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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Uniting in true ‘Muhibah’ spirit through lion dance

 

Free Malaysia Today
The Muhibah Lion Dance Troupe is open to anyone of any race, gender or background. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

PETALING JAYA
In the grassy compound of a house in Section 17 here, a group of youths has constructed a physical training course made up of flowerpots and wooden benches stacked atop each other.

With boundless energy, they leap in pairs, one person in front of the other: it’s an intricate game of coordination, cooperation and trust. One wrong move could send them both crashing to the ground.

It’s a tricky task, but it’s all part of regular training for the Muhibah Lion Dance Troupe, one of the oldest multicultural organisations in Malaysia devoted to this traditional Chinese art form.


“We’ve performed in Bahrain, Sri Lanka, India, and this year, we will be performing in the Maldives. We’ve been hired to dance by many companies, even at the KL Tower.

“But our achievement is also the sense of togetherness that we have,” troupe leader James Vijeypala Attygalle told FMT Lifestyle.

Free Malaysia Today
Optical illusion: members of the troupe during a training session. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

True to their name, the Muhibah Lion Dance Troupe is open to everyone, male and female, and has Malay, Chinese, Indian and East Malaysian members. Some of its Sabahan members have even started an offshoot of the group in their home state.

The group brings a fresh perspective to this age-old tradition and is a testament to the power of the arts and culture in bringing people together.

Muhibah’s history goes back several decades. It began as an offshoot of the Malaysia Airlines lion dance troupe, which comprised crew members of various races and backgrounds. They often travelled around the country to participate in the then-held MAS Golden Lion Dance Championship.

As time went on, the troupe branched off from the airline and, in 1983, Muhibah was officially formed.

Free Malaysia Today
James Vijeypala Attygalle hopes more people will discover the joys of lion dance. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

“It all came naturally. When we were performing, we didn’t look at each other’s class, creed or religion. We forged a foundation among ourselves throughout the years, that we would treat one another as family,” said James, a Penang-born kung-fu practitioner since his teens.

While most active during the Chinese New Year season, the Muhibah Lion Dance Troupe is busy year-round as it often gets invited to perform at weddings, housewarmings, new business openings, and other such events.

While lion dancing is a fun activity, James said mastery of it boils down to discipline and attitude. You can be a good dancer, he emphasised, but without respect for others, you will not make it in a lion dance troupe.

His mission is to teach members of the younger generation to appreciate this ancient art form, and to be aware of the various rules and traditions concerning its practice.

Free Malaysia Today
Siti Saleha has been performing with the dance troupe for almost two decades. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

One of the troupe’s regular members, Siti Saleha, has been actively performing with the group for almost two decades. In her college days, she found herself fascinated with the leaping lions she saw every Chinese New Year.

“I think it’s very interesting. Every time I come for practice, I learn something new,” said the bubbly Kelantan-born entrepreneur.

Training can be challenging, Siti acknowledged, but the best part was discovering her own capabilities in the process.

Many of her troupe members are like family to her. “Work can be busy sometimes, but I always make time for lion dance because I love it,” she added with a smile.

Free Malaysia Today
The troupe during a recent performance in Petaling Jaya. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Not everyone, however, has been completely on board with the Muhibah Lion Dance Troupe’s progressive outlook on the art form.

“Sad to say, even until now, there are certain quarters who think lion dancing should only involve a certain community. So, they will not call the Muhibah Lion Dance Troupe to dance for them. Even in the 21st century, there is still this kind of mindset,” James mused.

“Thankfully, there are also those who really love our multicultural performances. I think acceptance will take time, in any field.”

James believes Malaysian lion dance has evolved by leaps and bounds since its early days, and hopes more people of all backgrounds will take it up.

And Siti Saleha points out the social aspect of being part of such a group. “After our performances, we always have fun and eat together,” she shared. “At the end of the day, we respect one another. Lion dance helps bring people together.” - FMT

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