Content
Editor’s Notes
Words from our Leaders
Our Story Behind the Scenes
Editor’s Notes
Humble Beginnings
In the city of Perth, Australia, during the late 1960s, a group of overseas engineering students from Christmas Island, each with a rich background in lion dance, came together to form a unique cultural group This new assembly began performing at local restaurants, private functions, parties, and cultural shows, quickly establishing a name for themselves. By the early 1970s, they had become known as the Western Australia Lion Dance Troupe.
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WORDS FROM OUR LEADERS
Freddy Foo (Chairperson)
I joined the Chung Wah Lion Dance Troupe on January 5, 2018, after being recruited by Ben Lim to collaborate closely with Aaron Loong on fundamental training and performance coordination What began as a simple catch-up over bubble tea with Ben, quickly evolved into a lasting commitment to the troupe, where I’ve remained ever since. That meeting sparked the beginning of a lifelong journey that has continued to grow and blossom
A key reason for my involvement in the troupe is deeply personal. My children, who joined the troupe in 2017, reignited my passion for lion dance a passion I had cherished since childhood. Back in Brunei, before my family migrated to Perth in 1990, I was part of the Chung Wah Middle School Lion Dance Troupe, where I learned the Fuk San lion dance style and served as the junior drummer. However, after moving to Perth, my parents prioritized my studies and basketball, leading me to set aside my lion dance interests. I promised myself that if my children ever showed an interest in lion dance, I would fully support them, ensuring they wouldn’t miss out on the opportunities I once had
In 2018, a year after my kids joined, I became a member, followed shortly by my wife. Since then, I have committed myself to the team as a team-oriented player with a strong, positive mindset and a willingness to take on any challenge I recall that a few months after I joined, Ben mentioned the possibility of competing in lion dance competitions. At first, I couldn’t believe it, but his determination inspired me to share this message with our students: if you dare to dream and never give up, we as leaders will do everything we can to help make those dreams come true.
This troupe has come a long way since I joined. I have been privileged to be part of the rebuilding process, helping to refine our skills, create opportunities for the team to perform, and foster trust in our process. We’ve traveled to Malaysia to establish long-lasting networks with masters, learn high-pole techniques, and compete in international competitions to gain invaluable experience Through these efforts, our actions speak louder than words, exemplifying our dedication and passion for lion dance
These overseas competitions offer more than just a stage to showcase our skills they’re a platform for cultural exchange and networking Engaging with various lion dance troupes from different countries has allowed us to learn from diverse styles and strengthen our connections within the global lion dance community. These connections are valuable, paving the way for future collaborations and opportunities.
This journey hasn’t been easy As a team, we’ve faced challenges and endured injuries, but we’ve demonstrated immense strength throughout it all. Overcoming these obstacles has showcased our character and dedication. Watching my children step onto the competition stage, especially after facing adversities, is a moment I will cherish forever Their performances have shown not only their exceptional skills but also their unyielding spirit and deep love for lion dance This journey has instilled in my children and every team member the core values needed for success resilience, perseverance, and the importance of a “can-do” and never-give-up attitude.
As we continue along this path, I have no doubt we will achieve even greater heights I stand in awe of the incredible journey we’re on and look forward to celebrating many more achievements. Competing internationally is something I deeply enjoy, as it provides learning experiences that money can’t buy. Sometimes, taking risks and seizing opportunities is what it takes to truly grow and enjoy the moment
Although the journey can be exhausting, I find great joy in working with this team as we continually reach new heights and achieve success. My goal is to promote the lion dance culture the right way, ensuring that our knowledge is passed on to future generations These young lion dancers are our future, and it’s our responsibility to guide them as they continue to uphold and promote this cultural tradition.
echnical Advisor)
My journey with lion dance began at the age of 10, when I started learning the art in Johor Bahru, Malaysia For two and a half years, I immersed myself in the tradition before my family migrated to Christmas Island There, I was approached to restore the lion dance team and successfully ran it for two years
After completing Year 12 in high school, I joined the Chung Wah Lion Dance Troupe, where I had the honor of being a part of the team that competed in the 1st and 2nd Genting World Lion Dance Competitions and the 1st Hong Kong International Lion Dance Competition. Although I stepped aside from lion dance after 1997, the passion never left me. I rejoined the team in 2015, returning to where my heart truly belongs.
e community is to build a strong dragon and lion dance culture and to pass it on to the next generation regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or age. I believe in keeping things simple and allowing our actions to speak louder than words. It is through these actions that we can truly preserve and promote the essence of lion dance.
