Lion dance under water in Malaysia (video)

Friday dancers performed the so-called underwater lion dance in a Malaysian aquarium, while fish and turtles swam around them, in a parade to mark the Lunar New Year.

Two people dressed as colorful lions danced at one of the pools of the Aquaria complex in Kuala Lumpur, while musicians played cymbals and drums outside.

Colorful turtles and fish passed in front of the dancers, who performed their dance in front of the rock formations.

"The underwater lion dance is a special show... here in the aquarium," Aquaria CEO Daryl Fong told reporters, explaining that divers receive special training and wear light suits to be able to dance underwater and perform this delicate task.

Aquaria has organized underwater dances several times in recent years.

Lion dances are traditionally performed in China and in ethnic Chinese communities around the world in celebration of the Lunar New Year, which falls at the beginning of February this year.

For a traditional performance, two or more dancers wear a colored cape and cloak and try to imitate the movements of a lion in a dance accompanied by music.

Some believe that the dance can help drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.

Nearly a quarter of Malaysia's Muslim-majority population of 32 million are of Chinese origin.

In #Malaysia, the underwater "lion dance"... on the occasion of the Lunar New Year #Independent_Arabia_Tangnik

— Independent Arabic (@IndyArabia) February 12, 2021

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