MGM expands lion dance programs for youth development

[Photo: Ricaela Diputado]

Lion dance can support youth development across sport, culture, music and teamwork, according to MGM senior vice president of brand marketing Catarina Lio, who spoke at a signing ceremony between MGM and the Wushu General Association of Macau yesterday.

“One sport can answer all the questions, from sport, culture, art, music, and teamwork,” Lio said on the sidelines of the event, which was attended by over 100 guests.

Lio emphasized that lion dance offers young participants more than physical exercise. “In the first class, children learn discipline. And that’s very important. The whole lion dance allows them to calm down, to learn discipline, be patient, respect the teacher, and follow instructions,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of teamwork, noting that “if anyone missed a step, they could still follow through with the whole performance.”

According to Lio, lion dance programs now cover over 60 schools in Macau, approximately 80 percent of the city’s schools.

She highlighted a breakthrough in participation, stating, “This year, we saw over 600 applications, and the driving force actually came from the parents.”

Kenneth Feng, CEO of MGM China Holdings Limited, said the company has invested in lion dance heritage for over 16 years. “This initiative is not a one-off cultural event, but a long-term and systematic commitment to cultural development,” he said.

Chan Weng Kit, president of the Wushu General Association of Macau, described lion dance as “a vital carrier of Lingnan culture and a shared collective memory of the community.” His association comprises 130 affiliated groups and over 9,000 members.

Key initiatives include the 13th International Lion Dance Championship – MGM Cup, the MGM Junior Lion Dance Summer Class, and the MGM Lion Dance Festival.

Looking ahead, both parties will also advance the development of a Lion Dance Cultural Centre, a dedicated venue combining exhibitions, immersive experiences, and education.

“When international tourists come to Macau, they need more hands-on experience projects,” Lio said. “Macau’s lion dance culture has a long history; some of our heritage has over 110 years of history.”