LION AND DRAGON DANCE IN SINGAPORE

Lion dance has been in Singapore since the 1930s and is closely connected with the Chinese clans that organised the first troupes, with some of these clans hailing as far back as the 1800s. Chronicling the history of lion dance, therefore, is akin to chronicling the pioneering years of our nation. However, few books document the history of this art form in Singapore.

This book is the first of its kind to introduce the history, culture, sport and performance art that is lion and dragon dance in English. It will cover the types of dances and costumes, symbolisms and values embedded in the lion and dragon dance communities. It will tell the stories of Singaporean lion and dragon dance pioneers which have never before appeared in any English publications. It will also feature interviews with current leaders in the community and share our hopes for the future of the art form in Singapore.

Contents:

• Acknowledgements
• Foreword
• History:
  • Lion and Dragon Dance Lore
  • Advent of the Lion and the Dragon
  • History of Lion and Dragon Dance in Singapore
  • Pioneers Remembered
  • Lion and Dragon Dance Leaders Speak
  • Being a Trainee
  • Lion and Dragon Dance Values
• Culture:
  • Lion and Dragon Species
  • Crafting a Lion and a Dragon
  • The Lion and Dragon Play
  • The Companions of the Lion and Dragon
  • The Lion and Dragon Bands
  • Symbolisms in Lion and Dragon Dance
• Sport:
  • Training
• The Future:
  • Lions and Dragons at Large
  • Lions and Dragons of the Future
• Index

Readership: Lion and dragon dance enthusiasts, historians, culture enthusiasts, Chinese people, martial arts enthusiasts; Overseas lion and dragon dance troupes. Overseas Chinese.

Key Features:

• This is the only book chronicling Singapore lion and dragon dance in English
• Features writeups of lion and dragon dance pioneers which have never been recorded before in any English publications
• Documents the dying artform of lion and dragon dance in Singapore