Zhoujia Qingming

The Lion dance troupes from the Zhoujia style go each year to Bright Hill temple for Qingming celebration to honor their founder. The Zhoujia is a special form of Lion Dance, which is very energetic, founded in Singapore, there are very interesting videos on the history of this martial art, coming from the south China King-Fu. Mister Li, in his 80’s is he current master and the son (or grand son) of the founder

The Qingming or Ching Ming festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day in English (sometimes also called Chinese Memorial Day or Ancestors’ Day).

The troupes gather at the bottom of the slope getting up to one of the temple courtyards (for those who do not know Bright Hill temple, it is a massive compound), they run up one by one up the steep slope (and very sunny last week).

The lion dancers perform around the yard at the sound of drums and pray as different shrines before ending before a table laid with offerings. They then move aside and align waiting for the other troupes to parade as well. A total of 6 groups were present this day.

 

Afterwards there will be some common praying to the ancestor, Kung-Fu demonstration , a full minute of full strength drumming and a final tour.

Not very easy to shoot action with the Hassie.

Hasselblad 500CM+80mmF2.8
Cinestill 50D

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Saturday Afternoon Practice – Singapore

I have been watching this group of people a few time when going to the office supply shop in Bras Basah Complex near Bugis in Singapore. This is the first time I have a camera at hand and goes up to them to make a few shots. I am not sure what martial are they are rehearsing; some king of wushu maybe ?

I just had the 50mm Summilux with me but that’s enough if you walk closer (above) of  back (below). I think I quite like the vertical shots with the small characters and the big buildings.

 

My printer is broken, but as soon as I get a new one, I’ll print these shots and bring them to the club. Another photo opportunity?