Walk into any major mall during Lunar New Year, and you'll likely see it: the vibrant, pulsating spectacle of a lion dance. The drums beat, the lion weaves, and shoppers pause for a moment of traditional festivity. But a recent performance at a Tsuen Wan mall has sparked an unusual conversation online—not about the joy it brings, but about its perceived "lackluster" energy.
According to reports, some observers felt the performance was underwhelming. The more revealing part? Performers reportedly cited low pay as a factor affecting morale and, by extension, the vigor of the show.
This incident, small as it may seem, hits on a nerve in our modern cultural landscape. It raises a question we rarely ask: **What is the true value of a traditional art form in a commercial space?**
On one hand, the mall booking is a transaction. The troupe provides a service (atmosphere, cultural branding, an Instagram moment) for a fee. If the fee is low, it's logical that the investment of passion and peak physical exertion might be tempered. These are artists and athletes, not just decoration. Their skill, years of training, and the risk of injury have a price.
On the other hand, the audience's expectation is for *authenticity* and *vibrancy*—the very spirit of the lion dance, which is meant to scare away evil and summon good fortune. A "going-through-the-motions" performance feels like a cultural disconnect. It turns a sacred tradition into background muzak.
So, who's right? Perhaps both, and that's the problem.
This isn't just about one mall or one troupe. It's about how we, as a society, commodify culture. We want the aesthetic, the photo op, the "traditional vibe" to enhance our consumer experience, but are we willing to pay what it's truly worth to sustain the living, breathing artists behind it?
The low-energy lion dance is a metaphor. When tradition is purchased cheaply for marketing purposes, its soul can fade. The performers aren't machines; their energy reflects their respect for the craft *and* the respect they are shown.
Maybe the lesson here is for everyone. For malls and businesses: if you want the authentic, powerful energy of a cultural performance, budget for it. Pay the troupes what their expertise and cultural stewardship deserve. For audiences: understand that behind the colorful costume are dedicated artists. Support them directly at temple fairs and community festivals where the art form is the main event, not a side attraction.
The lion dance is meant to awaken energy, not reflect a lack of it. Let's make sure we're feeding the lion, not just expecting it to perform on an empty stomach.
