MGM has always been committed to promoting traditional Chinese culture and passing on Lingnan heritage to the community, particularly the new generation. A key part of this mission has been the MGM Junior Lion Dance Training Program, initiated in 2014. With the aim of enlightening local children as well as disseminating lion dance, MGM’s Junior Lion Dance Training Program is a popular seven-week training program held during the summer holidays. The program is a great introductory learning opportunity for children to explore Chinese culture and strengthen their cultural confidence, and also trains them to be good team players with self-discipline, as well as getting physically fit through a series of fun-packed training activities.
Junior Lion Dance Training Program is co-organized by MGM and Mak Chi Leong Dragon & Lion Dance Association Macau, and supported by Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM), Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ). Over the past seven years, the training program has trained over 380 young lion dance masters, teaching them about the history of lion dance, basic movements, the use of different props and music instruments that go with the dance. Trainees who complete the program can then perform and showcase their dance moves at the program’s graduation ceremony in the MGM Theater. Those with outstanding performances may even proceed to the “MGM Lion Dance Training Program”, where they get to exchange with lion dance troupes in Mainland China and perform at major events in town.
Since 2010, MGM has also hosted annual MGM Lion Dance Championship, with the objective of passing on the culture and tradition of this Chinese sport to a wider audience. Co-hosted by Wushu General Association of Macau and supported by the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Dragon & Lion Dances Federation of Asia, the exciting event is held in MGM’s impressive Grande Praça. Over the past decade, renowned lion dance troupes from all over the world have fiercely battled it out for the championship with their awe-inspiring moves and acrobatic stunts.


Imaginative Creations
Visitors to MGM not only get to view the impressive artwork on display, but can even enjoy making their very own art. ‘M Art’ is a conceptual creative space at MGM COTAI, offering curated experiences and workshops to spark conversations. It creates a perfect platform for culture lovers of different backgrounds and ages to innovate, at the same time helping to facilitate creative development and explore possibilities beyond imagination.
Currently, ‘M Art’ is running Lion Mask Painting Workshops, showcasing the cultural uniqueness of Lingnan through contemporary art. In the Lion Mask Painting Workshop, the instructor will talk about the cultural allusions of eastern and western lions and tell a series of interesting stories. Participants can then create their one-of-a-kind Lion Mask through painting techniques and their unlimited creativity.
‘M Art’ has also invited two local artists to make a drawing of MGM with their unique touch and turn them into an “MGM Memory Card”. Visitors to MGM can create their own art piece in the blank area of the memory card, and exchange thoughts and ideas about their favourite artists and artwork at MGM.
Kids Imagination workshops are aimed at children aged 3 and above and families. The workshops can help expand their thinking and develop a greater sense of aesthetics, emotional expression, and creativity for all ages. Children can create their own original poetic landscape painting through the game Rock, Paper, Scissors, and decorate it with the elements of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms based on the sun's position in the zodiac. Learn about the culture and stories behind each solar term, and the wisdom of the ancient Chinese through storytelling.
MGM strongly encourages children to create out of the box and use their endless imagination to bring out the infinite possibilities in art and life. Enjoy a cultural adventure with your kids at MGM COTAI!