Every afternoon, the sounds of drums and stomping echoed through the alleyways as students practiced the steps—strong, fast, and symbolic of courage. Inside, the walls were decorated with Yingge face paint charts and posters tracing the dance’s origins to Chaoshan, China. Volunteers helped with logistics, while local residents often stopped by to observe the rehearsals.

“The moves were harder than I expected,” said 17-year-old student Lim Jia Xin from Kuala Lumpur. “But it felt powerful. You’re not just dancing—you’re telling a story.”

Among the 30 students enrolled, nearly one-third were from non-Chinese backgrounds. The inclusive atmosphere was one of the program’s biggest successes. “At first I just came to watch with a friend, but then I ended up joining,” said Azmi, a 16-year-old Malay student. “Now I know Yingge Dance is about courage—it really impressed me.”

Instructors from China designed the training to emphasize teamwork, rhythm, and physical stamina. Over the course of the program, students not only learned choreography but also created their own routines blending traditional steps with modern expression. “We wanted to let them make the dance their own,” said lead instructor Chen Ming. “When youth take ownership, the culture truly lives on.”

The program ended with a public performance held at Melaka’s Red Square during the Lantern Festival. The dancers, dressed in full makeup and traditional attire, performed in front of hundreds of locals and tourists. The crowd clapped, cheered, and some even joined in.

“It’s amazing to see young people from different backgrounds dancing together,” said Mr. Ong, a shopkeeper in the area. “It shows that culture can bring people closer, no matter where they come from.”

Beyond the dance itself, the project included cultural exchange sessions, group meals featuring Teochew and Malay dishes, and visits to local heritage museums. For many participants, it was the first time they learned how closely intertwined Malaysian and Chinese history really is.