19 February 2024
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Chinese New Year, the year of the dragon
Photographer Hesther Ng spent days with the lion dancers as they prepare and perform for Chinese New Year in London.
“The rhythmic drum beat often resembles unity ”
Hesther Ng
London – England and Wales’s most ethnically diverse region – is a harbour to numerous endangered traditional cultures. This photo series follows a local Lion Dance Troupe, Chung Ching, during their performance at the Chinese New Year celebrations in London. It captures the dedication of Chinese migrants and their second generation in the UK to strive to maintain the ancestral lion dance tradition, from the earnest preparations behind the scenes to the electrifying energy on stage and the shared jubilant moment post-performance.
The origin of the lion dance can be traced to around 2000 years ago in the West Han Dynasty (BC 203) when the first lion was imported from the West as a gift to the Emperor. It has since become a cultural practice among many Chinese communities globally, including the 33% of the Chinese population residing in London. The rhythmic drum beats and vibrant costumes are the spirit of the lion dance practice and represent unity and celebration across diverse Asian communities worldwide. This photo story serves as a cultural getaway, inviting UK readers to immerse themselves in the richness of Chinese cultural heritage at their fingertips.
With the arrival of the Year of the Dragon, these thrilling lion dance performances celebrate diversity and resonate as a connection between different generations and cultures.
The images provide a glimpse into the diversity of the cultural landscape in London, fostering understanding and appreciation for preserving their unique traditions within the dynamic and diverse demographics of the capital in the UK.
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