Loading ...Sabah International Folkdance Competition 2009 – Part 1
On July 6th, the 4th Sabah International Folklore Festival reached its’ apex as various dance troupes from almost every corner of the world came to enthrall us with their elegance, grace and anomalous performances. The total of 11 countries joined in on this spectacular event and as grand as the name of this event; grander were their fascinating dances, traditional musical ensemble and an unparalleled representation of their countries’ exceptional ethnic backgrounds.
With the arrival of the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment Yang Berbahagia Datuk Masidi Manjun and other delegates which includes the juries and judges from several countries; the event kicked off to a dazzling and radiant evening as the various dance troupes took up centre stage and communally performed a melodious song as the crescendo of pyrotechnics illuminated and reverberated the hall with their combination of radiance and resonance.
The competition would be adjudicated by a panel of judges from various countries and particular criteria’s were carefully reviewed such as presentation, costume, choreography timing and music. For tonight, the teams participating in this competition were given a time limit of 7 minutes per recital.
For every dance recited that night, it had a legendary tale to convey to the audience and it has an important significance to the peoples from which the dances originated from. With a diverse gathering of wonderful performers it was already a night which promised to be both breathtaking and spectacular. The host country, Malaysia also disqualifies itself from this competition just as was in the previous folklore festivals.
Dance Troupes of the World. . .
The PESAKA group of Brunei began the night with a dance normally presented for the royal family; though nowadays this dance can be seen performed at wedding ceremonies.
Next up was Cambodia of the Cambodian Culture & Arts group; a dance which is based around the praying-mantis and said to bring peace and happiness. Attached upon the dancers’ elbows and knees were instruments of a kind in which they also used to provide the beat to such an inimitable and intricate dance.
An adroit performance from Guang Dong province of China featured some of the most lithe and statuesque dancers that night as they performed a dance that tells a tale of a young girl playing alone nearby a river as the fishes joins her in an afternoon of merriment.
India, of the Punjab Folk Arts Center was one of the more lively performances of this festival as they performed Bhangra, a Punjabi dance. Along with their live music and singer upon the stage, the audience were cheering to the joviality of their dance as it permeates throughout the hall.
Indonesia, Daya Presta company. This dance is known as Tarian Topeng Betawi, a very characterful dance which portrayed 3 different personalities within a legendary tale; the soft hearted, the stern and the restless.
Indonesia, Central Kalimantan, from the Burung Raya Regency Artistry Team. Lawang Terantang Mancha is a dance that tells a tale of two legendary brothers and renowned warriors of central kalimantan.
Indonesia, of the East Barito Regency dance troupe delved deeper into the many folktales of Central Kalimantan as they performed this dance concerning a woman whom about to transcend as the witch-doctor of her village after she overcame her mysterious illness and thus elevated to this significant position among her people.
Singapore, performing a dance called Nadi which means ‘Pulse’.
Saudi Arabia, with an a folklore dance is usually a war dance in the past, though now it is performed for wedding ceremonies. With live instruments on stage adding more jocundity to an already lively dance.
Philippines, from the Tacloban Performing Arts was captivating as they portray the legend of Sariman. An interesting display of such a mythical tale weaved into this performance put the audience into a trance tht lasted throughout the night.
Kazakhstan, with one of the most enthralling performances that night; the On Alty Kyz dance troupe did not fail to fascinate the crowd with this dance as translated as God’s Blessing. An enchanting and enigmatic swan-based dance; this rendition also showed the multifariously colorful costumes they have as many dancers converge on stage with varied attires.
Only being the first night of such an extravaganza of cultural performances, most of the audience stayed long into the night to enjoy some of the dancers still dancing the night away with other performers from different countries.
More to come in the Sabah International Folkdance Competition Part 2…
Stay tuned as we bring you more news of this wonderful event here only at lifeinborneo.com…
AMARDEEP PANESAR
It is very good festival i have never been to kota kinabalu but i visited malasia many times in international festivals and othe 6 countries. I really want to come and pariticipate next year in this festival
Thanks and Regards
Datu Saidali Unda Hadji Malic
Asslamu ‘Alaikom,
Nama saya Saidali bin Hadji Malic. Saya pergi di bandar Mindanao, Filipinas. I am a member of a university-based cultural troupe named MSU-Sining Pananadem. I am planning my troupe to represent the Philippines in the next years Sabah Folk Dance Competition. How can we be part of it?
Shukran…