The journey has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant decisions I made was to accept the responsibility of rebuilding a disbanded team and voluntarily leading it through complex and challenging situations. Balancing family, work, and personal life with the demands of leading the team was a tough choice, but one I felt was necessary. Implementing a clear strategy that separates "business is business" from "private is private" has been crucial in navigating the various difficulties, negative influences, and political situations that arise within the team. These challenges have tested my resolve, but they have also strengthened my commitment to the team’s direction, goals, and achievements.
Throughout my time with the troupe, I have provided technical knowledge and leadership, guiding the team into new ventures and opportunities. My involvement has also extended internationally, as I have served as a judge for both high-pole and traditional lion dance competitions. These experiences have deepened my understanding of lion dance and reinforced my dedication to its growth and preservation.
As I look to the future, my hope is to see more Australian teams come together to share their dragon and lion dance knowledge I aspire for the dragon and lion dance culture to be widely recognized and supported across Australia It is through collective efforts that we can ensure this vibrant cultural tradition continues to thrive for generations to come
n (Treasurer)
After being approached by Troupe Leader Ben Lim, I joined the Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe in 2018 with the intent of supporting the future growth of lion and dragon dance in Australia, specifically in Perth. However, I was mainly drawn in by the enthusiasm of my children, who were captivated by the vibrant performances. I believe that if we don’t show our children the richness of our Chinese culture what it involves and the significant meanings behind it eventually, all the beautiful aspects of our heritage will be lost. I decided to take a leap of faith and join the troupe, hoping to share the same joy that influenced my children and to contribute to a tradition that has been passed down through many generations, even without having specific knowledge or experience in lion dance.
j , y p y goal was to help our troupe excel and make a name for itself in the competitive world of lion dance I wanted to see us not only perform but also compete at a high level, showcasing our dedication and passion This desire for excellence wasn’t just about winning trophies; it was about embodying the values of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork that lion dance represents Our troupe’s recent achievement of placing in the top 2 in Traditional and top 5 in High Pole at the Kolok competition was a testament to what we could achieve when we put our hearts into it It strengthened my belief in our potential and fueled my ambition to push us further
However, the journey has not been without its challenges Financial difficulties have been a significant hurdle, making it hard for us to access better equipment, secure proper training facilities, and even travel to competitions. These constraints have often felt like a heavy burden, limiting our growth and dampening our spirits. There were times when it seemed almost impossible to move forward, but we persevered. Our resilience in the face of these challenges has been a true reflection of the spirit of lion dance overcoming obstacles with courage and strength.
Despite the hardships, being part of the Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’ve formed deep friendships with fellow members who have become like family. We’ve shared countless moments of joy and camaraderie, from the thrill of performing in front of cheering crowds to the quiet satisfaction of a well-executed routine during practice. These experiences have not only deepened my appreciation for our culture but also instilled a sense of pride in being part of something bigger than myself. I’ve watched our younger members grow in confidence and skill, embodying the values of discipline and teamwork that we strive to instill.
Looking ahead, I have big dreams for our troupe. I envision us competing in larger, more prestigious competitions, gaining recognition not just locally but globally. I want Chung Wah to be synonymous with excellence in lion and dragon dance, celebrated for our unique style and spirit. I hope to see us continue to grow, attracting new members and inspiring others with our performances. Most importantly, I want us to remain true to the values that have brought us this far unity, perseverance, and a deep respect for our heritage. With these guiding principles, I believe we can achieve greatness, and I am committed to doing everything I can to help our troupe reach its full potential
A L ong (Senior Advisor)
From a young age, I was captivated by dragon and lion dance. When classmates asked about my sports interests, I proudly mentioned lion dance, often met with puzzled looks. My parents supported my passion by bringing back CDs and tapes from their overseas trips, which I used to dance along to at home with a towel in hand. It was clear that this was something I deeply wanted to pursue and learn every aspect of. In 2004, I joined the Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe alongside my cousin and friend. This was a turning point for me; I found myself among people who shared the same cultural vision and passion for dragon and lion dance. Their dedication inspired me to train harder and to pass on the knowledge I gained to future generations
In 2013, I faced a tough period when I learned that the troupe would be disbanded. The news was disheartening, as the troupe had been a cherished part of my weekends, where I enjoyed both the camaraderie and the performances.
