RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The barongsai (lion dance) at TITD Tjoe Tik Kiong revived the festive mood of Lunar New Year in Tulungagung on Monday (Feb. 16). As night fell, the temple troupe performed to sustain a tradition rooted in the local Chinese Indonesian community for decades. Behind the colorful lion heads, young dancers moved with discipline and precise coordination.

Meanwhile, team leader Abdurahman Fauzi, known as Ganang, reflected on more than a decade with the troupe since joining in 2014. He said lion dance combines physical difficulty with enjoyment, as each show demands different strengths. Some routines emphasize acrobatic power, while others highlight agility and expression.

Moreover, the troupe returned this year after missing the previous celebration. “Last year we couldn’t perform, so we’re grateful to present the art again,” he said.

Performing inside the temple requires strict etiquette. Before entering, dancers must offer respect, and they repeat the gesture once inside the prayer hall. Only after these rituals may the performance begin. In contrast, outdoor shows allow more flexible choreography based on organizer requests. Inside the temple, by comparison, sacred values remain the priority.

This year, preparation time was limited because the invitation arrived on short notice. As a result, the troupe trained intensively for about one week. Even so, the 10–12 members maintained strong cohesion and performance quality. Their long experience together helped sustain precision despite the tight schedule.

Finally, the temple troupe continues recruiting new members to sustain the lion dance tradition in Tulungagung. The group encourages anyone with interest and commitment to join. “Anyone with intention, interest, and passion is welcome so the tradition endures,” Ganang said.