Common Mistakes Companies Make When Hiring Lion Dance Troupes

10 Common Mistakes When Hiring Lion Dance Troupe For Your Event

1. Choosing the Cheapest Troupe Available

Lion dance is a skill that requires training, strength, discipline, and teamwork. The cheapest troupes often lack:

• Proper training
• Professional uniforms
• Skilled drummers
• Safety experience
• Quality lion heads and props

Cheap performances may look sloppy, lack energy, or feel unprofessional, the complete opposite of an auspicious start. Always book experienced, high-quality lion dance performers for professional-grade shows that impress.

2. Not Checking the Troupe’s Experience Level

Companies sometimes assume that all lion dance troupes perform at the same standard. Not true.

An experienced troupe:

• Understands corporate environments
• Coordinates smoothly with event teams
• Knows traditional rituals
• Performs safely in tight spaces
• Handles unexpected changes professionally

Always ask how many years they’ve performed and the types of events they specialise in.

3. Forgetting to Confirm Space Requirements

Lion dance performances involve:

• Drums
• Cymbals
• Acrobatics
• High poles (optional)
• Multiple performers

Companies often underestimate the space needed, resulting in cramped or unsafe performances.

Good troupes will request or survey your layout beforehand if the area is complicated or tight.

4. Not Verifying the Safety Standards

Safety is one of the most overlooked aspects of a lion dance hire.

Mistakes include:

• No briefing on fire exits
• Poor crowd control
• No matting for acrobatic moves
• Untrained performers attempting risky stunts

Always ensure the troupe follows strict safety protocols, especially for indoor offices, showrooms, or shopping malls. Do also make sure they have done their Permit-To-Work forms if applicable.

5. Ignoring the Quality of Drums and Music

The drum team is the heartbeat of the performance.

A powerful, synchronised drum-line:

1. Elevates the entire show
2. Drives the lion’s movement
3. Energises the crowd
4. Makes the performance unforgettable

Poor drumming makes even skilled performers look weak.

6. Not Checking Whether the Troupe Is Culturally Authentic

A proper lion dance should follow:

• Traditional blessings
• Auspicious sequences
• Proper greetings
• Respectful rituals

Some inexperienced groups skip important symbolic elements, which diminishes the cultural meaning of the performance.

Authenticity matters, especially for corporate events aiming to honour tradition.

7. Forgetting to Ask About Props and Add-Ons

Many companies assume all performances include:

• Cai Qing (采青) blessing
• Prosperity scrolls
• Custom banners
• Mandarins
• Firecracker sound effects
• Zodiac-themed props

But not every troupe provides these.

Always ask what is included so your event doesn’t miss key auspicious elements.

8. Not Preparing the Team or Crowd

Companies sometimes forget to brief their staff or guests about:

• Start time
• Noise level
• Participation cues
• Where to stand

This affects audience engagement and may feel awkward.

The best lion dance experiences involve active cheering and interaction, it’s part of the tradition!

9. Booking Too Late

Chinese New Year is the busiest season.

Top troupes are often fully booked weeks or months in advance.

Last-minute bookings usually result in:
• Limited time slots
• Less experienced teams
• Higher pricing

Plan early to secure a premium troupe. Find out which Chinese New Year dates are the most auspicious and secure early-booking slots with a reputable team.

10. Not Aligning the Performance With Company Goals

Different companies hire lion dances for different reasons:
• Bless the office
• Attract crowds
• Celebrate an opening
• Motivate staff
• Kick off a corporate D&D
• Launch a new product

A generic performance may not match your intention.

A customised lion dance, with branded scrolls or themed blessings, delivers far more impact.

Our Final Thoughts

A lion dance is more than entertainment, it’s a symbolic ceremony that invites luck, prosperity, protection, and high energy into your space. Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure your event feels polished, meaningful, and truly auspicious.

When you choose a reputable troupe, you’re not just hiring performers, you’re bringing in an experience that your team or customers will remember.

For professional, reliable, high-quality performances, visit liondance.sg, Singapore’s trusted experts for corporate lion dance shows, cai qing blessings, and Chinese New Year performances.