Some women in Malaysia are putting the final touches on a dragon dance performance ahead of the Lunar New Year, just days away.

This group of women who have been performing the dragon dance since 2008, are the country’s women-only troupe. They can make their 18-metre dragon slither and snap just like any other.

Since the troupe was formed, the members have been practising once a week, running and leaping while lifting and lowering segments of the dragon.

The dance performance is taking on special meaning for the Lunar New Year, as Chinese around the world get ready to usher in the year of the dragon.