By Wei Qicong 1002578988, Mao Yuwei 1002579415, Mao Xuehan 1002578823, Mao Yiwen 1002579531

“Dragons and lions are not old antiques, but the passion and cultural roots of young people.” —— Master Yap Teck Soon

Kuala Lumpur——Gongs and drums echo nonstop in Xuanlong Sports Association’s training hall. Young members train relentlessly: some practise drum rhythms for dragon and lion dances, while others rehearse complex stunts on high poles. Every drum strike and every pole step shows the team’s sincere passion for traditional dragon-lion culture.

Master Yap Teck Soon posing with a traditional lion head, dedicating thirty years to the inheritance and promotion of lion dance art

Founded in 2012 by Master Yap Teck Soon, who has nearly 30 years of experience in lion dancing, the sports association has grown over 14 years into a renowned cultural symbol in Malaysia and is widely acclaimed internationally.

Young trainees practicing the accompanying drums and gongs for the dragon and lion performance

Yet passing down this age-old craft is fraught with challenges. Master Yap admits the association struggles chronically with limited training space and tight budgets. High-pole routines also carry safety hazards. To sustain daily operations, the troupe takes commercial bookings year-round.

Team members practicing high-pole, advanced lion dance techniques

Hardships have not deterred young learners. Children and youths of all genders flock to wield lion heads and beat drums, driven by genuine fondness for the heritage. Masters and apprentices train hand in hand, seeing lion dance as a precious legacy to carry forward.

Young members take photos with lion heads, full of enthusiasm for dragon and lion culture

Master Yap voices his core belief: “Dragons and lions are not old antiques, but the passion and cultural roots of young people.” To all members of Xuanlong, lion dance is far more than a show—it is a mission to safeguard and pass on traditional culture for generations.

Malaysia Xuanlong Sports Association members group photo, guardians of traditional culture