culture
February 19, 2026
'Be the lion, feel the lion': the grueling life of lunar new year lion dancers
Sydney’s Qing Fong dance troupe undergoes intensive training for their busiest period of the year, when they will perform more than 100 times and earn ‘lots of pats’ from the crowd
TL;DR
- Lion dancers in Sydney, part of the Qing Fong team, train intensely for Lunar New Year, their busiest period with over 100 performances.
- The tradition is culturally significant, warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck, with some dancers finding a deeper connection to their heritage through it.
- Training involves physical conditioning, coordinated movements between the lion's head and tail dancers, and a strong emphasis on trust and partnership.
- The team fosters a strong sense of community and 'family' among dancers of various ages, ranging from 12 to 40.
- Music is integral, with students learning musical phrases that correspond to specific lion movements, symbolizing the 'heartbeat of the lion'.
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