TRANSCRIPT
Growing up in Perth, Aaron Loong had a secret passion… one he kept from his parents.
"People had the mindset that it's run by gangsters or triads, or whatever you want to call it and I think that was why it was quite hard for me to just join a lion dance troupe at such a young age, but I just took the initiative of just basically going out and doing it myself."
But that didn’t stop him from taking part in Lion dancing
He joined the Chung Wah Association at just seven years old, training and performing... until his secret was exposed and his father, Patrick, found out:
"The first time I saw my son perform a lion dance was completely by chance while I was out shopping. I noticed a group performing during the New Year celebrations, so I stopped to enjoy the show. When the dance ended and the performers removed their lion headgear, I suddenly realised, hey, that’s my son! And he was amazing. I was so impressed by his talent that I’ve supported him in lion dancing ever since."
Now, every Sunday, a group of eager junior lion dancers gather for Aaron's classes.
"It's going to be a lost art and that's the last thing we want in this culture. We just don't want it to be a lost art, and no-one knowing what lion and dragon dancing is all about."
With Vietnamese and Chinese heritage, his family reflects modern Australia’s cultural fusion.
Lunar New Year blends both traditions into one vibrant celebration.
Aaron’s mum, Linh, fled Vietnam in 1979, she spent part of her childhood in a Hong Kong refugee camp, and later built a new life in Australia.
His grandfather, Cheong Loong opened one of Perth’s first Chinese restaurants, saving to bring his children, including Aaron's dad Patrick, to Australia… one at a time.
Between the vibrant lion dances and the joy of Lunar New Year celebrations, Aaron’s mum sees these traditions as more than just festive rituals. For her, they’re about bringing the family together in meaningful ways.
“Our children need to understand the meaning behind why we celebrate Chinese New Year. Every year the whole family should reunite, share a reunion dinner, celebrate with lion dances, enjoy New Year songs, and spend time together."
Fusing cultures and traditions, to enrich Australia's vibrant identity.
