Yester Yeun is an 18 year old student from Macau who is professionally trained as a lion dancer. As a full time sixth form student, he has to balance both his studies and his training. Currently, Yester is not only preparing for his A-Levels and local Macau sixth form exams, he has a few scheduled lion dance performances. Yester shares the intense pressure he endures, both physically and mentally.
“As I have to focus more on my studies now, I am only training about three hours per week.” The four-time champion lion dancer says. Having already started his career at nine, this young man is physically prepared for any performance or competition in his way.
Lion dance is more than just a performance—it’s a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in Chinese culture. First introduced during the Han Dynasty (205 BCE–220 CE), it symbolises prosperity, good luck, and the dispelling of evil spirits. Performers, hidden beneath an elaborate costume, bring the lion to life through powerful yet fluid movements, each gesture carrying meaning. “Lion dance, in short, is a well-recognised Chinese intangible cultural heritage,” Yester explains.
Behind the vibrant performances is a level of dedication most don’t see. For Yester, the pressure peaked at the professional level. “Balancing training, performances, and studies was tough,” he admits. During his IGCSEs, he barely slept—just two hours a night for a month. “I was eating the same food daily, sleeping at 2 a.m., waking at 4 a.m., and spending every other moment training or studying,” he recalls. Despite the exhaustion, he pushed through, determined to succeed in both his passion and in his education.
For Yester, the hard work pays off when he sees the audience’s reactions. “Hearing the applause makes me feel accomplished,” he shares. “Knowing I’ve brought joy to people keeps me going.”
His troupe takes jobs across Macau, often performing at local events and grand openings. “During Chinese New Year, there are more opportunities,” he says. His troupe also collaborates with the Macau Government Tourism Office, leading to performances in hotels, residential areas, and even Mainland China.
As times change, lion dance has evolved. Troupes now incorporate modern elements to attract audiences. “In performances or competitions, these changes are noticeable; for example, some troupes like to play pop songs in the background to attract more attention from audiences,” Yester explains. “There are also other innovative methods like using LED decorative lights on our costumes or props to improve the visual effect of our performances.” Despite the innovation, the industry faces challenges. “Fewer young people are joining,” he notes. To counter this, his troupe offers short courses and after-school activities to introduce students to lion dance in a fun way.
When it comes to goals and ambitions within this industry, Yester shares his hopes to further hone his skills in order to compete internationally, and to connect with more lion dancers from around the world. Having yet to finish his A-Levels, he also wishes to continue his educational pursuits in Hong Kong, with aspirations to study finance and accounting at university.
No matter how lion dance evolves, Yester believes its significance must be preserved for generations to come. “It’s important because it’s deeply embedded in our Chinese culture,” he says. For Yester, lion dance isn’t just a performance—it’s a connection to his roots, his identity, and the community that shares it.