The Diwali Festival of Light Lion Dance Performance- An Article by Kirsty Sloman Brighton WCMA
On Saturday 10th November the WCMA Lion Dance Team went out to a community centre in Goring in order to perform a Lion Dance for the Indian community that was celebrating a very significant and important festival called Diwali.
Diwali is a five day celebration that occurs during October or November, depending on the positions of the sun and moon in the Hindu calendar. Diwali basically means ‘Row of Lights’; the lights signifying good over evil. It is like the Indian equivalent of New Year and is celebrated with fireworks and feasting and signifies prosperity, peace and good fortune. Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh are amongst the many deities that are venerated. It is a bright and colourful affair so our lovely golden yellow Lion suited the occasion to a tee.
Russell Suthern, Shafagh Amiraftabi, Josh Haigh, Jason Lee, Carrie Hausdoerfer and myself were the participants in this affair and this was after a whole day of competing in the annual WCMA competition, too. With Shaf in the head and myself in the tail, the Lion went down an absolute storm to a room that was crowded out with happy colourfully dressed people. Josh drummed and Jason cymballed whilst Russell ensured the Lion’s tea was ready for it i.e. the lucky green. Carrie was the event photographer. How the children shrieked and cheered and laughed as the bright beast cavorted amongst the audience. It certainly was a lively atmosphere.
Afterwards, we were lucky to catch a few of the other acts. A group of ladies performed an elegant dance with some tea-lights in glass holders. An eight year old girl demonstrated a five minute dance form that had a lot of complex moves within it and a little five year old girl sang us a song. Then it was time for the food! Always the best bit about doing Lion Dances for various clients is the food! Especially if it is as delicious as what was served here. This was Indian curry at its best and after a long and exhausting and happy successful day it went down a treat.
This is why I love being part of the Lion Dance team (not just for the food). It’s because we get to experience and learn about all these different cultures and participate in a huge range of different events and each one is an adventure. A big thank you to Russell and Shaf for teaching this amazing aspect of martial arts and roll on the next one.
Kirsty Sloman
Brighton WCMA