However, in 2015, a new chapter began with the election of Mr Ding Shao Ping as the president of the Chung Wah Association Upon learning that the lion dance team was inactive, Mr Ding reached out to past members, Mr Ben Lim and Stephen Kum They organized a welcome-back meeting, and I was thrilled to see the troupe revived I eagerly rejoined the team
By 2018, Ben Lim was appointed Chairperson of the Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe We brainstormed ways to improve the team and realized that new roles were needed Freddy Foo and Quynh Quan joined the leadership group, and together, our aligned visions drove the team to new heights Under this leadership, we began to compete internationally
Throughout the years, I’ve had the chance to meet and learn from teams both nationally and internationally teams I had once admired through the recordings my parents had given me A significant highlight was participating as a drummer in the 2019 International Su-ngai Kolok competition The experience was nerve-wracking but unforgettable
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed significant challenges, but it also led to new opportunities. Our team adapted by entering an online drumming competition, a novel experience for us. Despite the difficulties, we were thrilled to place 9th out of 56 drummers from around the world.
Dragon and lion dance will always be an ongoing art that we need to preserve and protect. It is vital for younger generations to understand the essence of our cultural heritage and why we celebrate it. I hope that one day, dragon and lion dance will be recognized on a global stage, such as the Olympics, and that our team will have the honor of representing Australia in such a prestigious arena.
Jared Johnston (Senior)
Lion Dance has profoundly shaped my life, teaching me valuable lessons that have guided me into the person I am today My journey with the Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe began with a blend of fear and fascination. As a young boy, I was terrified of the lion dance. The thunderous drums, clashing cymbals, and gongs made me cry during performances. Yet, I would quickly dry my tears and laugh upon realizing that the lions were actually people in costume my “Lion people”. One vivid memory from the early 2000s is watching the Chung Wah Troupe perform on high stilts in Forrest Chase, Perth City. Despite my fear, I was mesmerised by their athleticism and artistry.
When the team disbanded, I felt a profound sense of loss My Sundays were no longer filled with training, and my second home and family were gone In my search for that familiar feeling, I reached out to other lion dance teams but found that none could replicate the sense of belonging I had known
In late 2015, I was thrilled to learn that our team was reforming under new leadership. I rejoined without hesitation, and the feeling of being ‘home’, returned. Lunar New Year 2016 was challenging, as many new members had recently joined. As a result, I, along with three other returning members, had to perform in the lion costumes for every performance. Despite the exhaustion, we persevered.
In 2019, I began training as a tail on the high stilts (jong). This was a significant achievement for me, as I remembered my previous leader’s wish to see me jump. After many years of hard work, injuries, and perseverance, I had the opportunity to compete as a tail on the high stilts at the 2023 Penang International High Pole Competition a major milestone for me. Another notable achievement was securing 1st Runner-Up (2nd place) in an international traditional competition.
Over the years, our team has grown and reached significant milestones, competing in various countries. Being part of this team has been more than just a cultural pursuit it has felt like being part of a family. The skills and values I have developed through lion dance have deeply enriched both my personal life and professional career. I hope that the passion and sense of belonging experienced by myself and other lion dancers worldwide can be passed on through generations and to our students. Lion dance has evolved beyond its traditional cultural roots into a competitive sport that demands a blend of creativity, balance, agility, and strength. It is important for more people around the world to be exposed to this sport, so we can continue to see an increase in competitive teams and the growth of the lion dance community
Andy Chien (Senior)
In Asia, traditional thinking from many elders regarding 舞獅 (lion dance) is predominantly filled with associations of gangsters and bad influences, leading to a negative stereotype of lion dance culture However, after beginning my own lion dance journey, I came to realize how this culture has disciplined me and shaped me into the person I am today It has become an integral part of my life My lion dance journey started with the Chung Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe
I was introduced to lion dance in 2011, two years after I migrated to Australia. In Taiwan, where I was born, we would see lion dances during Chinese New Year or temple parades, which I found interesting.
