THIS cat didn't land on its feet.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tiptoeing seemingly carefree high above the ground, the Nundle crowd were completely enthralled by the lion holding court on Oakenville Street.
It leapt and reared with power while also batting its eyes winsomely.
READ MORE:
People of all ages were enchanted.
But one misstep on to the dinner plate sized platforms elevated metres above the ground and the illusion burst.
The lion split in two and a young boy cloaked in the lairy costume plummeted to the road while the man playing the part of the hind legs remained on the platform.
The show went on the crowd gasped and applauded the acrobatics with more enthusiasm until the dance was finished.
The veil was lifted, the mask literally slipped, but the unscripted moment told a powerful story.
It showed strength is greater in union and it's only possible and truly expressed with trust and harmony.
The lion dance is a traditional Chinese dance said to bring good luck and fortune.
It's a visible expression of culture which was celebrated by the local crowd which was gathered on Easter Sunday, a traditional celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection.
It's a reminder this community is home to so many cultures which aren't always visible.
But they're here living, working and enriching.
Like the lion and it's acrobatic performance, the community's stronger if we're working together.
This year's Go For Gold festival in Nundle needed more collaboration than ever.
There was no major sponsor so local businesses had to chip-in and attendees were asked for a gold coin donation for entry, a previously unneeded feature.
But it worked.
It felt like a big crowd to those on the ground.
There's pitfalls everywhere in this world, people succumb to all sorts of individualistic behaviour all the time.
But like the Nundle lion and sort of like the resurrection, there's always a chance to begin again.
