Lion dance troupe criticised for performing on AMK hawker centre tables, troupe says tables were cleaned afterwards

A lion dance troupe has responded after videos of its performers standing and leaping on tables at Cheng San Market hawker centre in Ang Mo Kio drew criticism online.

The incident, which took place during a festive Chinese New Year performance, sparked debate on social media, with a Facebook user asking whether it was appropriate for performers to step on dining tables used by patrons.

Online criticism over performance

@kuochuan.sg♬ original sound - Kuo Chuan Arts Cultural

The performance, posted by Kuo Chuan Arts and Cultural on TikTok on Tuesday (Feb. 24), shows the troupe leaping across chairs and tables as diners watch.

Despite the positive reception on-site, the performance later came under scrutiny after images and clips were shared online.

The incident gained further traction after a Facebook user, Wang, shared a post about the performance in the Complaint Singapore Facebook group on Feb. 25.

In the post, Wang described the act as “really not appropriate”, arguing that dining tables are meant for eating rather than being stepped on with shoes.

The user added that while festive performances bring joy, hygiene and public consideration should take precedence.

Some netizens criticised the troupe for stepping on tables where people eat, raising concerns over hygiene and cleanliness in a food centre setting.

Others, however, defended the performance, saying that hygiene would not be an issue so long as the tables were properly cleaned and noting that the annual act helps to enliven the festive atmosphere.

Performance held on tables due to space constraints

In response to queries from Mothership, a representative from the troupe said there was insufficient room on the ground to carry out certain acrobatic elements of the lion dance.

According to the troupe, the customer had specifically requested that the performance be staged on tables.

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The representative added that such performances are normal within the lion dance community, and that other troupes have similarly used elevated surfaces such as hawker centre tables when space is tight.

Addressing hygiene concerns, the troupe said the tables were cleaned both prior to and after the performance.

They explained that cleaning beforehand was necessary to ensure the surface was not oily or slippery, which could pose a safety risk to performers executing stunts.

After the performance, the tables were reportedly sanitised again, particularly as oranges had been arranged on the surface during the routine — something the troupe said could leave sticky residue.

No complaints from stall owners or bystanders

The troupe told Mothership they did not receive any objections from stall owners or members of the public present at the time.

They described the atmosphere as lively, adding that the acrobatic segments drew excitement from the crowd.

The troupe said they have been performing similar routines for over a decade and that this was the first time they had encountered this type of online backlash.

Top images via kuochuan.sg/TikTok