The Hawaiian Who Fell in Love with Malaysian Lion Dance
A Journey of Passion and Discovery
PETALING JAYA: It all began in 1998 when Hawaiian lion dancer Harlan Lee attended the Hong Kong Invitational Lion Dance Championships. While warming up for the competition, he noticed one particular man watching them. The man introduced himself, and invited Lee to attend a lion dance seminar in San Francisco that year.
A Chance Encounter with a Master
Little did Lee realise that the man was none other than Master Siow Ho Phiew, a lion dance expert and lion head crafter in Malaysia. In fact, he is known in Malaysia as the father of high pole lion dancing.
A Lifelong Bond
Lee said Master Siow demonstrated the art of Hoksan lion dancing to him, and invited him to Kuala Lumpur the following year so he could train with his team. That was over 20 years ago: to this day, Lee and his students still make the yearly trip to Malaysia to train under him.
A Legacy of Passion and Dedication
Harlan Lee heads the Gee Yung Chinese Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Sports Association, the second oldest school in Hawaii. Lee now trains his students in the art of this ancient Chinese artform, incorporating Malaysian lion dance techniques he learnt from Master Siow.
A Global Phenomenon
Lee credits Master Siow for encouraging him to organise the first World Invitational Lion Dance Championships in Honolulu in 2004. The event was sanctioned by the World Lion Dance Federation and the Malaysia Selangor Dragon & Lion Dance Sports Association, with participating teams from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and the US.
A Hawaiian Lion Dancer’s Love for Malaysia
Lee is full of praise for Malaysian lion dance teams. “Every Hawaiian team has a touch of Malaysian style in them, whether in the lion dancing or drumming. There are many teams now making the pilgrimage to Malaysia to train with Master Siow, and to better educate themselves and their association members,” Lee said.
A Personal Connection
Lee confessed that prior to his visit here, he hadn’t heard much of Malaysia, but is now fond of the country. “Since getting an invitation to come to Malaysia, it has been like a second home to me. The people are very respectful and friendly, and the hospitality has been incredible. And of course, the bak kut teh and many delicious Malaysian dishes. Excluding the durian!” he laughs.
A New Generation of Lion Dancers
You can catch Lee and his association members in the upcoming 2026 film “The Wrecking Crew”, starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. Four of their dragons and five Hoksan lions will be performing in the film’s opening scene.
Conclusion
Today, Lee and the rest of his team take pride in promoting this timeless Chinese dance to the people of Hawaii. “My hope for lion dance in the future is to see it become an Olympic sport. Lion dancing is becoming iconic worldwide, and Chinese culture is being practiced by those who want to keep the culture alive,” Lee concluded. “Lion dancing has come a long way, and I have to thank the Malaysian teachers, students, and community in further perpetuating this art.”
FAQs
* What is the Gee Yung Chinese Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Sports Association?
The Gee Yung Chinese Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Sports Association is the second oldest school in Hawaii, founded by Harlan Lee’s late father, Arthur Yung Sung Lee.
* Who is Master Siow Ho Phiew?
Master Siow Ho Phiew is a lion dance expert and lion head crafter in Malaysia, known as the father of high pole lion dancing.
* What is Hoksan lion dancing?
Hoksan lion dancing is a style of lion dance that originated in Malaysia, characterised by its high-pole performance.
* What is the World Lion Dance Federation?
The World Lion Dance Federation is an international organisation that promotes and governs lion dance worldwide.