Spectacular Lion Dance And 24-Drum Performance At Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

AS part of the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s custom of observing significant cultural practices during the Chinese New Year celebration, a spectacular lion dance and 24–drum performance were held at the hotel in conjunction with Chap Goh Meh.

Performed by a group of skilled lion dancers from Choy Lee Fatt Nan Sheng Sport Association, the spectacular performance was witnessed by a crowd at the main lobby. Observers were thrilled by the lions showing off their agility and skill by leaping and dancing on poles to the drumbeats and clash of cymbals. It was a delightful performance that captures the essence of Chinese custom to bring in good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Traditionally, the lion dance is performed by troupes from Chinese martial art schools or Chinese guilds and associations who visit houses, shops, and business establishments owned by members of the Chinese community.

Today’s performance is about the traditional custom of “cai qing”, with the lion plucking auspicious green vegetables like lettuce hung on a pole. The greens (qing) are tied to a red envelope containing money or auspicious fruit such as oranges. One of the lions will usually dance and approach the greens and red envelope like a curious cat, “eat” the green and spit out the rest but the red envelope, keeping the reward for the lion troupe.

(From left): Executive Assistant Manager of Rooms Sachin Tyagi, Director of Engineering Sidharth Chauhan, Resident Manager Daniel Kaeflein, Director of Communications Neena Dewi, Area Financial Controller Lim Lian Chee, Director of HR Suvita George and Director of Sales Juliana Liew.