Lion dances are a staple of Chinese New Year celebrations, with their energetic movements and the unmistakable sound of drums, cymbals, and gongs filling the air.
However, one recent performance has caught attention for breaking tradition—by replacing instruments with human voices.
“Acapella” lion dance stuns audience
A video posted on Facebook showcases a lion dance performance unlike any other. Instead of the usual percussive beats, the lion dancers performed to the sound of their own voices, mimicking the rhythm of traditional instruments through humming and vocalizations.
Despite the unusual setup, the lion moved and danced as usual, guided by the team leader who provided vocal cues.
In the video, the performing lion is seen wearing a yellow and blue lion head with red pants, adding to the unique nature of the act.
Mixed reactions from the community
While some viewers found the performance entertaining, others within the Chinese lion dance community were less impressed.
Critics argued that the absence of traditional instruments diminished the cultural authenticity of the performance.
I hope they don’t go around asking for angpaos like this again. It’s a disgrace to our Chinese culture,” one netizen commented on Facebook.
In response, the lion dance team clarified that the performance was meant to be a casual visit after an official show.
They explained that they had been unable to bring their instrument team along but still wanted to spread festive cheer.
The team also expressed their willingness to discuss any concerns with those who disagreed with their approach, emphasizing that their intent was not to disrespect tradition but to adapt to circumstances.
