Full of grace: SMK (P) Sri Aman students mesmerised the audience with their bakul kenyalang dance, showcasing the diversity of Malaysia’s heritage. — SHEELA CHANDRAN/The Star
Malaysian students bag 16 awards at dance competition in Spain
LLORET DE MAR (Spain): A group of 27 Malaysian students has won 16 awards in the group category at an international dance competition here.
The victory in the Super Grand Prix International Contest’s folklore dance category was the outcome of the choreographer’s initiative to showcase Malaysia on the world stage.
These young dancers, aged between seven and 19, performed 16 traditional dances from the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban and Orang Asli communities.
First prize awards went to dancers performing the Tari Pak Yong, Piriang Kito, Tari Samrah and Bakul Kenyalang, while the Ketipang Payung, Ketam Bangkang, Ceracap Inai, Dikir Puspa, Perahu Kayuh, Tingkah Geruh, kolattam, Zapin Banjarwala, Ajatif and Kipas Cina teams bagged second prize.
The Tarian Limbai and Anak Burung Baniong dances won third prize at the prize-giving ceremony held on Oct 29.
The participants were primary and secondary students from SMK (P) Sri Aman, SK Taman Megah and SMK Damansara Utama in Petaling Jaya, and one Multimedia University student, representing the Education Ministry’s cultural group.
Form Four student from SMK (P) Sri Aman Dian Nur Batriesya Fadhlur Rahman, 16, said the multiple wins were a big surprise to them.
“There were so many talented contestants, I didn’t think we stood a chance. We jumped with joy when we ended up winning 16 awards,” she said.
She said they had rehearsed two to three times a week for the past three months.
“We worked really hard to perfect our routines. I’m happy to represent Malaysia and proud to bring our country’s name to the world,” said Dian, who is also a student of the Permata Seni Remaja Tari programme under the National Department for Culture and Arts.
Muhammad Samsudin, 35, who choreographed the dances, said: “I had to think outside the box and create captivating routines to showcase Malaysia on the world stage.
“It pushed me to be innovative in coming up with interesting dance sequences that reflect our rich culture and engage global audiences.
“Some were traditional dances, while others featured a modern twist. I paired the dances with the students based on their age.
“For the primary students, I chose playful and light-hearted routines to match their energy. For the secondary students, I opted for more mature pieces that resonated with their age and experience,” said Muhammad, who is the co-founder of dance company, ChoreoArts Studio.
He also performed a silat dance called Silat Mad and won second prize in the senior solo category.
Liana Haris, 46, and Myzatul Sarah Othman, 42, who performed in the senior duo category, won second prize for the Rampaian Indung traditional dance.
In total, the Malaysian contingent performed 18 dances.
Contingent leader and SK Taman Megah teacher Darlina A. Razak said the students’ triumph serves as a powerful reminder to young Malaysians to embrace their heritage with pride.
“Their achievement puts our traditional dances on the world map.
“It inspires young Malaysians to celebrate and preserve our culture for generations to come.
“It feels great knowing that other countries are able to see and appreciate our traditional dances,” said Darlina.
She said the trip was made possible with support from various parties including Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the Petaling Jaya City Council.
Over 150 dancers from 15 countries, including Germany, South Africa, Lithuania, Kazakhstan and Romania, took part in the competition in Lloret De Mar, a coastal town in northern Spain.
Participants showcased their talent in various categories such as classical ballet, hip-hop and modern dance.
It was organised by Fiestalonia Milenio, which organises worldwide festivals and competitions for non-commercial creative collectives.
