A graduation ceremony for the 11th MGM Junior Lion Dance Summer Class 2025 was held yesterday at MGM MACAU, with nearly a hundred young participants of the seven-week activity receiving certificates, while a press conference for the 12th International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup set for October 4-5 was also held.
Having kicked off in July, the annual summer class took place at the former Barra Abattoir.
MGM Brand Marketing Senior Vice President Catarina Lio (廖頴琦) told the Post after yesterday’s ceremony and press conference that this year, they had received around 600 applications compared to its 100 available spots, with participation from around 52 local schools, or over 70 percent of the schools in Macau. The programme, which has been held since 2015, also saw more international schools taking part, adding that overall, the activity is moving in “the right direction”.
Lio pointed out some reasons for the increase in participations, one of which is parents viewing the summer activity as good physical exercise for their children as well as understanding “what lion dance means”. She also noted an increasing interest in lion dance culture, seeing the activity as more than a leisure exercise, but a “systematic” and real practice. Moreover, Lio said that people may start seeing it as benefiting the children especially in terms of learning about patience, respect, and Chinese culture.
Following yesterday’s ceremony, which featured a performance by the students, the press conference for “The 12th International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup” was then held to provide more details of the upcoming event.
In his speech, MGM China Holdings Limited President and Executive Director Kenneth Feng Xiaofeng noted: “Over the past 15 years, MGM’s Lion Dance IP has continued to innovate and grow. The ‘International Lion Dance Championship’ has gradually developed into a signature cultural and sports tourism IP that integrates sports, culture, and lion dance artistry, connecting the world through lion dance”.
Held in Largo da Barra (“Harbour Entrance Square”) for the third consecutive year, the upcoming edition has drawn 247 athletes from 22 teams across 14 countries and regions, including first time contender Brunei.
Over 60 percent of participants come from foreign teams, such as Australia, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, according to a statement provided at yesterday’s press conference.
A record 14 percent increase in youth participation has been set, while Lio also told the Post during the interview that the upcoming competition will have more female athletes participating than before, showing that although the lion dance might still be seen by some as a male-dominated sport, it can be for everyone regardless of age, gender, and nationality.
Young lion dancers deliver an opening performance yesterday afternoon at MGM MACAU. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
Guests of honour and MGM representatives pose with young lion dancers after yesterday’s graduation ceremony.
