Tsuen Wan mall lion dance draws ‘lackluster’ criticism; performers cite low pay

A lion dance performance at a Tsuen Wan shopping mall has come under fire online, with netizens calling it “lackluster” and questioning its authenticity.

A video circulating on social media showed a troupe performing a Chinese New Year blessing ritual. Viewers pointed out that performers were not wearing traditional lion dance trousers, while the “coi ceng” segment appeared to involve a crew member cutting down the lettuce with scissors instead of the lion plucking it.

Some netizens criticized the performance as “half-hearted,” with others suggesting the troupe rushed through routines after collecting red packets.

Performers later responded online, saying the work was physically demanding and poorly paid. One said base pay was about HK$600, rising to around HK$800 with red packets, describing the job as driven by passion rather than income.

They added that lion dance troupes typically have limited costume trousers, prioritised for main performances, and cited hygiene and maintenance concerns as reasons for not wearing full costume during shop visits.

Public reaction was divided, with some expressing understanding over the tight schedule of visiting multiple shops, while others said performance standards should be upheld.

The incident has reignited debate over the quality and preservation of lion dance traditions in Hong Kong.