Flawless performance by tiny dragon dancers

The group of 21 kindergarteners captivating an audience at Penang Chinese Girls’ High School in Gottlieb Road with a skilfully executed routine. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

Kindergarten troupe to perform again for Miao Hui on Feb 18

WITH unparalleled skill and precision, a group of 21 children from Penang Chinese Girls’ High School (PCGHS) kindergarten dragon dance troupe captivated an audience of peers and private school students.

Dressed in vibrant and intricately detailed costumes, the young troupe members aged five and six moved gracefully, executing steps with a level of finesse that belied their tender age.

The performance at the school grounds in Gottlieb Road, George Town, was organised in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

Under the guidance of instructor Quah Beng Chye, 43, the children spent countless hours perfecting their 10-minute routine, honing their skills to ensure a flawless performance.

As the music swelled and the dragon danced, the audience was transported to a world of wonder and enchantment.

Applause rang out as the children executed intricate formations with deftness and precision, earning admiration from their peers and those in attendance.

Quah, a qualified dragon dance instructor, said the children practised for 45 minutes every Monday and Tuesday after focusing on traditional dragon formation routines.

“Yearly, the troupe would have different members whenever the preschoolers graduate.

“I also teach about 10 other schools in Penang and Kedah but the PCGHS kindergarten dragon dance troupe is the youngest,” he said when met.

Kindergarten principal Stella Sauw, 40, said the troupe was formed in 2000, and the preschoolers and their parents liked it a lot so they decided to continue with the programme.

“We upgraded our dragons last year at a cost of more than RM10,000,” Sauw said.

“The dragon heads were imported from China while the two 12.2m bodies were printed with luminous pink paint and sewed by instructors with the help of the teachers.

“The troupe has performed in countless local festivals, and their next performance will be on the ninth day of Chinese New Year on Feb 18 during the annual Miao Hui (Temple Festival) in the inner city.”