Bringing a lion dance into the office

When the drums start and the lion appears at the office door, the whole floor stops to watch. That is the point of booking one. It is also why a lion dance needs more preparation than most festive activities: it moves, it is loud, and it relies on building access you may not control.

Decide why you are having one

A lion dance might welcome staff back after the holiday, bless a new office, or open a festive lunch. The purpose decides where people gather, which leaders take part and what happens straight after the performance.

Walk the route before you book

Pick the area where the lion will perform and walk it with a phone camera. Look up as well as around:

• Ceiling height, hanging lights and signs the lion's head could catch.
• Floor finishes, rugs and cables that could scratch or trip.
• Glass partitions and displays close to the performance line.
• Corners where the troupe turns and colleagues tend to bunch up.

Send the photos and measurements to the troupe instead of assuming a pantry or meeting room is big enough.

Get approvals in writing

Many office towers in Singapore want notice for performances, amplified sound and visitor access. Ask building management about loading bay slots, lift bookings, security registration for performers and whether lobby space can be used at all. Name one person in your team to own these answers.

The Get Out! Events notes on preparing a lion dance route and building approvals set out what to check with your landlord in more detail.

Keep exits clear

An excited crowd will happily stand across a lift lobby or an emergency exit. Mark a viewing boundary, move tables and bags out of the way beforehand, and keep escape routes open throughout. The Singapore Civil Defence Force is the official reference for fire safety in buildings.

Prepare people for the noise

Drums and cymbals are part of the tradition and can startle at close range. Tell staff the time and place in advance, offer a quieter viewing spot further back, and let neighbouring tenants know where the building permits it.