Lion dance performance in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has emerged as a cultural bridge over time to connect people from both local and across the world, according to a five-episode documentary launched by China Media Group (CMG).
Chio Lai Kei, a staff member of Macao's light rail system, competed in the International Lion Dance Championship, representing the Macao Workers' Association of Martial Arts and Physical Education. Before heading to work, he went to a martial arts gym to practice lion dancing.
"The strength of the hands, legs, and waist is very important. You need to practice over and over again in front of a mirror, so as to know how to look better," said Chio.
Chio learned lion dance from his mentor Lei Kam Wa, a martial arts master, who always said that the fundamental movements of lion dance are Chinese martial arts.
Lei is also the head of the Macao Workers' Association of Martial Arts and Physical Education. His daughter Lei Cho Ieng, a firefighter, also loves the performing art of lion dance.
"When I pick up the lion and interact with performers, I feel happy inside. It's as if the lion serves as a bridge, allowing me to connect with those who love lion dancing," she said.
With 21 lion dance troupes from 13 countries and regions participating this year, the 11th International Lion Dance Championship 2024 was held in front of the A-Ma Temple dedicated to the sea-goddess Mazu. "Since the return of Macao, the lion dance has been staged on more occasions with the thriving development of the society, aligning with global development trends," said Pun Keng Man, deputy director of the Wushu General Association of Macao.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, CMG is airing the documentary series titled "25 Years of Lotus Bond" on CCTV-1 at 20:00 every night from Dec 13 to 17, with subsequent broadcasts on CCTV-4 and CCTV-13.
The documentary comprises five thematic episodes: Love for the Home and the Nation, A Path of Diversity, The Flavor of Happiness, A City of Integration, and Gateway to the Future. It showcases the successful practices of "one country, two systems" in Macao under the strategic guidance of the central government.
On December 20, 1999, the Chinese government resumed its exercise of sovereignty over Macao and established the Macao SAR.
Lion dance serves as cultural bridge connecting people
