KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — The race for the 21st Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship title has entered its crucial stage, with 20 of the country’s top lion dance troupes set to battle for a place in the grand final at Resorts World Genting in September.

The semi-final draw lots ceremony was held at Wisma Genting recently, determining the performance order for the 20 qualifying troupes ahead of the semi-finals on Sept 26.

Only 10 troupes will progress to the final on Sept 27 at the Arena of Stars, where the national champion will be crowned.

The championship attracted 88 troupes from across Malaysia during the regional qualifying rounds in June. The selection of just 20 semi-finalists highlights the increasingly competitive nature of Malaysia’s lion dance circuit.

The semi-finalists are Persatuan Tarian Singa dan Naga Chung Seng, Penang Meihu Culture and Sports Association, Pertubuhan Tarian Naga dan Singa Wen Ching Kelapa Sawit, Kwong Ngai Lion Dance (Penang), Che Yee Khor Moral Uplifting Society Lahad Datu, Persatuan Penganut Buddha Seng Fatt Kampar, Perak, Persatuan Tarian Naga dan Singa Jin Shan Tangkak Johor, Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Ampang Selangor, Pertubuhan Kebudayaan Kesenian dan Kesukanan Tawau and Kwong Ngai Lion Dance (Kuala Lumpur).

Also advancing are Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Xi Nan Kelapa Sawit, Persatuan Tarian Naga dan Singa Khuan Loke Sungai Way, Selangor, Sin Ong Kong Temple Lion Dance Troupe Labuan, Persatuan Penganut Dewa Tian Fa Wei Ling Tian Fa Kung Keningau, Persatuan Tarian Singa WLDF Pakatan Malaysia, Persatuan Penganut Agama Sin Ong Dian, Yi Ngai Lion Dance, Persatuan Tarian Singa dan Naga Keong Fatt Sabah, Persatuan Tarian Naga dan Singa Xuan Long Rawang Selangor and Hong Teck Dragon & Lion Dance.

Speaking at the draw ceremony, Resorts World Genting executive vice-president of sales, marketing and public relations Spencer Lee said the championship provides an important platform for Malaysian lion dance talent while celebrating a tradition embraced by communities across the country.

“This championship is more than a competition. It is a journey to discover the very best lion dance troupe in Malaysia, where talent meets discipline, tradition meets innovation, and every performance reflects years of dedication, sacrifice and passion,” he said.

Lee added that the ultimate aim was for the winning troupe to represent Malaysia on the international stage at the Genting World Lion Dance Championship next year.

The championship is held with consultation support from the Federation of Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon & Lion Dance Association and combines competitive sport with the artistry and cultural heritage of lion dance.

There is a total prize pool covering the various stages of the competition. The national champion will receive RM20,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive RM12,000 and RM9,000 respectively.

The seven other finalists will each receive RM3,000, while all 20 semi-finalists are guaranteed RM2,000. A separate RM3,000 Best Difficulty Move Award will recognise the most outstanding technical performance during the semi-final round.

Ahead of the competition, visitors to Resorts World Genting can also explore a special lion dance display at the Genting Guest Xperience Centre, next to Crockfords, which began Aug 1. The display will showcase elements of the tradition and the skill and dedication involved in the sport.

Tickets are on sale, with two-day passes from RM168 and single-day tickets from RM99, excluding a RM4 processing fee.