However, due to the stereotypes surrounding lion dancers, we were never allowed to be involved. Fortunately, in Australia, those stereotypes didn’t exist, so without hesitation, I joined the troupe. It completely changed my perspective on life. To this day, I can’t imagine where I would be or who I would be without lion dance.
Throughout my time with the troupe, there have been many ups and downs One of the toughest moments was when the troupe disbanded in 2013 The devastating news was hard to accept and made me realize how important lion dance had become to me Thankfully, in 2015, the troupe was reformed under new leadership, and I rejoined the familiar environment It was challenging at first, as we had to rebuild the team from the ground up, but I’m incredibly grateful to my leaders and peers for how far we’ve come together
In 2019, high pole (⾼樁) was introduced to the troupe, and I began training as the tail It was an unfamiliar and uncomfortable experience, but my sifus, Ben Lim and Freddy Foo, taught me not only the technical aspects of high pole but also the true essence of being a lion dancer They instilled in me the mindset to push through tough times, step out of my comfort zone, handle nerves during competitions, and most importantly, never give up The phrases “actions speak louder than words” and “just do it, don’t think” became engrained in me, as these were words I heard constantly over the years
In my opinion, lion dance is filled with history, culture, discipline, and laughter Many people say: 台上⼗ 分鐘, 台下⼗年功, which means “for a 10-minute performance, it takes 10 years of hard work.” Without lion dance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m extremely thankful to my leaders and every individual member for the experiences they’ve given me.
Yvonne Sun (Senior)
we are not naturally as strong as males. But I was determined to show that women can excel in lion dance too. This year, at the international competition in Su-ngai Kolok, I was able to prove this by placing first runner-up. Yes, it may require twice the effort and hard work for women to reach the same level, but it is possible with a lot of dedication. I hope to continue training hard so I can inspire other women to believe in themselves to show that they can be just as strong-minded and confident as men.
Lion dance is more than just entertainment; it is rich in history, teachings, and beliefs and my wish for the future is that this beautiful and sacred culture will endure. I hope that these teachings about lion dance can live on from my generation onto the next, and from their generation onwards. I wish that one day, lion dance will be recognised as a sport just like soccer, or AFL.
Without lion dance, I would not be who I am today, and I am deeply grateful for every experience encountered It has truly been a source of strength and growth for me Throughout this journey, I have made mistakes, but each one has provided invaluable lessons that will guide me for the rest of my life None of this would have been possible without the opportunities given to me by my leader and the guidance I’ve received from specific individuals within the team I hope to continue growing as a person and as a dancer, and to pass on my knowledge to others who share this burning passion for the art and culture of lion dance
Alicia Leong (Senior)
wonderful people More children have shown interest in lion dance, and we are seeing greater interest from girls wanting to join than ever before All of this is thanks to the efforts evervone has out in to showcase ourselves and our sport
Going forward, I would love to see our students develop a deeper passion for lion dance, mirroring the enthusiasm and dedication that our leadership and senior groups have demonstrated I hope to witness their commitment ignite as they immerse themselves in the art form Cultivating their skills with the same fervour and perseverance It would be truly rewarding to see their individual talents flourish and contribute to the collective energy of our group, as they embrace both the tradition and the creativity that lion dance offers, as well as grow into confident and wonderful people
OUR STORY
The Era of Growth
The story began rolling again, under the leadership of Mr. Ben Lim, who was appointed as Chairperson for the team in 2018. This was when the troupe experienced a period of significant growth and development. Mr Lim’s vision was to elevate and expand the troupe’s standards outside of Australia, to an international level which was not an easy task. One where people would say was easier said than done
The team trained vigorously, three, sometimes four times a week, all while balancing work, life and study commitments
This powerful dedication brought Mr Lim’s vision to life with our participation in the 2019 Su-ngai Kolok, Narathiwat International Lion Dance Competition in Thailand The troupe made a lasting and groundbreaking impression by introducing a female competitor, earning 6th place out of 19 teams in the traditional category
From that point onwards, the troupe shifted their focus to mastering the high pole stilts (Jong), drawing inspiration from watching other teams’ impressive performances during the competition. The art of high pole stilt jumping had gradually faded from the troupe’s repertoire, but renewed passion sparked their desire to bring it back. Eager to reclaim this lost skill, in late 2019, they sought training for 2 weeks, under Master Koo Yueh Wei in Kuantan, Malaysia, whose guidance reignited their ambitions. This training marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the troupe. With the support of the Chung Wah Association, they invested in their own high pole set.
