My Life, My Lion Dance,THE LION ARTS

Malaysia Chinese Cultural Celebration Will Be on international TV Channel

2011-01-13T11:32:00.003+08:00

This Year's Chinese New year, I'll be assisting CCTV 4 Channel from china to shoot Lion Dance Footage and sent aired it in their channel. It is a programme about Chinese Cultural Celebration in Malaysia. Will be Lived on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year in Malaysian CCTV4 Channel.
So dont miss it.

Mean While, Another breakthrough in the Local Film Making Industry about CHinese New Year Movie, Comes another heart warming movie after last year " WooHoo" Tiger Dance

I've Went for the premiere after getting 2 tickets from Master Siow. Here in Review

Tiger Dance is gaining much popularity

2010-01-25T02:06:00.001+08:00

TIGER Beer stamped its mark with a gala event at KL Live in Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, recently.

The official beer for the Year of the Tiger Campaign announced plans for a winning start with a series of festive promotions.

The Year of the Tiger has historically been a year of positive changes and opportunities for those willing to rise to the challenge.

Fascinating: The tiger dance troupe in action at the event.

People born in the Year of the Tiger have always been known to be competent leaders, driven by an unerring drive and ambitious nature.

Similarly, the story of Tiger Beer’s ascension mirrors its namesake’s characteristics, having risen from a popular local beer first brewed in 1932, into a brew now available in more than 70 countries, while winning over 40 international brewing awards along the way.

Having already launched their Year of the Tiger campaign on Nov 18, last year, an auspicious 88 days before the advent of the year, it has also introduced a series of consumer promotions.

The Win Gold promotion, which kicks off at selected coffee shops nationwide will see drinkers who buy two big bottles of Tiger, Heineken or Guinness receiving a Tiger Lucky Number scratch card, which puts them in the running to win lucrative prizes worth RM2.5mil, including a 2kg solid gold bar worth RM250,000.

Additionally, the festive period will see the availability of special 26-can Tiger Beer Prosperity Packs at supermarkets and hypermarkets nationwide.

A team: Koh (left) and Guinness Anchor Berhad managing director Charles Ireland at the event.

Consumers who buy a Prosperity Pack will receive one of four different Tiger Prosperity Bowls, with those buying from Tesco or Giant outlets also receive a limited edition Year of the Tiger commemorative coin.

There will also be 68 Tiger Night events held across the country, providing the patrons of bars, pubs and coffee shops with live music entertainment, interactive games and great prizes for a winning start to the Lunar New Year.

Tiger Beer marketing manager Sean Koh said as the official beer for the Year of the Tiger, it is an honour and privilege to reward loyal consumers.

“With the Lunur New Year around the corner, let’s all look forward with confidence and anticipation for a prosperous year.”

Guests, including members of the media and local celebrities, at the event had the privilege of witnessing an exclusive Tiger Dance performance, a traditional Chinese cultural dance that ushers in prosperity and good luck while warding off bad luck.

“The auspicious Tiger Dance performance will be making its rounds in the run-up to the Lunar New Year, with about 50 performances throughout Malaysia,” Koh said.

Local feng shui master Joey Yap was also present to share his views on the coming Year of the Metal Tiger.

“The Year of the Tiger has historically been a year for improvement not just in business but on a personal level as well.

“I am confident that those who want to succeed will be able to do so by adopting the characteristics of the tiger in everything that they do.

“These characteristics are passion, courage, strength and determination,” he said.

The Tiger Dance Leapes In

2010-01-25T02:05:00.001+08:00

The Year of the Tiger brings with it an exciting tiger dance.

Just as Tiger Beer has always been associated with winning, the Year of the Tiger is a year that is geared towards renewed prosperity, accomplishment and all-around success.

With the new lunar year just around the corner, one can expect the celebrations to soon intensify. One celebration that is bound to catch the eye is the tiger dance, which is making its début in the country this year.

Introduced by Master Siow Ho Phiew, the tiger dance will complement the other long-established dances of Chinese New Year, the lion and dragon dances.

So what is the story behind this new dance?

Well, it’s actually not such a new dance. The tiger dance originated centuries ago in China. It has a style and choreography that is similar to the lion dance. Tigers have long been regarded as a majestic symbol of authority and is sometimes even revered as a deity, being dubbed the “God of Wealth”.

Tigers are believed to bring financial luck, so it’s no surprise that the tiger dance is much sought after during the start of the lunar new year as a symbolic way to ward off bad luck and spirits, and to usher in safety, prosperity and a successful year.

According to one source, the tiger dance originated about 300 years ago in the village of Lo Wu in Hainan. The village was at the time ruled by a celebrated female leader, Madam Xi. One of the ceremonies conducted whenever the local militia was about to leave the village for an expedition was the tiger dance.

Madam Xi and her troops were widely praised for restoring peace to Hainan, petitioning for governance in the town of Ya Zhou, and bringing new agricultural technology to the village.

To commemorate Madam Xi’s achievements, the villagers later made a habit of re-enacting the tiger dances performed during the launching of her military expeditions.

As with the lion dance, most tiger dance performances feature a pair of tigers, usually with two skilled martial arts exponents operating each tiger. The tiger dance starts off with the symbolic dotting of the eyes to “bring it (the tiger) to life”.

During the dance, the two tigers face off in a mock display of aggression with acrobatic movements that mimic those of actual tigers. The dancers’ athletic prowess, martial art skill and coordination are what count.

Not surprisingly, the tiger dance is visually striking.

