Local artist profile: Shai Watts

THIS week is the perfect opportunity to chat with Bendigo Chinese Association Lion Team stalwart Shai Watts, who joined up at the age of 13 and 15 years later is still going strong.

What motivated you to join the Lion Team?

It was an annual family tradition to attend the Bendigo Easter Festival and watch the Awakening of the Dragon every year, as well as seeing Sun Loong at the Gala Parade.

There was always the attraction to the Lions; the noise, the smell of firecrackers.

At 13 I emailed the team leader asking how I could get involved and 15 years later, I’m still going strong!

How would you describe what Lion dancing actually is?

Lion dance is a cultural artform that originated thousands of years ago, which was brought to Bendigo during the gold rush when Chinese settlers arrived along with their traditions.

The Lion is a spiritual creature, bringing prosperity and good luck.

As for practice, it depends on the person as everyone learns differently – some pick it up really quick, others a little longer.

Even after 15 years, I’m still actively learning.

Which other Lion dancers or other kinds of performers inspire you?

I drew inspiration from older members in the Association when I started, then continued to expand further by watching YouTube videos of lion dance troupes in Hong Kong.

I also draw some inspiration from some very good friends of mine at the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne.

Have you had any mentors over your time?

I’ve had quite a few, each one moulding me into the performer I am today and passing on the flame to keep the traditions going.

I’m now assisting in mentoring our up and comers as well as established members who are wanting to further their current skillset.

What are some highlights you have from your tenure as a Lion Team member so far?

Our Lunar New Year road trips are always a highlight, travelling Victoria and having fun doing what we love.

One significant moment will always stand out to me – the 2019 Bendigo Easter Festival and the arrival of Dai Gum Loong and the farewell of Sun Loong, a very rare event.

The energy was electric.

How can people check out your work online?

The best way to see what we get up to and see some awesome performances is through our Facebook page for the Bendigo Chinese Association Lion Team as well as the Bendigo Chinese Association Inc page.

You’ll also see a bit more through the Instagram pages for both the Association and Lion Team too (@bendigochinese/@bcalion), as well as some videos around on YouTube.

What’s coming up for the Lion Team?

At the end of Chinese New Year from early March we dove straight into our Easter preparations.

Eastertime is like the AFL grand final for comparison.

What would you say to young people in the area who might consider one day joining the team?

It’s a great way to meet new friends and have some really exciting experiences!

It can be very rewarding knowing you’re carrying on a very long-standing tradition that’s unique to Bendigo, but it can also be hard work when you first start out due to the intense fitness and the steady-but-essential learning process of the foundations of Lion dance, such as our stances and footwork.

All in all, if you’ve been unsure if you can do it, jump in and reach out, you won’t know until you give it a go!