GENTING HIGHLANDS: Defending champions Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe set the early pace in the semi-final of the 21st Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship, scoring 9.35 points in a strong performance at Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting today (Sept 26).
The Rawang-based troupe, the sixth to perform, impressed with sharp footwork and drew loud cheers from the crowd throughout its routine.
Nine judges awarded the troupe scores above nine points without any penalty.
Xuan Long’s 9.35 currently puts them at the top of the standings after the first six performances.
Earlier, Kwong Ngai Lion Dance from Penang opened the competition with 8.92 points, followed by Persatuan Penganut Buddha Seng Fatt Kampar from Perak with 8.85 and Persatuan Penganut Agama Sin Ong Dian from Labuan with 8.58.
Sin Ong Dian also caught the crowd’s attention with its Stitch-themed lion costume and storytelling during its routine.
The fourth team, KL Hong Teck Dragon and Lion Dance, suffered a setback when one of its performers fell from the pole twice, resulting in a 2.10-point penalty and leaving the team with 6.76 points.
The fifth team, Keong Fatt Dragon and Lion Dance from Sabah, meanwhile, impressed with clean footwork and an eye-catching routine featuring performers walking on a tightrope while carrying the lion’s front performer.
Despite receiving cheers from the crowd, Keong Fatt was disqualified. The judges announced that the team was disqualified due to an “internal responsibility” issue.
Twenty troupes are competing in today’s semi-final, with only 10 to advance to tomorrow’s final.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man officiated the opening of the championship this morning. He was accompanied by Ministry of Youth and Sports Deputy Director Mohd Hilmi Dahlan, Vice President of Entertainment and Events of Resorts World Genting Chia Lee Yun and Chairman of the Federation of Selangor and Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Association Liong Kok Wah
