Parties and events are understandably fun unless it is unintended for enjoyment. You will see live bands and performances on stage or anywhere on the streets at festivals.
The lion dance in Singapore is a pugilistic performance way back more than thousands of years. The lion dance performances are seen during auspicious occasions, such as the launching of new businesses and shops. Lion dance drums and performances symbolize good fortune and wealth.
The lion dance performance
Performing the Chinese Lion Dance is accompanied by different musical instruments with the beating of:
- Tanggu (drum)
- Cymbals
- Gongs
The different styles have different beating, such as:
- Fut San
- Hok San
- Fut Hok
- Chow Gar
What do the drums represent in the lion dance?
The drum represents the lion’s heartbeat. It sets the steppings for the lion dance. There is a special beat for every movement the lion performs.
The barrel drum is used during the lion dance performance. It is made from a big barrel with stretched animal skin. The lion dance performance’s music is very loud with many exciting drumbeats and crashes.
During the lion dance, the drum accompanies the movement of the lion to make the performance more entertaining. The base of the drum is wood-made with a spring that coils inside to emphasize more. The top part is made from the preserved ox skin, pinned to the sides and with layered gloss for the finishing touch.
What does the drum symbolize?
The drums symbolize the connection and relationship. Drums are usually given as a gift, to give thanks for good work and to acknowledge important relationships.
When is the best time to see lion dance drums?
The lion dance is performed during festivals, such as:
- Lunar New Year
- Mid-Autumn Festival
- Grand openings of new businesses
- Weddings
- Birthday
- Chinese New Year
- Traditional festival
As of 2023, around 3.07 million Chinese residents are living in Singapore. SG is a multi-ethnic society. The residents are classified into four main ethnic groups, namely:
- Chinese
- Malay
- Indian
- Others
With the high population of Chinese residents in Singapore, the lion dance is expected to be witnessed during special occasions.
Lion dance beat and moves
During the lion dance presentation, the lion follows the drum to perform the movements. The lion dance performances have stacks. Stacks are flashy acrobatic tricks. Lion costumes are designed and high-quality ones are artisan-made.
Lions are sacred and respected.
Who performs the lion dance?
The performers of the lion dance are:
- kung fu practitioners
- a group of lion dancers
It consists of 10 people. The two performers hold the lion at the head and tail of the lion, while the rest are tasked to do the drumming. The lion dance performance has been a tradition that continually exists until today.
The performers mimicked the lion’s movements to tell a story. The performance brings the audience the following:
- good luck
- fortune
The drums are the heartbeat of the lion. The drum served as the guide, while cymbals and gong led the performance. With all of them synchronizing, it adds flair and excitement.
