The dance of the lion

A lion dance troupe practises a routine at a warehouse under a flyover in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.

They normally begin the session with a prayer for safety, to ward off any untoward incidents.

The team begins by assembling the stilts from which the lions will leap.

Once the stilts are up, they climb on them to test their stability.

They wear special shoes to avoid slipping.

Then it's time to get dressed, in the furry costumes that will lend them the semblance of a lion.

The stilts are given one last wipe down to ensure that they are clean and dry.

The black and gold lion emerges to begin its routine.

Each lion costume is manned by two dancers, one at the front and one behind.

The dancers also practise their leaps without the lion costume, demonstrating their strength and agility.

They are accompanied by the sound of drums, gongs and cymbals.

During a performance at an office in Klang, the lion goes around placing oranges on each desk to invite prosperity for the new year.

The office workers watch as the lion makes its way through the building.

A young girl leans over to peer at the dancers under the lion's costume.

Outside, two golden lions perform at the entrance of the office building.