Hire a lion dance troupe in Singapore to celebrate major wins and milestones! Think store openings, housewarmings, and parties beyond Chinese New Year.
Call us dramatic, but we think lion dance troupes in Singapore are the heart and soul of celebrations in this city. In ancient Chinese culture, lion dances were a ritual performed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. That symbolism is brought forward even to modern day! You don’t even have to wait for Chinese New Year to hire a troupe. Whether you’re getting a new house, hosting a grand opening, celebrating a wedding, or have a major milestone to bless, you’d call in a lion dance troupe to seal the deal. And while we’re in the spirit of Chinese New Year, be sure to catch public lion and dragon dances in Singapore!
Lion dance troupes in Singapore
1. Lion Dance Singapore
Despite being one of the fresher faces in the lion dance scene, Lion Dance Singapore has already impressed customers and gained a loyal following. The team is known to be a reliable bunch and is quick to answer any queries. They’re also friendly and known for turning performances into warm get-togethers, especially if you’re hosting one in your neighbourhood. Leave everything to them because they’ll be punctual, provide excellent service, and make it an event to remember.
Services: Lion dance; dragon dance; wushu performance; face-changing performances
Price: Enquire online
How to hire: Lion Dance Singapore, enquire via phone call or email
2. He Xin Lion & Dragon Arts Troupe
If you can’t decide whether to go big or go home with your festive celebration, let He Xin Lion & Dragon Arts Troupe take the wheel. Whether it’s a small-scale home blessing or an auspicious date to bless a whole company, they’ve got the team for you. The dancers also take the time to interact with people in the audience to level up the experience! And on the logistics end, the planning team are quick to make arrangements, which frees you from any organisational headaches.
Services: Lion dance; dragon dance; God of Wealth mascot; LED dragon dance; koi fish performance
Price: Enquire online
How to hire: He Xin Lion & Dragon Arts Troupe, enquire via phone call or WhatsApp
3. Wei Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre
A prominent figure in the cultural performing arts scene, the Wei Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre has gained both local and international acclaim. It boasts a team of highly-trained athletes who are just as disciplined and strong as they are talented. The troupe is known for its high-energy performances and brilliant customer service. We also get a huge kick out of its Labubu mascot costume, which is perfect for any Pop Mart lover looking to bless their home.
Services: Lion dance; dragon dance; LED dragon dance; God of Wealth mascot; decorative ornaments for grand openings
Price: Enquire online
How to hire: Wei Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre, enquire via WhatsApp, phone call, or email
4. Nam Sieng Dragon & Lion Dance Activity Centre
Deeply traditional and ever energetic, Nam Sieng Dragon & Lion Dance Activity Centre is one of the best lion dance troupes in Singapore. And if you don’t believe in the five-star Google ratings, check out the awards! The team actively participates in various lion dance competitions around the region, earning praise for their teamwork, accuracy, and strength. The troupe is also known for its two record-breaking dragons! Both are spectacles to behold at 28 metres and 57 metres long.
Services: Lion dance; dragon dance; LED dragon dance
Price: Enquire online
How to hire: Nam Sieng Dragon & Lion Dance Activity Centre, enquire via email, WhatsApp, or phone call
5. Singapore Hok San Association
The Hok San Association’s lion dance troupe is best known for its dedication to the traditional Heshan style. It’s characterised by the playful, cat-like movements and high-energy footwork, as opposed to the usual Foshan style, where there are more kung-fu-based moves. This troupe has a rich history, with founding members originating from the Heshan municipality in China. If you were ever curious about lion dance trainings, this troupe hosts trainings every Sunday!
Services: Lion dance
Price: Enquire online
How to hire: Singapore Hok San Association, enquire via phone call or email
6. Kuo Chuan Arts & Cultural
Surprise, surprise – Chinese people aren’t the only ones who do lion dances in Singapore! Meet Kuo Chuan Arts & Cultural, a predominantly Malay lion dance troupe. Founded by Jamsairi Kamarudin, his passion for lion dancing began at just eight years old. Since then, he’s started his own troupe and become a mentor to young members who join. Other than the standard lion dance routines, the Kuo Chan troupe blends Malay elements like the kompang into their musical sets, giving it a unique cultural twist.
