10th Genting World Lion Dance Championship 2012

Over the weekend, I was up at Genting Highlands, partly to enjoy the fresh cold environment but mainly to meet the in-laws that drove up. It was a nice surprise for me to see that there was the 10th Genting World Lion Dance Championship 2012 on-going at the Arena Of Stars venue. Courtesy of Nuffnang, I had the opportunity to catch the show.

10th Genting World Lion Dance Championship 2012
20th Anniversary 10th Genting World Lion Dance CHampionship 2012


"Entering its 10th edition this year, the prestigious competition will see aspiring teams from around the globe battling it out as they make the lions come alive with the beat of the drums and mesmerize you with their stunning acrobatic performances coupled with synchronized agility. The Genting World Lion Dance Championship is the most established high-stilt lion dance championship in the world, with the very best lion dance teams from around the world competing for the coveted award."


10th Genting World Lion Dance Championship 2012
The venue at Arena of Stars

So there I was on a Saturday mid afternoon fresh from some good food in Genting Highlands, entering Arena of Stars to catch one of their preliminary rounds. I've always been a fan of lion dances, especially when there were loads of aerial acrobatics involved. This was suppose to be a world class lion dance championship so we did see lots of high stilts all around ready for the "lions" from various countries to prance around. 

Isaactan.net at Arena of Stars Genting Highlands
An I was here moment @ Arena of Stars Genting Highlands

The crowd turnout was huge to say the least. As I arrived slightly late, there were not much seats left in front. From my view behind, it's unfortunate that my humble camera could not capture better photos. But I did take some shots, just for the sake of memories of the prancing lions. Throughout the competition, we did see our fair share of glory, and spills. Each time one of the lions dropped, I felt for them, as it must have been real painful for the guys inside the lion.


World Lion Dance Championship in progress
World Lion Dance Championship in progress

Of course, each time the Malaysian team came up, the crowd cheered their hearts out. There were more than 3 Malaysian teams which took part on my last count. Even the last defending champion hails from Malaysia. So if people were to tell you our lion dance are not up to standard, they did not get their facts right, as Malaysia is up there among the best in lion dances!

World Lion Dance Championship in progress
The full house crowd

"The top three teams of the 15th Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship 2011, namely Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Association Muar (also the champion of all past Genting World Lion Dance Championships since 1994), Maha Bohdi Society Tawau and Pertubuhan Tarian Singa dan Naga Hong Teck Alor Star, Kedah will be representing Malaysia to compete with other lion dance teams."

Managed to catch up with Wendy and Daniel while I was there
Managed to catch up with Wendy and Daniel while I was there

It was a good show as I got to watch the most talented and creative lion dance troupes showcased as they treated us to amazing feats of agility and colourful displays of showmanship. It is this level of skills intensity that enables the Lion Dance Competition to be widely known and recognised as a sport by our Ministry of Youth and Sports. 

Additional Info:
  • The champion team will be awarded a cash prize of USD10,000 (RM30,000) along with trophy and medals while the runners-up will receive USD6,000 (RM18,000) and USD3,000 (RM9,000), also with trophy and medals.
  • The remaining finalists will receive USD1,000 (RM3,000) cash prize and a trophy each.
  • East and West Lion King trophies will also be awarded to the best teams from Asia and Western countries.
  • The preliminary rounds will be held on July 20 and 21, from 1pm to 9pm. Entry tickets are redeemable at the I-Kiosks located at the Resort.
  • The grand final will be held on July 22 from 1pm to 6pm.
  • Tickets are priced at RM80 and RM50 for PS1 and PS2 seats respectively. Admission is one person per ticket, applicable to adults, children of all ages and infants.
  • For details or enquiries, call 03-2718 1118 or log on to www.rwgenting.com

Comments

  1. wow nice, can bring DSLR in for this 1!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have been to the competition once when it was held in Bukit Jalil. Very impressive

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bet you had a great time watching the performances, lucky you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Every year for sure there'll be one lion to fall from the high pole, make my heart drop only :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Limeli9:55 AM

      don't say "for sure there will be" please.. just hope there will be no more ;)

      Delete
  5. Lion Dancing is the most popular folk dance in sinagpore. Without going through the ceremony of Kai Guang, a new lion should not be used In lion dance tradition Milk Blitz Street Bomb.

    ReplyDelete

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