Berry Ng says the lion dance is no longer solely associated with Chinese culture, but is now also seen as an art form that can bring the various races together.
“Today, the lion dance community does not only consist of Chinese performers. It includes the other two main races (in Malaysia), namely the Malays and Indians,” Ng, adviser to the Hong Teik Lion and Dragon Dance Association, told FMT.
He was asked to comment on a report last month that Beijing and Putrajaya had agreed to jointly nominate the lion dance for the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as well as Malaysia’s membership in the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia.
News reports have suggested an increase in participation among non-Chinese Malaysians in lion dance troupes.
According to Sin Chew Daily, non-Chinese participants make up more than half the members of Yong Jun Dragon and Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung, an award-winning lion dance troupe.
Its coach, Chan Yong Zhen, said the troupe had an all-Chinese team when founded in 2007, but began to draw participants from other ethnicities 10 years later.
A video of the lion dance troupe, which went viral last year, has earned plaudits for its diversity and multiculturalism.
“This (Unesco) initiative originated from our tourism, arts and culture ministry, led by our minister Tiong King Sing. We appreciate their efforts.
“Although the culture originated in China, the lion dance has been brought onto the international stage due to Malaysia’s efforts over the years,” said Ng.
He said making the Unesco list would be an important milestone for the lion dance community in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, lion dance performer Danesh Guriah noted that in the past, people could only watch lion dance performances during Chinese New Year and other major Chinese celebrations.
However, he said such performances have become a common sight at shop openings, weddings, housewarming and birthday parties, regardless of race.
Danesh, who said he fell in love with the lion dance “by accident”, has noticed that in recent years more non-Chinese Malaysians have become involved in performances.
“I think the discipline involved in lion dance performances is one of the main reasons for their participation,” he said.