They were so enthusiastic with their prancing that at one point, they whacked the fake styrofoam [...]]]> After her encounter with lion dance in Mid Valley previously, it was my turn when I saw them at Old Town Cyberjaya last week. There were 2 yellow lions prancing around to what seems to be a more-upbeat-than-usual tempo.

They were so enthusiastic with their prancing that at one point, they whacked the fake styrofoam roof that was above the counter, causing it to fall. But luckily it was caught by one of their guys before it came crashing to the ground. The lions were then sitting stationary at the payment counter for some time. One wonders what they might be doing under the guise of those lion costumes. Think quietly robbing the establishment’s cash register? :P

After the lions, came a dude dressed in old Chinese Opera ensemble handing out Ang Pows. It would seem feeling the Ang Pows from the outside that they would hold 2 x 50 cent coins. But when she opened it later, we found out they were just chocolates that weren’t very tasty. Oh well.

Next year, hopefully they will give out cash in their Ang Pows instead!

Being a very curious cat, I went to [...]]]> Today while I was walking through Mid Valley and doing some window shopping (no, I was not wandering around aimlessly, even though it might  look like it :P) I came across lots of loud drum and cymbals noises. It was the Chinese New Year Lion dance!

Being a very curious cat, I went to look for where it came from. It wasn’t actually very easy to find because Mid Valley is very big and the lions are not, but after walking around a bit more I found them at the lowest floor right in the centre court. They were dancing in front of a photo shop. There were two red lions along with their ensemble of one drummer, two cymbalists, and a few more of the troupe that were standing around observing. They were all wearing purple t-shirts, but one of them must be their manager because he was wearing a white t-shirt.

The Lion dance was very entertaining to watch, because I do try to watch a Lion dance at least once for every Chinese New Year. These lions are very tame, they just walked one circuit through the shop, and then give the shop proprietor something that looks like a vegetable with an angpau (there were many other people watching and I was too far away to get a good look). Then the lions posed for photographs before heading on to the next shop. Yes, they danced for quite a few shops today. Even though I followed them around for a while, I didn’t manage to take a good picture of them. Too many people around and the lions were moving about quite a bit too. Next time, I will try to pose with the lions for a good shot!

I do quite feel sorry for the people in the lion suit, because they were all perspiring badly. The one holding the lion’s head is sweaty because he has to haul around that heavy head, while the one who becomes the lion’s bum has to dance around bent over, and let’s just say that if the one in front had durians for lunch….>.<  It is a tough job, and I don’t feel envious about the people who have to do it.

Well hopefully next year I get to see a Lion dance again. Let’s see if I get to see a pink lion :P