Just as in the lion dance, the tiger dance usually makes use of props such as pillars and platforms on which the tigers negotiate and leap as they spar. This year, for the first time ever, the tiger dance is making its début in Malaysia to commemorate the Year of the Tiger, courtesy of Tiger Beer.

Be sure to look out for it.

Tiger début

The tiger dance was brought to Malaysia by Master Siow Ho Phiew who trained the first troupe here three months ago.

According to him, “Before this, the tiger dance was not known at all in Malaysia, as we already have the lion and dragon dances. However, with the Year of the Tiger around the corner, it’s a great time for the tiger dance to make its début.”

Where will the tiger dance be performed?

The tiger dance is featured in a local Chinese movie sponsored by Tiger Beer called Woohoo! which is about a group of young men who train in the art in order to perform at a special ceremony held once every 60 years.

The dance has featured in a number of Tiger Beer’s Year of the Tiger launches. There will be more such performances in numerous locations across the country including Penang, the Klang Valley, Ipoh, Ma lacca and Johor Baru.

Is the dance being adapted to Malaysia?

“A majority of the moves from the tiger dance have been improvised. It makes sense for us to try new styles and techniques in the creation of Malaysia’s first tiger dance. If I only followed what has already been done, there would be no creativity or innovation,” says Master Siow.

o Tiger now sports a new vibrant look that reflects its acclaimed status. Tiger has won admirers from around the world since 1932 with its distinctive clean and crisp taste.

It has won more than 40 international medals, including the prestigious Brewing Industry International Award.

Genting 14th National Single and First Double Lion Dance Championship

2010-01-06T20:17:00.002+08:00

The Video is finally out for purchase. Get them to spice up your chinese new year atmosphier
Preview the video below.

Purchase them at This Link

News On Recent Genting Nationals Copetition

2009-11-25T12:46:00.002+08:00

ONE would have thought that winning another national lion dance championship would be easy for someone who had 19 world and 10 national titles under his belt.

But Si Tiam Yong, from Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Association Muar, begged to differ. The victory, he said, was an exceptionally meaningful one for him and his partner Chong Kok Fu.

“After two previous attempts, this is the first time we are bringing home the champion’s trophy of this biennial Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship,” the 21-year-old said.

This accomplishment might help him put away the memories of his bitter experiences at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands, especially an accident that happened in 2006.

Breakout!: The dramatic opening of the performance by the Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Association Muar troupe, which had the lion breaking through a cage.

“I fell from a pole during a practice session two months before the competition, and was forced to take a break for a month,” recalled Si, who controlled the lion head.

It was sheer determination and a strong passion for the art that had spurred Si for a decade, while Chong, on the other hand, revealed that he was addicted to the thrill of the challenge.

“I take pleasure from the audience’s excitement when they are awed by the new moves we have invented,” the 24-year-old said.

In the 14th championship held at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands last weekend that drew 40 lion dance troupes, the Kun Seng Keng team received thunderous applause from the crowd with its “backward handstand” move.

“The hind legs of the lion were lifted while its front legs moved backwards,” Chong said.

The other seven teams put up equally stunning performances in the finals, although three teams lost significant marks due to accidental falls. Nevertheless, all three of them climbed back up the high poles and completed their routines, to the delight of the crowd that cheered them on encouragingly.

Good coordination: The two lions of the Subang Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association Selangor interacting with each other on the high poles.

There was also a handful of Malay and Indian team members amid the Chinese-dominated troupes.

Young Bakri Anwar was one of them. The 13-year-old hit the gong for the Petaling Jaya Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association Selangor, which emerged the third runner-up.

The pint-sized SMK Sri Utama student, who had participated in three lion dance competitions so far, said he was introduced to the troupe by his Indian friend a year ago.

“This is my first medal and I am proud of my team’s achievement,” he said.

When probed further, Bakri admitted shyly that he harboured dreams of becoming a lion dancer one day.

Sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Cotra Enterprise, the championship was also the first ever that incorporated the Double Lion category, in which two lions strutted their stuff in the court simultaneously.

Albert Fong, the coach of the champion team – Subang Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association Selangor – said the most difficult part was to coordinate the interactions between the two lions.

The team’s highly dynamic performance started off with the two lions breaking through a box. They then embarked on a journey in the “mountains” (poles) in search of the cheng (a flower attached to a pole).

“One found it and happily shared it with the other,” Fong said.

The three-day event ended on a high note with Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Senator Heng Seai Kie, Resorts World Genting public relations and communications senior vice-president Datuk Anthony Yeo and Selangor & Federal Territory Lion Dance Association chairman Leong Lik Thong jointly presenting a mock cheque for RM10,000 to the Kun Seng Keng team.

Kwong Ngai Lion Dance and Persatuan Seni Goh Chor Wushu Tarian Singa Segamat won RM6,000 and RM3,000 respectively for emerging first and second runners-up.

