KUANTAN: Thunderous beat of Chinese drums and chime of cymbals reverberated throughout the Kuantan Construction Association's building here as members of the Kuantan Builder’s Association Lion and Dragon Dance Club trained last night.
The club which consists of dancers of various races aged between 12 and 30, showed off their agility and skills as they leaped energetically with the lion’s head and body from pillar to pillar.
On some occasions they fall but cushioned by thick mattresses covered with canvas to prevent accidents.
Being the only lion dance troupe in the state which performs on high pillars, the group which emerged champions in the Acrobatic Lion Dance Championship in Selangor last year is once again in high demand with Chinese New Year celebration just days away.
Popular for their breathtaking moves and acrobatic stunts, the troupe has been inundated with bookings from home owners and businessmen seeking blessings for the Chinese New Year.
Trained by Koo Yueh Wei and his assistant Lee Leong Poh, the troupe trained long hours and experimented new moves at their training centre in Jalan Wong Ah Jang here.
Koo, who was shouting instructions and watching his charges train, said performing the lion dance on the high pillars requires extra focus and hours of practice.
"The dancers should be able to balance their body and measure their steps before jumping including leaping forward about 2.5 meters. Balancing their body is crucial as one slight mistake would be costly.
"Two dancers will usually perform the moves with one standing in front and holding up the lion's head while the other crouches beneath the tail. Some moves requires the dancer at the back to lift the person in front and perform a balancing act on the pillar," he said when met.
The 42-year-old who works as a newspaper vendor said thick mattresses were laid on the floor during training to protect the dancers when they misstep and fall.
Koo, who took up lion dance when he was 12 years old, said beginners will be equipped with various safety gears including shin guards and protective headgear.
He said most of the troupe members have international exposure as they have travelled to Macau, Hong Kong, China and Thailand to participate in international competitions.
"We beat nine other troupes to become champion of the Acrobatic Lion Dance Championship last year and won top prizes in another two national-level competitions. At international level we excelled in two competitions in China and Macau last year," he said.
Koo said his 40-strong troupe would be performing from the first day of the Chinese New Year until the fifth day at residential premises and open house events.
"From the sixth till the 15th day of Chinese New Year, we will perform at business premises, factories and corporate events. We offer various packages ranging from basic to more skillful and lengthy movements which include out trademark performance on pillars," he said.