RALPH WENGE, CNN ANCHOR: Malaysia's location on one of the world's major shipping lanes has made it a meeting place for many different ethnic groups. Most cling to their own unique customs, celebrated in colorful local festivals. One of the more popular is the traditional Chinese lion dance. Radio Television Malaysia shows us how Malaysian artists are putting their own special stamp on it.</s>RTM CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In Malaysia, the lion dance has become a form of competition which calls for perfect coordination, elegance, and nerves of steel. As the dance gains popularity not only among the Chinese community, but also in general Malaysian circles, the demand for lion heads increases proportionately. Master Su Fe Hong (ph) of Salana (ph) was quick to cash in on this situation. He is now doing a brisk business turning out and marketing "made in Malaysia" lion heads. Master Su, himself a professional lion dancer, says it takes his workers five to seven days to make one lion head. His workmen are trained craftsmen, each boasts a flair for painting. A deft hand is required for embellishing the lion head. Master Su's lion heads are being marketed overseas. His trademark is the slongausted (ph) insignia, an ideal way to promote the made in Malaysia product. For the Chinese, the lion dance is more than just a performance to entertain spectators, it is believed the dance performed to drum beats and the crashing of the cymbals has the effect of exorcizing evil spirits and at the same time ushering in good luck. This explains why it is performed on auspicious locations such as the launch of business premises and ceremonies to welcome dignitaries. This is Radio Television Malaysia for CNN WORLD REPORT.
Malaysia Celebrates Chinese Lion Dance