Article Pick By Local News Paper http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/11/25/central/5166519&sec=central

The Highlights Of Genting 14th Single Lion and 1st Double Lion National Competition

2009-11-23T21:34:00.012+08:00

THESE IMAGES BELOW ARE ALL SHOT IN HIGH RESOLUTION WITH A NEW DIGITAL SLR, TO GET THE BEST QUALITY VIEW OF EVERY PICTURES, JUST CLICK ON THEM

On The Left, Image Shot with 50mm 1:1.8 Lens

The Preliminary 1 highlights

KSK Worship Altar to get blessing--------------------------------The Competition Ground

Kwong Ngai, Lion Tail Spinning 360 Degree

KSK on Fut Shan Lion Performance--------------Kwong Ngai Training After Preliminary 1

LionDonceFreak In Action. The one on the foreground not those 2 on the jong

The Preliminary 2 highlights

Special Thanks to Miss Amy Lu on contributing some photos to this post

(Left) Segamat Gor Chor (Right) Selayang Hong Teck
Photo Shot By : Amy Y.F. Lu

KSK In Action. This time playing with new toy, The Hula Hoop
Photo Shot By : Amy Y.F. Lu

Chinese Sports Club Selangor
Photo Shot By : Amy Y.F. Lu

Stay Tuned For Image Highlights On Finals

Genting 14 National Single Lion Competition & 1st Double Lion Competition Preliminaries

2009-11-21T09:22:00.009+08:00

Day 1
Single Lion First Round

Kee Ling Kok Lion Dance Team Final Score : 5.47

Pandamaran B Klang Final Score : 5.98

Nam Wah Kangar Pulai Johor Final Score : 7.62

Persatuan Tarian Singa Kin Cho Hang Kuantan Final Score : 7.65

Kun Seng Keng Lion And Dragon Dance Asso Final Score : 9.08

Jun Wai Dragon and Lion Dance : Did not participate due to injuries

Miri United Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe Team B Final Score : 6.61

Persatuan Tarian Singa Pemuda MCA Selayang Baru Final Score : 6.73

Pertubuhan Tarian Singa Bei Her Kota Setar Kedah Final Score : 7.8

Kok Hing Lion & Drogon Dance Final Score : 7.57

Kun Seng Keng Dragon And Lion Dance Asso Bukit Pasir Final Score : 8.81

Persatuan Tarian Singa Hok Seng Final Score : 8.62

Kelba Tarian Naga dan Singa Taman Aman (KSK) Final Score : 8.56

Pertubuhan Tarian Singa dan Naga Hong Teik Alor Setar Kedah Final Score : 7.22

Soka Gakkai Malaysia Martial Arts Group final Score : 8.12

Double Lion First Round

Sg Way Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Asso Final Score : 7.82 (Double Lion Dance 4nd Runner Up)

Persatuan Kesenian Gui Qing N.Sembilan Final Score : 8.43 (Double Lion Dance 3nd Runner Up)

Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Luen Seng Physical Culture Asso Final Score : 4.57

Kok Hong Dragon and Lion Dance Kepong Final Score : 7.75

Single Lion Second Round

Persatuan Wushu, Dragon and Lion dance Long Yi Kulai Johor Final Score : 8.03

Persatuan Tarian Naga & Singa Kwong Ngai Balakong Final Score : 8.95

Petaling Jaya Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Asso Final Score : 8,97

SUPP Miri Lion Dance Troupe Team C Final Score : 5.42

Sg Way Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Asso Final Score : 8.94

Day 2

Single Lion Third Round

Guan Soon Keong Hoong Tuck Lion Dance, Teluk Intan Perak Final Score : 8.23

Persatuan Seni Goh Chor Wushu Tarian Singa Bukit Siput Final Score : 8.80

Selayang Hong Teck Dragon And Lion Dance Final Score : 8.18

Subang Khuan Loke Dragon & Lion Dance Asso Selangor Final Score : 8.34

Pertubuhan Tarian Naga & Singa Wen Chin Kelapa Sawit Final Score : 8.63

SMJK San Min Lion Dance Society Final Score : 7.21

Kun Seng Keng Dragon & Lion Dance Asso Johor Baharu Final Score : 8.73

Kok Hing Dragon & Lion Dance Asso Kepong : Did Not Complete, No Score

Puchong Khuan Loke Dragon & Lion Dance Asso Final Score : 8.20

Kwong Ngai Lion Dance Final Score : 9.05

Pertubuhan Belia Hong Wu Selayang Final Score : 8.36

Kwong Fei Shi Ngai Lion Dance : Did Not Complete, No Score

Taman Desa MCA Lion Dance Asso Kluang Johor : Did Not Complete, No Score

Persatuan Kesenian Gui Qing Negeri Sembilan : Did Not Complete, No Score

Persatuan Sukan Cina Sungai Besi : Did Not Complete, No Score

Double Lion Second Round

Selayang Hong Teck Dragon & Lion Dance Final Score : 6.95

Kwong Ngai Lion Dance : Did Not Complete, No Score

Subang Khuan Loke Dragon & Lion Dance Asso Selangor Final Score : 8.74 (Double Lion Dance Champion)

Pertubuhan Tarian naga & Singa Wen Chin Kelapa Sawit Final Score : 8.36 (Double Lion Dance 2nd Runner Up)

Nam Wah Kangar Pulai Johor Final Score : 8.69 ( Double Lion Dance 1st Runner Up )

Single Lion Fourth Round

Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Luen Seng Physical Culture Asso : Injuries During Training, Did Not Participate

Lembaga Pengurus SJK (C) Pulai Tarian Singa Final Score : 8.61

Persatuan Seni Goh Chor Wushu Tarian Singa Segamat Final Score : 8.91

Persatuan Rekas Pasukan keselamatan Negara Malaysia, Cawangan Mantin : Did Not Complete, No Score

Persatuan Sukan & Kebajikan Anggota Rela Daerah Lion Dance Kluang : Did Not Participate

Final Participating Team For 14 th Single Lion Dance National Competition

Persatuan Seni Goh Chor Wushu Tarian Singa Bukit Siput Final Score : 7.79

Sg Way Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Asso Selangor Final Score : 8.94