On February 29, 2020, the Chung Wah Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe officially signed to join the International Kun Seng Keng (KSK) Alliance, who were renowned for their prowess in the lion dance world
AYear of Adversity
The year 2020 brought unforeseen challenges, with the outbreak of COVID-19, resulting in a global ban on international travel and the cancellation of public celebrations This put a halt to the team’s vast plans
However, despite these setbacks, the troupe didn’t sit back and made productive use of this time They engaged in vigorous training to enhance their skills and adapted to the new normal by participating in online competitions
Some of these online competitions included the “Dragon & Lion Dance Musical Exchange 2020,” where our youngest member at the time (9), achieved 20th place out of 30 teams through an online voting system.
Additionally, a solo drum performance by one of our senior members, in the “ASIANA Dragon & Lion Dance Drummer” competition earned them 9th place out of 56 international drummers. These accomplishments stand as a testament to the troupe’s resilience and adaptability during challenging times.
Reintroduction of High Poles
In 2021, as COVID restrictions remained in place, the troupe introduced high pole (jong) performances to Perth. This initiative was met with tremendous success and positive feedback from the community, pushing the boundaries of traditional lion dance.
Adding on to the momentum, the team also competed in the “2021 International Lion Dance Musical Competition,” where they achieved 3rd place against teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Vietnam This was a spectacular achievement for the team
By 2022, the troupe’s high pole performances were featured at multiple events, including Crown Perth, Karrinyup, Joondalup, and Southland
Their dedication to perfecting their skills continued with a return visit to train and hone their skills even more with Master Koo Yueh Wei in September that same year This training resulted in their participation in the Taiping High Pole Lion Dance Competition, where they placed 15th out of 23 teams
International Recognition
IThe year 2023 was a significant one for the troupe, as they experienced an unprecedented level of international activity following the lifting of most COVID-19 restrictions In April, they received a return invitation to the Su-Ngai Kolok International Competition, where this time, they competed in both the traditional and high pole categories This event marked a major step in their journey, allowing them to showcase their talents on a global stage
Building on this momentum, the team went straight to the “Pahang Kuantan High Pole Cup,” where they achieved notable success Their standout performance earned them the coveted ‘Best Drummer Award,’ a reflection of their dedication and skill.
In September, the troupe participated in the “12th Penang Invitational International High Pole Lion Dance Competition,” the second-largest competition of its kind in Malaysia. Facing some of Asia’s most elite teams, they secured 21st place out of 32 competing teams.
November brought yet another challenge as the troupe entered the “International High Pole Lion Dance Invitational Competition – Hong Xiguan Lion King Cup”, in Muar, Malaysia Despite experiencing significant falls and injuries during the event, they pushed through with resilience They fought hard and managed to finish 13th out of 16 teams, showing their determination under pressure
The year concluded on a high note with an invitation to the “2023 Malaysia – Singapore International High Pole Competition” in Johor Bahru. As the only team representing a country outside of Malaysia and Singapore, the troupe’s 9th place finish out of 20 teams was a tremendous honor It marked not only their growing international presence but also the culmination of a year filled with challenges and achievements.
Reaching New Heights
2024 was a year to remember as they competed for the third time in the “Su-ngai Kolok International Lion Dance Competition” and achieved a new milestone. The team trained 4 days a week for 3 months prior to the competition and came back to Perth proud with some of the best results since the start of their journey Through weeks of hard work, blood, sweat and tears, they secured First Runner-Up (2nd place) in the Traditional category, as well as a 5th place in the High Pole (Jong) category This truly was the epitome of “10 years of hard work, for 10 minutes of performance”
BEHIND THE SCENES
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”
It’s through that sweat we learn. It’s through the hard work that we succeed.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Chung Wah Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe continues to strive for success, promoting dragon and lion dancing as both a sport and an art form in Australia. The troupe’s story is one of triumph, showcasing their commitment to maintaining and elevating the art of lion dance on a global stage.
This book serves as a tribute to the Chung Wah Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe’s legacy, celebrating their achievements and their enduring contribution to the cultural landscape of Australia and beyond. Through their performances, they continue to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring that the tradition of lion dance remains a vibrant and celebrated part of our cultural heritage.
