KUALA LUMPUR: Thirty dance participants representing Malaysia won all the categories they competed in at the Vienna Dance Open 2023 competition in Austria.
The Education Ministry in a statement announced all of them received recognition at Malam Citra Budaya held at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Arts and Cultural Centre on Sunday (Aug 27).
The appreciation certificates were presented by the ministry’s Sports, Co-curriculum and Arts Division director Zainuren Mohd Nor.
"The success garnered not only demonstrated the talents of students and choreographers comprising teachers but it also succeeded in bringing our Malaysian cultural arts to the eyes of the world,” according to the statement.
They swept in the category of a folk group children: Tarian Rakyat Patendu Patende (first place and best choreography); a folk duo junior: Tarian Zapin Bertingkah; a folk group junior: Tari Cekuh Dabus; a folk solo senior: Tarian Wayang Kulit Mek Siti Dewi; Tarian Sewang and Tarian Borneo Susumangod Tondu as well as the best overall presentation.
According to the statement, three choreographers contributed ideas and energy in training the participants to ensure the dance and music used reflected the Malaysian identity on the world stage.
Meanwhile, the 30 dance participants were students of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Jalan 3, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor; Kolej Tunku Kurshiah (TKC) and SM Sains Tuanku Munawir (SASER), Negri Sembilan; Sekolah Tun Fatimah, Johor; SK Putrajaya Presint 8(1), Putrajaya as well as Management Science University, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia France Institute (UniKL MFI), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Raffles College.
The national contingent was headed by senior administrative assistant of SMK Seksyen 4 Bandar Kinrara, Siti Dewi Marsitah Ismail. - Bernama
