Nansha lion dance teams dominate with triple golds

Nansha's delegation for the finals of the 9th Guangzhou Youth Lion Dance Performance Competition, which were held from Aug 9 to 10 at the Guangzhou Cultural Center, secured three gold medals, emerging as the event's biggest winners.

After three months of rigorous selection rounds, nearly 300 young lion dance performers from 11 districts across the city competed, with 14 group lion teams and 15 single lion teams advancing to the finals to vie for the coveted "Lion King" title.

Huangge Dongli Xiongfengtang kylin Lion Dance Team. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_nanshafabu]

In the single lion category, Huangge Dongli Xiongfengtang kylin Lion Sports Association claimed the top gold medal, Supreme Lion King, with their agile footwork, daring stunts, and masterful portrayal of the lion's "10 emotional expressions".

Huangge Dajing Dragon-Lion Kylin Troupe won another gold in the same category, showcasing their challenging techniques and powerful presence, further highlighting Huangge's reputation as the hometown of kylin (Chinese unicorn).

Nansha Tieying School Kylin Lion Dance Team. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_nanshafabu]

For the group lion division, Nansha Tieying School Kylin Lion Dance Team took home gold in the middle school category, along with the "Popularity Award", impressing the judges with their intricate formations and thunderous drumbeats.

Nansha Shuangyi Primary School Lion Dance Team. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_nanshafabu]

Nansha Shuangyi Primary School Lion Dance Team also earned a bronze in the elementary school group division, demonstrating their budding talent in intangible cultural heritage (ICH) preservation. The Nansha ICH Protection Center was also honored with the "Outstanding Organization Award" for its exceptional event coordination.

The competition not only celebrated the perseverance of Nansha's young lion dancers but also highlighted the district's success in safeguarding and passing on this traditional art form.