Chinese New Year: Malaysia takes lion dancing to new heights
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The lion dance is a traditional and much-loved part of lunar new year festivities among ethnic Chinese communities around the world, and many non-Chinese also enjoy the performance and dance. In Malaysia, the lion dance has evolved from its original Chinese form to reach new heights – quite literally. Rian Maelzer has the story from Kuala Lumpur.

Exhilarating and daring, the acrobatic lion dance has become a much-loved spectacle

in Malaysia, especially at this time of year.

Malaysia is considered the birthplace of this high-flying form of art, and Sifu Siow Ho Phiew one of its fathers.

SIOW HO PHIEW Lion Dance and Lion Head-Making Master "In the 1980s, the introduction of dancing on the high poles revolutionized lion dance performances. From short poles to tall poles and everything in between, this evolution pushed the limits of creativity. People often call me a pioneer of these innovations, but in reality, it's the collective effort of many individuals in the industry."

Groups like the Khuan Loke association are constantly pushing the lion dance's boundaries, while respecting its roots and essence.

PAK MENG CHUAN Khuan Loke Lion Dance Association "The difficulty lies in maneuvers such as 360-degree spins and flips on the poles. There's constant innovation in techniques, bringing new elements into the art form."

Another change Malaysia is seeing is the growing participation of non-Chinese, like these ethnic-Malays.

MUHAMAD SYAHMI HAFIZ Ethnic Malay Lion Dancer, Khuan Loke Association "I really wanted to try it. So, I saw Faris, my lion head partner and I asked him:  'Do you want to try jumping?' he said he was scared. I told him, 'Don't be scared!' but actually, I was scared too. My goal is to go overseas to perform or compete."

RIAN MAELZER Kuala Lumpur "Just as Malaysia's lion dance troupes and style have become famous far beyond the country's borders, its hand-crafted lion heads are also much sought after around the world."

And none are more sought after than those crafted by Sifu Siow and his team.

SIOW HO PHIEW Lion Dance and Lion Head-Making Master "I had a vision for a specific standard that I wanted to achieve, so I decided to make lion heads myself. I modified and redesigned them to align with my preferences and created my own unique style."

Sifu Siow is optimistic about the future of lion dance, boosted by China and Malaysia's joint bid for UNESCO world heritage recognition.

SIOW HO PHIEW Lion Dance and Lion Head-Making Master "The lion dance is much more than just a performance – it embodies cultural heritage and carries profound symbolism. It represents unity, peace and prosperity."

Rian Maelzer, CGTN, Kuala Lumpur.