Services: Lion dance; dragon dance; decorative ornaments for grand openings
Price: Enquire via WhatsApp
How to hire: Kuo Chuan Arts & Cultural, enquire via WhatsApp
7. Tian Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre
This international award-winning troupe is all about keeping culture alive through the art of lion and dragon dance. Made up of a group of talented dancers, your guests will be captivated by the energetic movements of the lion. And if you’re looking for additional mascots, stiltwalkers, and a roving God of Fortune, Tian Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre is your one-stop shop.
Services: Lion dance; dragon dance, God of Wealth mascot
Price: Enquire online
How to hire: Tian Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre, enquire via phone call or email
Bring on the huats! Whether it’s for weddings, corporate events, or home blessings, a lion dance troupe in Singapore will bring you fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the significance of lion dance?
A lion dance is a ritual performed for prosperity, strength, fortune, and to ward off evil spirits.
There are many legends about how lion dance started. One story tells the tale of a monster that would attack a village every year, devouring all the food and even babies. One day, a monk came to the village and tamed the monster by tying a red ribbon around its horn, transforming the monster into a guardian who protects everyone instead.
What’s the difference between lion dance and dragon dance?
Visually, a lion dance involves two people in a costume while the dragon dance is performed by multiple people, holding the dragon puppet with multiple rods and chasing a “pearl of wisdom”.
Both dances are meant to bring in good luck and prosperity with little difference between the two. Dragon dances are typically seen in larger scale community events.
Can I hire a troupe if I’m not Chinese?
Absolutely! Contrary to popular belief, lion dances are not religious performances. While it has roots in Chinese mythology, you can use it for secular events.
Do I have to apply for a Public Entertainment License?
Lion dance performances in Singapore are exempt from Public Entertainment License, so you won't need to apply for one! However, there are some limitations to take note of:
- You can only have a maximum of two lions and one dragon per performance
- Performances must be done between 10am to 10.30pm
- An organiser or authorised agent must be present at all times
What does each colour of the lion mean?
Each colour has a different meaning, and you can select one to bring in a specific blessing!
Red: Courage, high energy, prosperity, joy
Yellow or gold: Wisdom, imperial power, wealth, vitality
Green: Friendship, vitality, youthfulness
Black: Bravery, usually signifying a younger, more aggressive lion
White: Mourning, usually representing an older and wiser lion
Blue: Typically associated with funerals, used for sombre occasions
What are the general rates for a lion dance?
Rates can vary quite widely depending on the number of performers you hire. Simple home blessings can start from $68, while more complex performances involving acrobatics may go into the $1,000 or $4,000 range.
Basic twin lion dance: $888
LED twin lion dance: $1,688
High pole and acrobatic performances: $3,888
God of Fortune mascot: Usually an add-on of $150
Why are the fees not available publicly?
The rates for lion dance troupes vary greatly due to the increased demand around the Chinese New Year period. Fees aren’t readily available as they change often depending on the demand and the season.
Why are lion dances so loud?
The use of drums, cymbals, and gongs is meant to make noise to scare evil spirits away. It’s believed the noisier, the better!
We do recommend bringing earplugs along because the cymbals and drums can be quite stressful on your eardrums.
What should I prepare before a lion dance?
Troupes may or may not prepare you for the performance, so here are some general items you’ll want to have handy before the dance:
Ang baos: To pay the performers
Lettuce and mandarin oranges: Symbolising prosperity, these items are meant for the lion to “eat”.
Red string: Sometimes lettuce and red packets are hung from a high place, so you’ll want to use red string for this.
It’s best to check in with the dance troupe to see if there are any specific items you need to prepare.
