"The energy of Cabramatta’s Lunar New Year had drawn me in, and I decided to focus my City Photographer project on the lion dancing crews that bring these streets to life.
Tradition pulses through every aspect of Dragon Style Kung Fu, from rituals and prayers to the transfer of knowledge between generations. Their roots lie in Hong Kong’s Futsan lion dance lineage; few schools in Sydney remain so deeply connected to this tradition.
I had the chance to sit in on a children’s class, watching as they took their first steps as lions. Even the youngest students approached their training with a reverence that mirrored the seasoned dancers.
Some crew members carried the lion’s spirit on their skin, tattooed on their hands — a permanent reminder of their craft and commitment.
The team shared how they prepare their stunts for the Moon Festival, rigging a precarious tower of glass cups and cement gourds." PhotographerClinton Ngo Nguyen Geolocation[1] NotesThese photographs are part of the 2024 City Photographer project.
Details
Image ColourColourTypeDigitalCopyrightPartial restriction. Please contact Fairfield City Heritage Services for image use.AcknowledgementClinton Ngo Nguyen 2024 Fairfield City Photographer. Image courtesy of Fairfield City Heritage Collection.
