There were over 60 guests celebrating Deng Chi Tang Sifu's birthday yesterday at Westlake restaurant. Special guests include Ron Lim, Master Tang Lai Wei (Tai Chi For Life), Sifu's son Calvin Deng who flew back from Macau for the occasion and lion dance students. Special mention for all the students from the 80's who turned up for the event and especially to those who are still actively involved in lion dancing. We also celebrated Sifu's 26th year in Melbourne, he has been a familiar face at all the Chinese New Year Festivals in Chinatown since 1983.
The night started with dotting of three new lions by Sifu's special guests, followed by a blessing of the three lions at the front of the restaurant. The first performance of the night was a Futsan lion dance by the Chinese Masonic lion dance team. This was followed by a Hoksan performance by Hong De Lion Dance. Afterwards, the entertainment continued with lots of impromptu performances by Sifu, his sons, past members, current members and guests. The drum, cymbals and gong got a thorough workout throughout the night, much to the delight of the guests (not too sure what the restaurant guests downstairs thought about it!).
Past students from the 80's that were there that night included: David Peterson, Norman Louey, Jim Lee, Will Lam, Steven Leung, Colin Leung, Edmond Louey, Dai Bee, Ah Ling, Ron Lim and Cecilia Hsieh. Some of these students are still actively performing.
During the night, Sifu treated us to a Jow Ga kung fu performance, Master Tang Lai Wei joined in to show us his Wushu skills and several ex and current members demonstrated their kung fu skills as well.
Thank you to Ron Lim for partially sponsoring the event and Savian Deng and the staff at Westlake for the catering.
We all had a good time and can't wait for his 70th birthday celebrations!
More photos from the night....
HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY SIFU!
Thank you for over 25 years of dedicated service to the Melbourne Chinese New Year Festival.
FROM ALL YOUR LION DANCE STUDENTS
17/08/2008