20 Troupes To Vie For Dragon King Title, RM15,000 In Prizes At Genting

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Twenty dragon dance troupes from across Malaysia will compete for the Dragon King title and RM15,000 in cash prizes at the second RWG National Luminous Dragon King Championship at Resorts World Genting’s Arena of Stars on Nov 28 and 29.

Resorts World Genting (RWG) executive vice-president of sales, marketing and public relations Spencer Lee said the championship aims to give young Malaysians more opportunities to compete and promote the  recognition of dragon dance as a sport while preserving its cultural significance.

“It’s not easy... it looks easy, but it takes time, hours and years of practice. We believe that it is actually a skill competition,” he said at the championship’s drawing-of-lots ceremony, here today.

The draw determined the performance order for the preliminary round on Nov 28, from which 10 troupes will qualify for the final the following day.

Lee said the champion would receive RM8,000, up from RM5,000 last year.

The first and second runners-up will receive RM5,000 and RM2,000 respectively, compared with RM3,000 and RM1,000 last year. All three winning teams will also receive trophies and medals.

Lee said RWG was working closely with the Catholic High School Alumni Association Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe to provide more opportunities for young Malaysians to participate in the competition.

Meanwhile, RWG said in a statement that the Creative Props segment would return following its introduction at the inaugural championship, with troupes designing original props incorporating storytelling, cultural themes and artistic elements.

“What makes this championship special is the way it brings together the traditional art of dragon dance with a contemporary stage experience.

“The illuminated dragons, powerful drumming, acrobatic movements and creative props give audiences a different way to experience an art form that has been part of our cultural celebrations for generations,” it said.

Participating teams include Malaysia Yahya Awal Dragon Dance Troupe, Persatuan Tarian Naga Muar Johor, Pertubuhan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Xiang Long Kelantan, Wushu Association Kuching Sarawak and Persatuan Qun Sheng Tarian Singa Sabah.

Two-day passes are priced at RM188 for PS1 numbered seating and RM108 for PS2 free seating, with a processing fee of RM4 per ticket. Tickets and further information are available at rwgenting.com.

-- BERNAMA