Petaling Jaya Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Asso Selangor Final Score : 8.96

Persatuan Seni Goh Chor Wushu Tarian Singa Segamat Final Score : 8.99

Kun Seng Keng Dragon And Lion Dance Asso Bukit Pasir Final Score : 7.81

Kun Seng Keng Dragon And Lion Dance Asso Muar Final Score : 9.24

Persatuan Tarian Naga & Singa Kwong Ngai Balakong Selangor Final Score : 7.69

Kwong Ngai Lion Dance Final Score : 9.22

Ranks

Champion :
Kun Seng Keng Dragon And Lion Dance Asso Muar Final Score : 9.24

1st Runner Up :
Kwong Ngai Lion Dance Final Score : 9.22

2nd Runner :
Persatuan Seni Goh Chor Wushu Tarian Singa Segamat Final Score : 8.99

3rd Runner Up :
Petaling Jaya Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Asso Selangor Final Score : 8.96

The Champions till the 2nd Runner Up will See All Of You In 2010 Genting World Championship

Images will be available soon. Stay Tune

Master Siow's Featuring in CNY Comedy Featured Film. News realesed

2009-11-13T11:16:00.002+08:00

Master Siow play role as an 70+ years old man in the featured comedy film called "大日子" Da Re Zhi also named as "WooHoo" in English. Surprisingly, Synopsis of the story is basically not about Lion Dance but about TIGER dance. Master Siow plays a Old Grand Master who is a Tiger Dance Master who teach the art of tiger dance to a bunch of young people.

Featuring famous local Astro TV Station and MyFm Radio Station DJ and artist, Jack Lim, Vivian, Siow Hui Min..ect

News To The Lion Dancing Arena :
Subang Hong Teck Malaysia, A team founded by most of Master Siow's employees of Lion Dance Equipment WSH Dragon and Lion Arts we those who are also under the scene doing the stuns on the jongs and also those who contributed to coach the artist to do lion dance movement to apply them in the TIGER costume.

For the Fan Page on more pics for this Movie Click This Link

The Lion Arts Update

2009-10-30T17:25:00.002+08:00

It has been awhile since the silence in the lion dance industry. especially in The Lion Arts. Just be back to bring some updates to my fellow followers. Genting Competition will be just around the corner. Tickets and reservation info at this LINK. Hope to see you guys there in the 3 days of exciting tournament.

On The Lion Arts side, We just announce our creative services. offering prints on shirts and pants, cards, flyers and many more. We also branch our creativity out to offer video services for troupes to actually to brand them self professionally when it comes to presentation on their troupe performance offer. We make your simple home video looks professional and more commercialize.

see more on our official webside click here

Lion Dance Grand Master On FIlm

2009-09-28T12:15:00.003+08:00

World Lion Dance Champions Master that coach troupes such as Kun Seng Keng And Khuan Loke who made numerous champions on the international Lion Dance Championships made himself into the local film industry. Master H.P Siow, spent 1 month shooting in local feature films being in a role of 70 year old man.

This film will be up on local cinemas during the Lunar New Year 2010. The film just finish shooting today will start to on post production and finish by end of the year. The film that master Siow has play in was some thing similar but different from his current proffesion. The local producers will keep the news of this film close and remain unexpose until the day they complete the post production and when its ready to promote. Also staring local artist such as Jack Lim, a famous Chinese Station DJ, Ah Xian.. and many more...

This spontanious culture featured film will target to tickle audience into laughter as they celebrate the 2010 Chinese Lunar New Year. Malaysian movie goers are recommended to watch this local produced entertaining comedy.

To Respect the Local Movie Producers, The Lion Arts Will Only Give That Much Information About The Movie. More News Will Be Coming Regarding Movie From Master Siow's Experience If The Media Allows.

Highland Vanue To Host Prancing Lions

2009-08-01T11:24:00.002+08:00

MALAYSIA’S biggest and most established lion dance championship is back!

The 14th Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship 2009 will be held in Genting Highlands from Nov 20 to 22, with prizes worth up to RM40,000 up for grabs.

Organised by Genting – City of Entertainment and the Selangor & Federal Territory Lion and Dragon Dance Association, the biennial national event is expected to attract 40 of the best lion dance troupes from all over Malaysia.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Association chairman Leong Lik Thong announced that the championship would be divided into two categories — Single Lion Category and Double Lions Category.

Let the lions roar!: (First row, from left) Federation of Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Association officers Lim Seng Chia, Lai and Yap, Wong, Leong and Siow and other invited guests at the press conference.

The Two Lions category, which is being introduced for the first time, will involve two lions performing thrilling stunts in the court, which guarantees a more challenging and breathtaking competition among the lion dance troupes.

Also at the press conference were Federation of Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Association officers Siow Hong Phiew, Yap Chee Keong and Lai Shee Lum, and Genting Malaysia Berhad promotion and entertainment department assistant manager Wong Kok Chee.

The champion in the Single Lion category will receive RM10,000, while the first, second and third runners-up will take home RM6,000, RM3,000 and RM2,000 respectively. The teams will also receive a trophy and medals.

The four other finalists will receive RM1,000 each.

In the Double Lions category, the champion will receive RM5,000, while the first and second runners-up will take home RM3,000 and RM2,000 respecively. The teams will also receive a trophy and medals.

The two consolation winners will receive RM800 each.

The championship will be held for three days. The preliminary rounds will be held on Nov 20 and 21, while the grand finals will take place on Nov 22. The competition will begin at 2pm and end at 10pm daily.

