To master various Chinese dances, Rodriguez and other professional dancers, well-versed in various dance genres, conducted extensive research on Chinese culture. Their initial performance with the Confucius Institute at UNAM paved the way for 12 subsequent performances, including engagements with Chinese business people.
“We have had multiple encounters with the Chinese business community, performing for them. These experiences have given us the ability to properly represent the Chinese society, the Chinese community, and everything else,” he said.
The dragon and lion dances, deeply rooted in Chinese folklore, are often performed during festive occasions, and the Namibian dancers’ journey highlights the power of cultural exchange and the universal language of dance in fostering connections and understanding.
“We performed a dragon kung fu dance for the Chinese embassy for the Spring Festival. So the first section mainly involved us dancing and showcasing our performing skills. And the second section was an interaction with the lions, along with also learning to do what we do,” he explained after a performance on Friday, at the Spring Festival Temple Fair.
Rodriguez said that as a professional dancer he recommends people consider joining dance because it is very different, especially when it comes to Chinese performances.
“I would recommend you to watch to get a good idea and a good grasp of Chinese culture because it takes a lot for you to be properly represented, and you would not want to feel misrepresented by someone who is not part of your culture. So we try our best to always be on point,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez said some of their future plans include participating in the world championships, which are coming up in June.