YANGON, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- The rhythmic drumbeats and vibrant lion and dragon dances captivated audiences with a dazzling display of traditional Chinese cultural heritage as the Spring Festival celebrations were in full swing in Myanmar's largest city Yangon.

Renowned lion and dragon dance troupes brought festive cheer to the city with their energetic performances at events such as those at Inya Lake hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, celebrations at Thuwunna Stadium, and festive markets in Chinatown and shopping malls like Times City.

Notably, most of the lion and dragon dance performers are Myanmar people, demonstrating the widespread appreciation and adoption of this cultural and art form in Myanmar, performers said.

Nyan Lin Htet, 28, said he has been passionate about lion and dragon dances since childhood. "When I was a child, whenever I heard the drumming of lion and dragon dances, I couldn't help but run to watch them," he said.

He has been performing lion and dragon dances since 2019. Reflecting on his experience at the Chinese New Year celebrations at Thuwunna Stadium on Saturday, he said, "As a lion dance performer, the most challenging part is dancing on the poles. If the two performers aren't in harmony, it can result in falls, injuries, or even fatalities."

Despite the risks, his dedication to the art form remains steadfast. "We train and dance because it's our passion," he said.

Ko Thant Zin Oo, 37, team leader of the Bai Hu dragon and lion dance team, has been performing for over 25 years. He is now also a lion and dragon dance instructor. "Lion and dragon dances are not skills you can acquire overnight. It takes years of dedication and practice to master them," he said.

"The dragon is a symbol of Chinese culture, representing prosperity and good luck," he said. "Lion and dragon dances are key parts of celebrations such as the Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival."

He said that these dances are not only a sport but also a performance that can be done by people of all races and religions.

As an instructor, he emphasized his role in passing down this cultural heritage to the younger generation. "I highly value the traditions we've inherited and work to inspire the youth to cherish and carry them forward," he said. With a smile, he added: "Our biggest fans are children. They're always thrilled to see our lions."

For Si Thu, 24, this year's Spring Festival marked a milestone in his journey as a lion dancer. "This is the first time I've performed at a big celebration," he said, referring to the one at Thuwunna Stadium.

Introduced to the art by his brother, Si Thu underwent three months of rigorous training to prepare for the event. Looking ahead, he expressed his aspirations: "I want to improve my skills and compete in future competitions."

Tun Aung Paing, 23, a member of the Ever Shine Lion dance troupe, has channeled his passion into becoming a dragon dancer. "I joined the troupe out of sheer enthusiasm," he said, recounting how he once suffered a hand injury during training.

Despite the challenges, he finds immense joy in performing. "Seeing the audience's happiness makes it all worthwhile," he said.

The audience was captivated by the performances.

Daw Moe Moe, 52, a Yangon resident who attended the celebrations at the Yangon Chinatown, said: "The lion dances are mesmerizing. My grandchildren are always eager to see the dancers perform. It's not just entertainment. It's a cultural experience for us."

Similarly, U Kyaw Win, 65, a retired teacher and long-time admirer of Chinese cultural traditions, said: "The precision, coordination, and energy of the dancers are incredible. Watching these performances keeps the spirit of Chinese culture alive, even here in Myanmar." Enditem

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