Genting WorldCard members can watch the preliminary rounds for free by redeeming entry passes at the Genting WorldCard Centre in Genting Highlands or at Genting Sales Offices.

While the ticket price for the grand finals will be announced later (log on to Genting’s website for more info), Genting WorldCard members will be entitled to a special discount.

Infants and children below three years old will not be admitted for the shows, while children aged three years and above require tickets for admission.

For details and ticket reservations, log on to www.genting.com.my or call 03-2718 1118.

Server Down on Main Page

2009-07-31T15:14:00.001+08:00

Hi Guys. We are sorry for the server problem. Seems that it could only be online on the 3rd of August. In the mean time.. we will use The blog for any announcement. Thanks

14th Genting National Lion Dance Competition

2009-07-29T18:40:00.003+08:00

Yes, what we have waiting for, now Confirmed. 14th Genting National Lion Dance Competition to be held on 20,21 and 22 November 2009. My fellow overseas lion dance freak friends, Have you booked your Air Tickets. Any one wants to buy the Grand Final tickets, The Lion Arts International is please to help you to buy them. Please drop us an email for further assistance

The Birthday

2009-07-26T03:09:00.009+08:00

Malaysia Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association celebrates its 7th birthday on 25/7/2009 and organized a Cultural Night served with dinner. Filling up the hall with more than 1300 people, the night was happening and lively. Performance highlighted on the night was Northern Lions, 24 Festive Drums, The New Lion and Dragon Stage Drama, and The Acrobatics Lion Dance On High Pole. A must watch, Stage Drama, gives you a fresh look instead of traditional way of performing the arts of lion dance and dragon dance. Also not to be forgotten, the show ends with the High Stakes Acrobatic Lion Dance. Catch Up with LIONDONCEFREAK's SITE. He should be having that video up soon. The special move highlighted was a 270 degree turn from a Gua Jong Position and back up on pole. Will post some performance video that we have just mention. But for the High Stakes Acrobatics performance, Please click the Link to LionDonceFreak's Site

Besides the performance, There is a special highlight that we would also like to mention. Which is Lion Dance King, Master Siow Ho Phiew accepted another 10 disciple in a "Bai See" Ceremony, witness by the crowd of 1350 people and Hoksan Sarping Grand Master Robin Chan. His disciple now, Worldwide and Local (Malaysia) have already reach 49 officials.

Some Of The Bai See Picture Highlights

The Neon Lion & Dragon Drama

New Lion Heads Portfolios

2009-05-09T14:37:00.003+08:00

We recently delivered a custom lion head. I can say, it is the design of the year. So far there is only 4 similar lion heads had been produced. KSK has 1, Hong Kong Tam Pui Yuen has 1 , 1 more unknown, and the forth one is completed and monitored by The Lion Arts International.
For further lion heads special order, feel free to contact us. "World Class Quality, World Class Lion Dancers" Come and be one of the World Class Dancers and Performers.

Its a Tedious Job

2009-03-09T01:34:00.003+08:00

Behind the scene of the new culture combination, It is fully Shot and edited by me, Yeah the author of The Lion Arts. this job its straight forward yet not simple. Music is one consideration. and making them gel together is also one issue. But I finally got it done. I hope you guys like this Video of The Behind The Scene. This Culture Combination really involve man power. How many? Watch the video Below. I have also got a the copy of the real Event released. Interested to purchase one, Please Drop by the main page by just clicking the link above this page. I will include this piece of my work in and also another Performance extra when KSK and Team first ever perform this combination.

THE FULL EVENT COPY PREVIEW

Lion Dance History DVD

2009-02-26T00:16:00.001+08:00

I would like to promote this video. It is worth of collection. Running time at 50 mins and fully English language documentary

Treating The Royals

2009-02-13T09:00:00.008+08:00

World Lion Dance Champion Kun Seng Keng, Treat The Royals with tense and stunning performance. On the 8th day of Chinese New Year. Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, Founder of The Mines Berhad who also owns a world known 6 Star Hotel, Palace Of The Golden Horse, Invited honored guest from the Royals which is The King Of Perlis State, and The King Of Selangor State. And Malaysia Former Prime Minister TUN Dr. Mahatir Mohd to treat them with Chinese New Year Open House and lion dance performance by KSK.

The Kings, Former Prime Minister and their Wifes.

From Left. King of Perlis , King Of Selangor
& Former Prime Minister

Formaer Prime Mister's Wife, Rewarding The Champions With Red Packets

Western Australia Chung Wah Association Lion Dance Troupe is Gaining Exposure

2009-01-23T15:05:00.009+08:00

I still remember when me and Kwun(Leader Of Chung Wah Lion Dance Troupe) was chatting and laughing and having great times with rest of their troupe members during their stay in Malaysia. Today, they are seen on TV, Congratulation Chung Wah Association Lion Dance Troupe, Keep up the good work and training...

The Lion Arts is very proud to see those uniform design by us, fits perfectly in you guys. You guys really look good and cool with those now uniform. It is my honor to design you guys those uiform and it makes a total now identity of the troupe.

The Lion Arts International Branding and Troupe Identity

Design Proposed By The Lion Arts-------------------------------Final Result Of The Uniform

For Any Trope related Design and Identity or Branding your troupe, Email me at andy@thelionarts.com we do Promotional Video, Brochures, Logo Design, Uniform Design, Name Card Printing and design and also Greeting Cards

My Recent Found In the Local News Paper

2009-01-22T09:39:00.000+08:00

High-pole lions to soar with festive drummers

By YIP YOKE TENG

THE hot and dry air heralds the annual arrival of lions over the next few weeks to greet everyone Happy Chinese New Year. This year, the lions have some great companions in tow to bring double happiness to the world.

