Young lion dancers left disappointed with slip
They were the youngest team to compete at the 22nd Ngee Ann City National Lion Dance Championships on Saturday.
And after coming in third in the competition last year, they were hoping to do better this time.
Unfortunately for Tan Xue Boon, 19, and Jarell Tock, 17, an untimely slip during their routine cost them dearly and they finished 7th.
Jarell said: "We were expecting a smooth performance and were a bit disappointed that all our hard work went down the drain."
Despite that, the team's coach, Mr Marcus Tock, who is also Jarell's father, said he was happy with his son's performance.
He said: "Although they came in third last year, they're still not very experienced in national competitions as there is immense stress and pressure."
Jarell, who carries the lion's tail, started lion dancing at the age of seven after watching his father train.
SUCCESSOR
"Ever since Jarell was young, I wanted him to join lion dance because he could be my successor," Mr Tock, 40, said.
Jarell's partner, Xue Boon, though, did not have his mother's support when he first joined lion dance.
"She felt it was dangerous, but she is very supportive now as I've done well," he said.
"Now, they (his parents) tell me not to give up since I've been doing well and must jump properly".
The duo are from Yi Wei Athletic Association and were its second team entered in the annual competition.
The association's Team A won in the freestyle category with a score of 9.41 out of 10, bringing home the $6,000 top prize.
Team B finished 7th with a score of 7.90
Jarell said: "Since our Team A won, I guess our slip was not so bad after all."
The competition was organised by the Singapore Wushu Dragon & Lion Dance Federation to promote lion dance culture in Singapore.
"She felt it was dangerous but she is very supportive now as I've done well."
- Xue Boon on his family's support in lion dance
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