STORY: Lion dance serves as cultural bridge between China, Malaysia
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Nov. 16, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:08
LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST: 
1. various of lion dance performances
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ADZWIN PUTERI FAIZAL, Malay lion dancer
3. various of Adzwin practicing with teammates
4. various of Adzwin's family members
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): CHAN YONG ZHEN, Coach of the Yong Jun Lion Dance Association
6. various of Chan teaching lion dance performances
7. various of lion dance performances

STORYLINE:

In Malaysia, many local people share an interest in Chinese cultural traditions, especially the lion dance.

Among them is Adzwin Puteri Faizal from Selangor state. She is a member of a troupe under the Yong Jun Lion Dance Association.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ADZWIN PUTERI FAIZAL, Malay lion dancer
In 2019, my master came to our school to teach us lion dance. It looked so cool and fun when they performed, and I really wanted to join.
My parents have always supported me, and my siblings come to watch my performances whenever they have time.
The performers at the tail need to support the lion's head. Sometimes it can fall and cause injuries, but we never give up.
I perform at the tail, and I need to keep the lion's head safe. So, I have to be really strong physically to make sure the head person doesn't fall, and I need to support her without making her feel scared."
We also need to work in sync with the music team, follow their rhythm, and have team spirit. That way, we can give a great performance."

The Yong Jun Lion Dance Association consists of Malaysians from various ethnic groups, aged 10 to 18, all united by their passion for lion dance.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): CHAN YONG ZHEN, Coach of the Yong Jun Lion Dance Association
"I'm Chan Yong Zhen. I trained under Master Andrew Yap and now coach the Yong Jun Lion Dance Association.
Why is my team called Yong Jun? Well, Yong comes from my name, and Jun is from my dad's.
My dad had some experience with lion dancing when he was young. After we moved here, there wasn't a lion dance troupe around. Then, during high school, I happened to get involved with lion dancing. On a whim, I mentioned it to my dad, and he decided to set up this platform for us young people to promote the art of lion dancing.
After all, Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country, and we also want to learn about the traditions and cultures of other ethnic groups. We hope to find a sense of belonging and gain a broader cultural perspective."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kuala Lumpur.
(XHTV)