The country’s Unity Charity Association Lion Dance Troupe’s debut at two prestigious regional lion dance competitions in Malaysia late last year marks a promising step forward for Brunei in the competitive arena of lion dance, reflecting both determination and potential for growth in this cultural tradition.
Its representation of Brunei at the prestigious regional lion dance competitions, held on October 26, 2024 in Kuching, Sarawak and November 3, 2024 in Sandakan, Sabah respectively, also marked a breakthrough for the nation’s involvement in the cultural sport.
In Kuching, the troupe competed in the Sarawak International Lion Dance Open Championship 2024, organised by the Chinese Martial Art Association Kuching, while in Sandakan, they competed at the Third Sandakan ‘Little Hong Kong’ National and International High Pole Lion Dance Competition 2024.
The 12-member team, led by Chief Coach Ong Boon Biau, participated in the high-poles category.
President of the Wushu Federation of Brunei Darussalam Lim Boon Hwa attended as a guest. In Sarawak, the high-poles category attracted six elite teams from across the region, with Brunei’s troupe placing fifth with a total score of 6.44. The Sandakan event saw participation from 13 teams.
Despite a setback due to an injury, the Brunei team demonstrated resilience and commitment to the competition. Lim praised the team for their efforts despite the challenges and emphasised the significance of their participation.
“It has been many years since Brunei participated in such regional lion dance competitions. Although the results were not ideal, for a newly-formed troupe with less than six months of experience in high-poles performances, this is a major achievement,” said Lim.
He also encouraged the team to remain optimistic and continue striving to bring the cultural sport to greater international heights, and highlighted the role of the Wushu Federation of Brunei Darussalam in promoting lion dance.
“As a member of the Asian Federation of Lion Dance, we have a responsibility to advance the development of lion dance in Brunei,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ong described high-poles lion dance as an exceptionally challenging discipline, requiring not only physical strength but also seamless coordination between the lion head and tail performers.
“This competition showed us where we stand and the areas we need to improve,” he remarked.
He also revealed plans for the troupe to participate in several international events in 2025 to gain further experience. – Lyna Mohamad
