Among the many things happening in Singapore that will make you angry, lion dance is the last thing that comes to mind.
Yet, a lion dance performance in Clementi was what triggered a couple, leading to them disrupting the performance.
Here’s what you need to know.
Couple Suddenly Disrupted Lion Dance Performance in Clementi, Shouting “没大没小”
On 29 July 2023, a man and woman caused trouble at the two-day Ngee Ann City National Lion Dance Championship held at West Coast Community Centre.
The lion dance team were in the midst of their performance and preparing the props when the 58-year-old man and 51-year-old woman rushed into the venue and caused a scene.
In a video captured at the scene, the pair were filmed shouting “没大没小”, which means no respect in Chinese.
The woman had also allegedly kicked at a lion’s head that was on the ground.
Even after judges and lion dance performers intervened and pulled the pair to the side of the hall, they continued to push and shout at the performers.
It was only after a few judges intervened that the pair left.
Couple Arrested
However, if you thought that was the end of the incident, you’re never more wrong.
On Sunday, it was revealed that the couple were subsequently arrested for causing public nuisance.
The police said that they were alerted to the incident at around 3.45pm.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Why Did the Couple Act This Way?
According to the Singapore Wushu Dragon and Lion Dance Federation (SWDLDF) which organised this competition, the couple’s son was taking part in the lion dance competition.
After some miscommunication between the three family members, they had tried to stop their 25-year-old son from taking part in the competition.
After the disruption, the son had offered to withdraw from the competition.
However, the committee decided to let them compete at a later time if they want to.
The team went on to secure a gold in the competition and will appear in the semi-finals that will be held at Ngee Ann City from 4 to 9 Sep 2023.
This goes to show that the son and his team has put in good effort and displayed their “grit and tenacity”.
Hopefully, this will get the parents to support the son in this sport, SWDLDF said.
Hopefully, this also means a similar disruption will not happen at the semi-final venue.
For causing public nuisance, first-time offenders can be fined up to S$2,000.
For repeat offenders, they can be jailed up to three months, fined S$2,000, or both.
