What does the future hold?
Updated: Feb 10, 2021
Practitioners wish that the traditions and practices of Lion Dance will carry on, but doubt if the current generations are able to do it.
Singapore Hok San Association hopes that the future Lion Dance can use its tradition and mix it with new technology and bring it to greater heights. Lion Dance practitioners in Hok San learn the true meaning of its history. Hence, learning of its history and passing it down to future generations is important, in order not to lose its origins as it plays a very significant part in Singapore's cultural heritage (National Heritage Board, 2020).
Mentioned by a master in Singapore Hok San Association during the interview (National Heritage Board, 2020).
Although the practice of Lion Dance has been evolving throughout the years, practitioners still hope that technology could help grab the interest of the current generations and allow Lion Dance to still portray its traditions while mixing it with advanced technology.
LED lights being installed on the Lion itself is the most recent advanced technology used in Lion Dance in Singapore. The reason for doing so is to bring out this ancient performance to the current modern city so that Lion Dance would not fall behind.
Captivating Future
No one can predict what will happen to Lion Dance down the road but with the advancement of technology, as well as practitioners' interest in bringing Lion Dance to the next level, Lion Dance might have an interesting future that people can look forward to.
One good example is Chingay 2021, whereby Ms Sharon Liew, 50, founder and director of Dance Spectrum International choreographed a dance routine by collaborating both tap dance and Lion Dance together.
Unfortunately, they dropped out from Chingay 2021 due to public criticism. Nevertheless, it represents an exciting fusion, allowing us to widen our horizons when it comes to the possibilities.
How will new dancers bring the lion to life in their own styles? Only time will tell.
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References
National Heritage Board. (2020, July 3). Home [Facebook page]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/NationalHeritageBoardSG/videos/298848317926323
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