Fearlessly prancing from pole to pole to mark new beginnings, the lions are set to stir the spirit even higher with the thunderous beats of the 24 Festive Drums.

For fun: Dr Hou (second from right) and other guests trying their hands beating the 24 Festive Drums.

Steeped in rich culture, the high pole lion dance and drum ensemble are actually made in Malaysia.

They are undoubtedly the pride of the nation, with their popularity as widespread as the name of the country.

For the first time in history, the two Malaysian legacies will come together to deliver a dazzling show while marking a breakthrough in cultural development.

The performance involving 80 members is presented by 29-time world champion lion dance troupe Kun Seng Keng and the acclaimed 24-drum team from Foon Yew Chinese Independent School, both from Johor.

The group will perform around the country and their first show was launched by Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung on Saturday at Wisma CNI, Shah Alam.

In order: Members of the 24 Festive Drum are a disciplined lot.

Dr Hou, quoting his findings, said studies and records showed that lion dance did not originate from China nor Malaysia, but from the western regions of China, which referred to where Xinjiang, Afghanistan or Iran are currently located.

“Lion dance was brought into the mainland during the Three Kingdom Era and spread through the country only during the Tang Dynasty. This shows that a culture is an amalgamation of various origins. Hence it should not belong to only one ethnic group but it can be best explored and depicted by one of them,” he said.

“In the past, it was once misunderstood but was nevertheless recognised as a national heritage two years ago. It has developed dynamically and has even piqued the interest of other ethnic groups,” he added.

He described high pole lion dance as an eminently elegant art and highly-skilled craft, and that Malaysia was No 1 in the world in this field.

Meanwhile, he said the 24 Festive Drums was a great cultural innovation presented by a Chinese community outside China.

Powerful strokes: Famed calligrapher from China Gu Nai Ping at work.

“This art is a combination of music, dance, calligraphy and ancient wisdom,” he added.

The event was attended by many icons who had contributed significantly to the development of Chinese culture in Malaysia. Among them were Federation of Chinese Association Malaysia president Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong, Yayasan CNI president Datin Chuah Tek Lan, KL and Selangor Lion and Dragon Dance Association president Leong Lik Thong, Malaysia Chinese Cultural Society president Tai Shio Hwa and Malaysia Xiang Lian Youth Association adviser Datuk Ang Lai Hee.

Counsellor of the China Embassy in Malaysia, Su Qiang, praised the creation of the two Chinese arts that added depth and breadth to Chinese culture.

Prominent local and international calligraphers wrote the Solar Terms at the event, while SRJK(C) Jenjarom board of government chairman Gan Liam Chor donated a set of 24 Festive Drums to the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple. This was received by Master Jue Cheng.

For further details of the performance schedule, call 016-227 1613 or 017-310 0217.

The Beat

Created in the 1980s, the 24 Festive Drums have been played by more than 16,000 students while Singapore, Taiwan, China, Thailand and America have their own 24-drum teams.

Not easy: Students from the Foon Yew Chinese Independent School in Johor Baru drumming up a high spirited rhythm for the lion to prance onto high poles.

The beats are belted out in unison and synchronisation in a choreography that challenges one’s creativity. The drums are named with the 24 Solar Terms listed in the agriculture calendar used about 2,000 years ago in the downstream of Yellow River. The names are beautiful, in the likes of The Awakening of Insects, The Great Heat, The Arrival of Winter and others, to mark the subtle changes of nature throughout the year.

“Ancient emperors gave advice to their citizens according to these Solar Terms, so that people and nature could exist in harmony. Over the years, these terms were forgotten and even the underlying message on environmental conservation was neglected,” said poet Tan Chai Puan.

Tan and his friend, late musician Tan Hooi Song were the founders of the art.

Chai Puan came across the names moments after he and Hooi Song worked on a festive celebration featuring a drum performance involving nine members.

“Only then it dawned on me that we had such poetic terms to describe the seasons of the year, and I wanted to come out with a way that can link them to the modern context,” he said.

And so, the duo created an ensemble of 24 drums named after the solar terms.

Founded on a strong history, the energetic art soon gripped the interest of many and it continued to expand with players always eager to explore different choreography.

It is now one of the fastest developing forms of performance, and continues to inspire its learners in the aspects of discipline, exercise and creativity, besides the arts behind it.

The Action

The passion that fuels the development of lion dance in Malaysia has never wavered since the 1970s.

It is with that kind of “fire” that this art has put the country on the international map, with even lion dance players from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan turning to our masters here for advice.

Malaysian troupes have clinched numerous gold medals in international lion dance competitions. In fact, the much popular high pole lion dance is created by Johor Baru-based Malaysian Siow Ho Phiew.

He said when Malaysia organised its first lion dance competition in 1985, it grabbed international attention.

“Response was always on the rise. Troupes from around the globe battled it out on the ground, tables, chairs and poles. Soon, the poles reached higher into the sky with the teams trying to outdo each other and at one point they reached 6m,” he recalled.

Not only was the height too dangerous for the participants, such shows were visually unpleasant for the viewers.

In view of that, a protocol was drawn and Siow proposed a set of poles measuring between 2m and 3m be used for lion dancing in the future. It was warmly welcomed by his counterparts from different countries, and was soon recognised as the standard setting.

