How to Hire Dragon and Lion Dance for Chinese New Year 2024 in Singapore

Planning to hire Lion Dance to usher in the Year of the Dragon?

With the Lunar New Year approaching, it is time to start booking your Lion Dance. Lion Dance has been a popular sight at households and offices during CNY. It is performed for prosperity and luck, and during the 15-day celebration, it is common to find them performing in households across the island.

Before you book, here are 5 tips that will help you in choosing the right Lion Dance Troupe for CNY

1 Where to find the Lion Dancers for CNY?

Lion Dancers in Singapore require a permit for performance. To check the list of Lion Dance Troupes with Permit for Caiqing, you can check out this list from the Singapore Wushu Dragon & Lion Dance Federation. At the time of writing, there are 195 approved troupes on the list. It is anticipated to go up to 230 for 2024.

2 Popular Lion Dancers in Singapore

With so many to choose from, which one should you pick?

This is a list of popular Lion Dance troupes in Singapore.

Wei Eng Dragon and Lion Dance

Source: Wei Eng Dragon and Lion Dance Center

Offers Lion Dance, Dragon Dance and Performance Enhancement such as God-of Wealth mascot, Big Head doll and more

📲98001723
🎈15 Yishun Industrial Street 1, #07-12 Win 5, Singapore 768091
🌍 http://www.sgweieng.com/
✉ enquires@sgweieng.com
Google Review: 4.9 Stars (23 Reviews)

Tian Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre

Source: Tian Eng Dragon and Lion Dance Center

Offers Lion Dance, Dragon Dance and Mascots.

📲67490701
🎈113 Eunos Ave 3, Singapore 409838
🌍 http://www.tianengdragonliondance.com.sg/
✉ enquires@tianeng.com.sg
Google Review: 5 Stars (10 Reviews)

WenYang Sports Association

Source: Wenyang Sports Association

Offers Twin Lions and Big Head Dolls

📲65157984
🎈48 Toh Guan Rd E, Singapore 608586113 Eunos Ave 3, Singapore 409838
🌍http://www.wenyang.com.sg/
✉ enquires@wengyang.com.sg
Google Review: 4.6 Stars (14 Reviews)

Yi Wei Athletic Association

Source: Yi Wei Athletic Association

Lion Dance, Dragon Dance, Drum Performances, Mascots

📲64895766
🎈20 Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2A, Singapore 567761
🌍http://www.yiwei.com.sg/
✉ enquires@yiwei.com.sg
Google Review: 5 Stars (4 Reviews)

Ling Ying Athletic Association

Source: Ling Ying Athletic Association

Traditional Lion Dance, Twin Lion Performances, Lion Leaping on High Pole, Dragon Dance

📲81824997
🎈21 Toh Guan Rd E, Toh Guan Centre, Singapore 608609
🌍http://www.lingying.com.sg/
✉ lingying06@hotmail.sg
Google Review: 5 Stars (7 Reviews)

3 What kind of Lion Dance Performances do you want?

The Lion Dance troupes in Singapore usually perform using Southern Lions. The Southern Lions have a single horn and emphasis on Wushu Movements.

As this year is the year of the Dragon, the booking for dragon dance will increase compared to previous years.

Lion Dance can be performed either during the day or at night. For night time, LED lights are often used for added visual effects. Some Troupes also use props such as Poles to enhance the performance.

4 What to Prepare and What to Expect for Lion Dance?

During CNY, the lion dancers will visit houses to perform the traditional custom of "Cai Qing" 採青. The lion dancers will pluck auspicious green vegetables like lettuce and hang them high up to represent cǎi 採 cái 财. ( plucking fortune). These lettuces are usually prepared by the homeowners.

In addition to the lettuce, homeowners prepare a plate of oranges, Fa Gao ( Fortune cake) and other lucky fruits for the Lions to feast. Remember to place an AngBao for the Lions. The Lions will in turn, 'bless' you with lucky numbers.

A typical Lion Dance performance takes about 10-15 minutes. The Lions may also walk around the rooms, and there should also be ample time for photo taking. Do expect a session to last around 30 minutes or so for a simple Lion Dance Performance

5 How much does it cost to hire a Lion Dance?

Like inflation, Lion Dance Performances have increased for 2024. This year, performance starts from around $328 for 1 Lion and 1 God of Fortune Mascot.  For 2 Lions + 1 Dragon + God of Fortune, it can cost as much as $1388.

Traditionally, owners may also pack a token Angbao for the performers and prepare an Angbao for Cai Qing. Lion Dances are in big demand over the CNY period. Troupes have reported an increase of up to 250 % compared to the previous years. It is best to start your search for Lion Dance in Singapore now!