This dance team had a gruelling schedule of 15 gigs on Tuesday, finishing after midnight at a temple, and had another 15 gigs scheduled on Wednesday, New Year’s Day.
One of the crew’s leaders, Charles Vuong, born in Australia to ethnic Chinese parents from Vietnam, said he didn’t mind taking a week of annual leave “to celebrate and enjoy the culture”.
“There’s satisfaction at seeing people’s smiles, seeing their faces light up,” Vuong said.
He said his group was not for profit.
The dancers don’t get paid, but clients pay a fee, which can range from $800 to $2000, that goes towards costs such as equipment, fuel and food.
Carmen Lau, events co-ordinator of the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne, said her group’s dancers were also volunteers and income from lion dance blessings helped fund activities such as martial arts, dragon boat races and soccer teams.
City crew: The Australian Zhong Hua Qun Yi Lion Dance Association in Spencer Street with one of the leaders, Charles Vuong, kneeling at front right.Credit: Eddie Jim
The dancers welcomed the Year of the Snake, which in Chinese astrology represents transformation, renewal and spiritual growth. The snake sign is also associated with wisdom, intelligence, creativity and resourcefulness.
The Chinese Lunar New Year festival in Melbourne’s Chinatown will take place in Little Bourke Street and surrounds this Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece said more than 200,000 people were expected to cheer on the Millenium Dragon Parade, dance alongside the lions and enjoy traditional Asian delicacies.
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