Today, high pole lion dance is loved and practised by not only the Chinese.

“Lion dance belongs to the world, that is why I never call it a Chinese thing. It is an art and an exercise that can be embraced by anyone,” he said.

When Lion Dance Became A Big Budget Production

2009-01-19T17:25:00.008+08:00

When Drumming sounds heard from miles away, when a lion dance performance need to use more than 60 over members, What stage could lion dance end up with?

year 2009, KSK again write history in the lion dancing arena by introducing a new method of performance. Budgeting more that 7500USD per show, involving more that 60 over performers, Lion Dance has reach a new Revolution In Skills, 24 festive drum incorporate with lion dance on high stakes, resulting a bigger and higher value performance.

I was there to shoot the whole event from the rehersal to the 2 performance on the next day after the preparation. When I fist step down and start hearing the drum beats, it thrills me. It gives me a feeling of being in an ancient Chinese Battle field just like those we watch in the big screen.
This performance is the first ever 24 drums + Lion Dance Performance introduced. Entertaining guest from over 30 Embassies including, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, German, London, India, Indonesia, and many more.

This production will be all include in a DVD which will publish in the future. Featuring 2 performance of 24 festive drums + High Stakes Acrobatic Lion Dance, Behind the scenes - see how much work involve just to perform a 17 minutes show and also the rehersal Night.

OX year, OX Dance Instead

2009-01-13T11:48:00.003+08:00

I found this interesting article about OX dance instead of Lion Dance. Here the article Goes

ALL SET FOR AN OX-PICIOUS START TO CHINESE NEW YEAR

By ANN TAN

GEORGE TOWN: Instead of the traditional lion and dragon dances for Chinese New Year, two bulls will dance to usher in the Year of the Ox here.

The bull dance became a reality, thanks to an Ipoh craftsman who created the gold and silver bulls, complete with hooves and tails.

Teh Wing Liang, who has been making lion and dragon heads for the past 15 years, said he received the order to create the bulls from the Kepala Batas Tiong Hua Sports and Cultural Association.

Dances withe bulls: Kepala Batas Tiong Hua Sports and Cultural Association members performing the bull dance after the eye-dotting ceremony for the bull heads.-MUSTAFA AHMAD/The Star

“Since we have never seen the bull dance in Malaysia, I had to browse through the Internet for inspiration,” he said.

The 34-year-old craftsman took a week to complete the heads. Wing Liang said the jaw was the most difficult part to create.

He said he consulted a cowherd who told him that cows kept their eyes open even when they were asleep.

“That is why I did not put any eyelids on the two bull heads unlike the traditional lion heads,” he said, adding that the heads were 20% smaller than a lion’s head.

“I have to make sure the dancers can move comfortably with the bull’s head on,” he said. Having formed a bamboo ‘skeleton’ of the head, Teh used cloth for the hide, a pair of shoes for the hooves and a hose for the tail.

Guang Ming Daily senior business promotion manager Teh Eng Beng said the gold and silver bulls will perform during the Penang Chinese New Year Miao Hui celebration on Jan 17. The dances will be performed in front of the Guang Ming Daily office in Jalan Macalister at 8pm.

“We invited the Kepala Batas Tiong Hua Sports and Cultural Association to do the bull dance for the Year of the Ox. The event is jointly organised with Sin Chew Daily,” he said.

Eng Beng said association members referred to the Internet to see how the dance was performed.

“The bull dance tends to be slower and more humorous than the lion dance,” he said.

Repair your lions.

2009-01-13T00:35:00.005+08:00

I've took the decision to repair this pair of silver lions. We have quite a number rough performance some times, Playing with water cheng, beer and liquor cheng... end out it will makes our lions soaking wet and also strong smell of alcohol. Using this reinforce lions is the best solutions for all this rough chengs. There is only a few pictures here to share. For the step by step information on how I reinforce my lions, Please go to www.thelionarts.com under lion dance story and lion dancers column.

The Grand 30's

2009-01-05T23:57:00.004+08:00

SARPING LOGO

Happy 30th Birthday Kee Ling Kok Malaysia. Thats the words from most of the lion dance troupe from Malaysia to Kee Ling Kok Lion Dance Association. Consider one of the biggest Hoksan Sarping Confederation Gathering for the year 2009 so far. More that 20 local Hoksan Sarping teams attended the night of Kee Ling Kok's Dinner. Also one of the most respected comitee member of world dragon and lion dance fedration, Chirman of Malaysia Selangor and Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Federation was invited to attend this big event. Sarping School Grand Master Robin Chan, Master H.P Siow and many more Sarping School's students were also there to congrats Kee Ling Kok.

The event includes the performance of Dragon, Northern Lions, Jongs, Traditional, and Drumming Performance.

To see more pictures and video, kindly tab the EVENT link on the link tab

A book Of Heritage

2009-01-01T11:52:00.016+08:00

Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd Malaysia. Did one of the best work for culture during year 2007/2008. They published a Short Video and a Book called Malaysia Amazing Heritage. In the book, written Malaysia's most greatest Heritage in Social, Natural, CULTURE, Arts and Bulding
It took a long way and hard work to for DIGI to complete this piece of amazing work perfectly. I personal think that DIGI gave back very much to the society though they are already one of the Biggest Telecommunications Service Provider. I personally Owns a DIGI Phone Number for my business line as well. DIGI Launch this campaign 4 years ago in January 19 2005. Travelling across Malaysia just to reach closer to the community. This mammoth corporate project's objective is mainly to preserve local tradition by empowering people to practise it. Every year they run one project in each category, in 3 phrases, Discovery, Implemetation and Showcase.

