CNY lion, dragon dance performances unlikey to go virtual - Association

Take for example the coming Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration. The Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association is considering carrying out lion dance performances through digital means in an effort to keep the cultural tradition alive.

However, association president Datuk H'ng Ban Choon told Bernama that it is unlikely to happen due to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) implemented by the Federal government for the Movement Control Order (MCO).

He explained that during the MCO, not only was lion and dragon dance performances not allowed, training centres too were not permitted to open.

"Back when Penang was in the recovery phase of the MCO (RMCO), training centres were allowed to open as long as we had approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and strictly adhered to the guidelines.

"But then the MCO returned and we can't train, let alone perform virtually," he said.

On Feb 4, Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that traditional performances and cultural activities for this year's Chinese New Year celebration, such as lion and dragon dances, the lantern parade, Chinese opera performances and stage performances, would not be permitted.

Meanwhile, H'ng said that even if they could somehow perform the lion and dragon dance performances online, its success would depend on whether the public can accept the new norm as watching the performances on a screen would be "sub-par" compared to watching them live.