Young Seychellois learn Chinese lion and dragon dance |28 August 2023
A group of 13 young Seychellois can now perform the Chinese lion and dragon dance after completing a 10-day workshop under the guidance of professor Tian Haijun from Jiaying university of Meizhou City.
Last Thursday, they showcased what they learnt through two beautiful performances at the music stadium in Victoria.
Before the dance could start, the guests had to perform a special ritual. They had to touch the middle of the lion’s forehead so that the lucky star could shine bright. They also touched the eyes so as to see all directions and travel thousands of miles; touched the mouth meaning smile often, and for happiness. Those present touched the lion’s ears to have keen hearings, and good resources around you. They touch its hands and feet, meaning keep your feet on the ground, and make great success and lastly touched the head and tail, so that everything goes well, from beginning to end.
At the end of the dance, the guests had to put a red envelope in the mouth of the dragon.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese embassy, Mu Jianfeng, shared that he was impressed with the youths’ performance considering that everything was done in less than two weeks.
“The youth were amazing and with practice they will be become better in the Chinese dance. I hope they will be performing in different events to bring luck and prosperity to the country. The Chinese government will always support these kinds of activities,” said Mr Jianfeng.
Secretary general of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (Snicha), David André was also impressed with the young talents. “Culture always brings people from all corners of the world together. Even not knowing the language, the young people took up the challenge to learn the dance and also some Chinese dialect. It shows how us, Creole can learn other culture and make us better as human beings, said Mr Andre.
Kelly Alcide and Rio Forte shared that the workshop was quite intense and at the same time difficult, but they had the opportunity to learn a lot. “I got to learn about this workshop at school and as I like to participate in various activities, I decided to join in. It was the first time I got introduced to the lion and dragon dance and I am glad I took up the opportunity,” shared Rio.
The visit of professor Tian followed an official request by Snicha in collaboration Seychelles.
The lion and dragon dance is a Chinese traditional dance that is well appreciated in Seychelles, especially during the Chinese New Year celebration and at private events organised by the Chinese community.
Text and photos: Vidya Gappy
