Divers perform underwater lion dance in Malaysia ahead of Chinese New Year
Divers perform a traditional lion dance inside an aquarium at the Aquaria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur on January 30, 2019 as a part of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
PHOTO: AFP
PUBLISHED ONJanuary 30, 2019 1:53 AM
KUALA LUMPUR - Divers performed an underwater lion dance in a Malaysian aquarium on Wednesday (Jan 30) as fish and sharks swam around them, putting a new twist on the traditional Chinese New Year performance.
Two people put on the multi-coloured lion suit and performed in one of the tanks at Aquaria in Kuala Lumpur, as musicians played cymbals and drums outside.
The lion lumbered around in front of a rock formation, while a shark and some colourful fish glided past.
Aquarium manager Daryl Foong said it was no easy task performing a lion dance underwater.
"One of the most important things for them is their buoyancy control and to still perform the movements underwater without knocking themselves off balance, hitting any of the exhibits or any of the animals," he said.
Lion dances are traditionally performed in China and among ethnic Chinese communities all over the world to mark the Chinese New Year.
In the traditional art form, two or more performers put on a colourful head and cloak, and try to mimic a lion's movements, accompanied by music - although not usually underwater.
Chinese people believe that the dance can help ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Aquaria has put on the underwater dance several times over the past 10 years.
About a quarter of Malaysia's 32 million inhabitants are ethnic Chinese, while the majority are Muslim Malays.