Making Malaysia proud: Young dancers from SK Sri Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, holding the Malaysian flag and showing off their gold medals at the Dance World Cup finals in Prague, Czech Republic.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah pupils made Malaysia proud by dazzling judges with their performances and winning seven medals, including three golds, at the Dance World Cup (DWC) finals in Prague, Czech Republic.
The young dancers from four Sabah primary schools, namely SK St Agnes, SK Bundu, SK Sri Gaya and SK Mutiara, captivated the judges with their traditional-contemporary dance ensemble at the prestigious event – billed as the “Olympics of dance” – held at the Prague Congress Centre.
A total of 27 Malaysian pupils, aged 11 and 12, competed against 3,750 other dancers from 67 countries at the DWC finals, which were held from June 27 to July 6.
SK Mutiara obtained gold in the Children Solo National and Folklore category, while the second gold medal was clinched by SK Sri Gaya in the Children Small Group National and Folklore category.
SK St Agnes added the third gold after emerging as champion in the Children Duet/Trio National and Folklore categories.
SK Mutiara further contributed to Malaysia’s medal haul with a silver in the Children Duet/Trio National and Folklore category, Children Small Group National and Folklore category (bronze), and Children Solo National Folklore (Boys) category (bronze).
SK St Agnes took home the silver in the Children Solo National and Folklore categories.
Masdi Ahmad Mus, who led the delegation, said the pupils and teachers worked hard to prepare for the DWC finals, as they were determined to put on their best showing at the international stage.
“All the sacrifices and efforts of teachers and pupils finally paid off when they managed to make Malaysia’s name shine on the world stage,” said Masdi, who is also the SK Mutiara senior assistant for co-curriculum.
“The dancers had practised every day for this competition, making careful and diligent preparations for the best performance.
“We are overjoyed and thankful for winning three gold medals at the DWC World Finals,” he added.
The impressive victory at the DWC finals was especially meaningful for the parents and teachers, who worked together to raise funds to enable the young dancers to compete at the event.
After earning the ticket to represent Malaysia by winning the nationwide selection process held by the National Department for Culture and Arts, the dancers were initially in danger of not even being able to fly to Prague due to financial constraints.
Malaysian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Suzilah Mohd Sidek, said that it was a privilege to see the talented Malaysian dancers on the global stage.
“We in Prague were lucky to have the opportunity to witness the superb performances of the Malaysian participants, besides being moved by their victories in every category they competed in.
“I would like to congratulate their teachers who are involved in unearthing talent, training and raising funds for them to continue their struggle while making a name for Malaysia’s on the world stage,” she said.
