Sydney's Qing Fong Team Gears Up for Lunar New Year Festivities

The Qing Fong Dragon and Lion dance team in Sydney, Australia, is actively preparing for the Lunar New Year festivities, their busiest performance period. The team conducts over 100 performances during the three weeks following Lunar New Year.

Intensive Preparations and Peak Performance Schedule

The demanding schedule for the Qing Fong team kicks off on the eve of Lunar New Year. On this night, the studio performs at Mingyue Lay temple in Bonnyrigg, starting from 9 PM and continuing until past midnight.

To meet the high demand of their performance season, training occurs at least twice a week, with each session lasting three hours. These rigorous sessions commence with essential conditioning exercises, including laps, stretching, and circuits, which are vital for the physical demands of lion dancing.

Following conditioning, dancers divide into specialized groups to practice their routines. Each group is meticulously structured, consisting of six individuals: four playing drums and cymbals, and a pair of lion dancers. The lion dance pair works in intricate synchronicity, with one dancer skillfully controlling the lion's head and the other managing its tail. Within the confines of the elaborate costume, both head and tail dancers experience significantly limited vision, underscoring the critical need for seamless coordination and trust.

Fostering Trust and Community

Team instructor Adelene Pham and co-founder Kelvin Tran consistently emphasize the critical role of trust and reliance between partners to ensure successful and dynamic performances. This mutual dependability is not just a performance necessity but also a cornerstone of the team's internal dynamics.

This collaborative environment extends beyond the stage, fostering a strong sense of community among its members. The troupe boasts a diverse age range, with participants spanning from 12 to 40 years old. Many students affectionately describe the group as a "family," highlighting the deep bonds forged through shared practice and performances.

This collaborative environment fosters a strong sense of community among members, many of whom describe the troupe as a "family."

Cultural Heartbeat and Heritage Connection

Music is an integral component of lion dancing, serving as more than mere accompaniment. Specific musical phrases correspond precisely to particular movements, representing the "heartbeat of the lion" and guiding the dancers through their intricate routines.

Lion dance performances hold profound cultural significance in Chinese communities globally. They are traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and usher in periods of prosperity and good luck for businesses and homes. For many students, such as Nicky Phan, participating in lion dancing has offered a meaningful pathway to strengthen their connection to their heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for her Vietnamese-Chinese ethnicity.

For many students, participating in lion dancing has strengthened their connection to their heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for their cultural background.

Year-Round Dedication and Ongoing Engagements

While Lunar New Year undoubtedly marks their peak season, the Qing Fong team maintains its rigorous training schedule year-round. Their commitment extends beyond the New Year celebrations, as they also perform for other significant events like the Moon Festival in September, as well as for weekly weddings and business openings throughout the year.

Despite potential performance challenges or the demanding nature of their schedule, the team consistently prioritizes shared meals after every event. This tradition serves as a vital activity, reinforcing their communal bond and strengthening the "family" ethos that defines the Qing Fong team.