A colossal spectacle is set to grace the streets of Johor Baru, Malaysia, as a massive 3D printed golden dragon takes center stage at the Johor Ancient Temple Chingay festival.
The dragon, mounted on a three-tonne truck, promises to captivate audiences and pay homage to tradition in a fusion of old tradition and new technology.
In celebration of both the Year of the Dragon and their troupe’s 50th anniversary, the Yahya Awal Dragon Dance Troupe embarked on this ambitious project. Behind the project lies a tale of collaboration between tradition bearers and modern engineers. Sean Ng, a seasoned dragon dance enthusiast turned general manager at a 3D printing company, has spearheaded the endeavor. Through meticulous scanning, modeling, and printing, Ng and his team transformed nostalgia into a towering reality, comprising 88 intricately crafted parts assembled over 88 days.
“It is the Year of the Dragon and our dragon dance troupe’s 50th anniversary this year, so we wanted to do something extraordinary,” said Amos Poh, assistant head coach of the troupe.
“We wanted to use the latest technology to present something traditional to the audience. At first, the idea was met with some resistance from our elders, but they eventually got on board when they saw the 3D mock-up model. I assured them that the dragon head on the float will look exactly like our troupe’s dragon dance prop, which has been with us for more than 30 years.”
As anticipation builds for the Chingay procession, characterized by vibrant floats and dynamic performances, organizers and authorities are gearing up for a grand spectacle. With stringent security measures in place and roads prepared for closure, Johor Baru is bracing itself for an unforgettable extravaganza that seamlessly blends age-old customs with contemporary marvels, embodying the spirit of cultural evolution and celebration.
Source: thestar.com.my
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