Secrets to oldest lion dance troupe's success

Above: Performer Ho Chin Wah, a civil servant, displaying Singapore's oldest lion head at the association's shophouse premises. The lion head weighs 15kg, compared with modern versions, which weigh only about 1kg. Left: After facing a youth membershi
Six of the Republic's lion dance troupes came together to celebrate Singapore Hok San Association's centenary on Dec 14. The association, whose celebrations were held a month in advance and included a banquet in Safra Jurong, was founded in 1920. ST PHOTOS: GIN TAY
Above: Performer Ho Chin Wah, a civil servant, displaying Singapore's oldest lion head at the association's shophouse premises. The lion head weighs 15kg, compared with modern versions, which weigh only about 1kg. Left: After facing a youth membershi
After facing a youth membership crisis in 2007, Hok San's lion dance troupe is now made up of 50 members, of which 20 are under the age of 30. Many of the members are professionals with full-time jobs. ST PHOTOS: GIN TAY
Above: Performer Ho Chin Wah, a civil servant, displaying Singapore's oldest lion head at the association's shophouse premises. The lion head weighs 15kg, compared with modern versions, which weigh only about 1kg. Left: After facing a youth membershi
Above: Performer Ho Chin Wah, a civil servant, displaying Singapore's oldest lion head at the association's shophouse premises. The lion head weighs 15kg, compared with modern versions, which weigh only about 1kg. ST PHOTOS: GIN TAY
Melody Zaccheus
Housing and Heritage Correspondent
Updated
Dec 25, 2019, 10:56 AM
Published
Dec 25, 2019, 05:00 AM
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Singapore's oldest lion dance troupe is inspired by a smaller feline - cats - and bases its style on the animal's sultry and languid movements.

Singapore Hok San Association in Kreta Ayer revealed this to The Straits Times earlier this month in the lead up to its 100th-anniversary celebrations on Dec 14. Founded in 1920, the association held its celebrations a month in advance.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 25, 2019, with the headline Secrets to oldest lion dance troupe's success. Subscribe

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