Applications for the 11th MGM Junior Lion Dance Summer Class 2025 are now open, with this year’s classes set to take place in the Barra district for the first time.
According to a recent statement from the integrated resort operator, the event kicks off the “MGM Lion Dance Championship 2025 Annual Spectacle”, which starts this month and runs through October, featuring events and activities aimed at “promoting the popularisation of lion dance culture in Macau”.
Open to kids aged between five and eight, the statement noted that the upcoming summer class will have training sessions from July 7 to August 22 and intends to help youngsters develop physical fitness and discipline and also to nurture the next generation of lion dance talent.
The seven-week training course covers lion dance history, basic movements, beginner posture training, and understanding of the use of various props and instruments. Trainees with “exceptional performance” passing an assessment test will be eligible to join the MGM Lion Dance Training Programme, the statement noted.
The statement said that the summer classes have, over the past decade, nurtured over 640 young lion dancers, with close to 200 becoming local lion dance athletes.
The training programme has a target of 100 participants, with a lucky draw to be held if the applications exceed the number. Successful applicants will be emailed on June 11. More details, including the application form, are on the MGM website, while enquiries can be made by calling 8802 3833 or emailing liondance@mgm.mo
Meanwhile, from October 4-5, the statement said, lion dance teams from around the world will compete in Largo do Pagode da Barra (媽閣廟前地) for the 12th International Lion Dance Championship – MGM Cup, held in conjunction with the Lion Dance Festival, which coincides with the programme of the “Culture City of East Asia 2025 – Macao, China” and will introduce traditions from the East Asian region.
This undated handout photo recently provided by MGM shows kids taking part in a previous MGM Junior Lion Dance Summer Class.