Any way, Back to this Book. I was one of the luckiest person to get this book, a piece of great work. Honestly staying In Malaysia, does not mean you know your own country as much as we normally think. If fact I have to admit that, Foreigners know our land way better that we do some times because they research our land before they come and visit. So by getting this book I see many amazing thing in my own Mother Land. Things that I didnt thought it was that amazing. So what is this book has to do with my lion dance experience here?

Yeah You guess it right. The Amazing Heritage of culture has a column for lion dance. Master H.P Siow has became one of the AMAZING MALAYSIAN awarded by DIGI Malaysia. His contribution in the World Lion Dancing Arena has brought the Arts such a amazing peak today. Lion Dance Originated from our Chinese Maindland China. But today Malaysia is the country that Leads the name of the "Country Of Kings Of Lion Kings"
This Lion Dance column in this book tells the story of Master Siow, His life in contribution on his passion in Lion Dance. From a poor family man who is only working as a farmer who do not even have money to buy lion heads from China when he started his own troupe. Because of being so poor, He does his own lion heads. That, forever changed his life. Making his the busiest business man in the Lion Head Crafting industry. Producing World Class Lion Heads in Quality, Durability and Beauty. Being so busy, but never forget his passion. He Strive for time to spread his knowledge in the field hoping that this piece of precious lion dancing arts will never extinc in the coming generations. He has devalope many troupe world wide. Local troupe KSK are his most accomplish student. Recently he also gave a warmth welcome to WESTERN AUSTRALIA. CHUNG WAH ASSOCIATION LION DANCE TROUPE, GEE YUNG HAWAII, and MELBOURNE YOUTH ASSOCIATION LION DANCE TROUPE to devalope their skills in lion dancing.

Being one of the luckiest person to get this book, its not as lucky as me as I got his Genuine SIGNATURE beside of his picture on this book. Below is all the picture to share. Thanks For Reading folks. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009.

VIDEO

Australia, Malaysia Culture Exchange

2008-12-17T23:33:00.013+08:00

A Latest MTV Produce, Written, and Directed by The Lion Arts
Dedicated To All W.A Chung Wah Lion Dance Association

3 Dec 2008, Arrival of 5 honoured guest from Western Australia (W.A) Chung Wah Lion Dance Troupe. The Lion Arts is pleased and glad to treat them as our honoured guest.
Chung Wah Lion Dance Troupe spent 5 days here in Malaysia. The Lion Arts organized them to meet up with World famous Lion Dance Master, Master H.P Siow.

Spent 5 days training under Master H.P Siow, Members of Chung Wah learn most of Hoksan Sarping Technique. With their further training after getting back to perth, The Lion Arts, Master Siow really hope that they can master the teaching of Hoksan Sarping as soon as possible.

Below, are some of the Pictures of their best moments during their training here.

Master Siow Giving Seminar In A High School

My Latest, Precious Found

2008-11-27T17:59:00.001+08:00

My latest found and Own is this old Futshan Lion. I certainly found it very special in it looks because it has a fierce eye and also expression. I think this lion is also easily 15 years old. The lion maker has also left this world. Now I think we cant find this kind of lions any more. It is a high value collectors item. "yeah I know, many thinks I'm weird for collecting lion heads" But I just find it exciting. This is not China Made, But made in Malaysia and these style was once very popular during the mid 80's and early 90's . I will keep this look as it is but try to reinforce it to make it not look so broken. Looking old is really fine to me because the older it looks the higher collectors value it has.

Thanks To University of Malaysia (UM) Lion Dance Member and also C.Q Low, the head of UM lion dance Troupe, who gave this lion to me as a collection.

When I reinforce this lion, I will take down the picture and steps and post it on TLA Official site as a topic for lion dancers. Hope every lion dancers will benefit from it.

OLD FUTSHAN FOUND

2008-11-23T17:30:00.001+08:00

This old Zhang Fei Lion is at least 18 Years Old. This is WSH production with a curve soil at the side of the face. This type of lion has stop production since 1998. Lions that manufactured by WSH then is all semi round soil. No matter Futshan of Hoksan. This kind of lions are consider a rare collection that people are willing keep it though it can't be used anymore. If you happen to come across one, remember to ask the owner if they don't want it. Take it back home with you. Sooner, I will Post a topic in www.TheLionArts.com about Repairing Lion Heads and many will benefit from this topic, I hope.

MY FIBY

2008-11-14T14:07:00.001+08:00

"Fiby" I pronounce it as "Fai - Bi" Just got such an inspiration from the name Fiber. Fiby has been together with me almost 7 years. I own it since 2002. I've switch using Fiby when people are still using Woody... lol.. I'm one of the first few who starts to use it because it is pretty costly compared to woody. Till 2004-05 it has boom the popularity that most people start to use it because of being many times heavier that wood made ones and fine in texture. Fiby, being the best partner of me as we gone through many thick and thin together. Performance after performance, we earn many applause and compliments together. Till today, though many other troupes have the same drum sticks as my Fiby but I still preffer to use mine. My Fiby is a limited edition pair. Now no more in production. New fiber cast drumsticks are slightly fatter in size and it is heavier than Fiby. My Fiby is under weight..... But I've already got use to it. Fiby travels around with me in my car, so, where ever I reach where there is a place for me to drum, Fiby will always be around.