A lion dance performance at a hawker centre in Ang Mo Kio has stirred discussion online after members of Kuo Chuan Arts and Cultural were seen stepping and jumping on dining tables during their routine.
The video was shared on TikTok on Feb 24 by the troupe. It showed the lion dancers moving across chairs and tables while diners and passers-by stood around watching. Some people were seen recording the performance on their phones. In the clip, the dancers jumped from chairs onto a table while wearing their shoes and continued performing on top of it.
@kuochuan.sg ♬ original sound – Kuo Chuan Arts Cultural
On another table placed directly in front of them, fruits, vegetables and several cans of beer were arranged. The setting, being a hawker centre where people eat, quickly became the main point of discussion online.
Mixed Reactions Over Hygiene and Safety
The footage gained attention fast and netizens started debating whether performing on dining tables was appropriate. Many questioned the cleanliness of the act, pointing out that these tables are used for meals.
Some asked why the performance had to be done on surfaces where people eat.
One commenter said such acts should not be encouraged, mentioning possible safety risks for the dancers.
Others were more understanding. They said tables can be cleaned after the show and noted that the troupe might have had limited space to perform properly.
Dancer Says It Is Common Practice
Speaking to MS News, Ayie, a full-time lion dancer from the troupe, explained that performing in hawker centres is normal and often depends on what the client requests.
“We can perform anywhere, depending on where the customer or client wants us to perform,” he said. He added that in this case, the customer requested for the performance to be done on the tables.
“It is normal for lion dancers to perform on tables when there is less space,” he explained.
Addressing hygiene concerns, Ayie shared that supporters wipe down the tables before the performance. He said oily surfaces can be slippery and dangerous for dancers. He also added that the tables are cleaned again after the performance ends.
Kuo Chuan Arts and Cultural is known for having a predominantly Malay line-up, which sets it apart from many other lion dance groups. The troupe has been performing for more than 20 years and has been booked to perform at the Ang Mo Kio market for nearly a decade.
“We don’t know how many tables we have climbed on,” Ayie joked.
The troupe is also the only Malay team registered with the Singapore Wushu Dragon & Lion Dance Federation and regularly takes part in overseas competitions.
Emphasising their goal, Ayie said, “We want to give the best performance to our customers.”
