Malaysia Shines at World Dance Festival Bali 2026

21 May 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia marked an impressive debut on the international stage at the World Dance Festival (WDF) Bali 2026, held in Bali, Indonesia from 13 to 15 May.

This year’s participation was especially significant as it not only represented Malaysia’s first appearance at the festival, but also coincided with the inaugural staging of WDF in Bali.

The international event brought together participants from countries including South Korea, India, Mongolia, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Despite representing different states and teams, the Malaysian contingent was united by a shared mission, to showcase the nation’s cultural heritage through dance on the global stage.

The Windbreeze Cultural Association (Sabah), led by Mohd Hairul Nazmie Talib and featuring dancer Edvina Wong Qian Yi, delivered a standout performance. Edvina secured a Silver Medal in the Solo Folklore (Adult) category with her creative Bajau dance, “Tudung Duang”, which highlighted the cultural identity of Sabah’s Bajau community through expressive choreography.

The Pertubuhan Espressi Seni Kreatif Malaysia (EXSPRESI), led by Nur Hazria Salmahani Yacob, fielded three talented young dancers: Izzah Fitrah Nazarah, Yang Melissa Sofea Mohd Iskandar Jefree, and Adra Wan Husna Wan Mohd Nazirul Hazwan.

Izzah Fitrah Nazarah earned a Silver Medal in the Solo Folklore (Junior) category with her performance “Rurumundok”, a creative dance inspired by Murut culture.

Meanwhile, the duo of Yang Melissa Sofea and Adra Wan Husna clinched a Gold Medal in the Duo Folklore (Children) category with their performance “Tari Igal Kreatif”. Melissa Sofea was also honoured with the Great Talent Award for her captivating performances of “Joget Si Dara” and “Tari Igal Kreatif”.

Another Malaysian representative from RALZ D’ART, Nataneal, further elevated the nation’s standing by winning a Gold Medal in the Solo Folklore (Junior) category with his performance “Ra Pahun Ku”.

These achievements underscore the growing recognition of Malaysian cultural arts on the international stage.

Notably, the participation in WDF Bali 2026 was driven largely by the participants and their families, without significant external sponsorship.

The role of parents proved instrumental, providing not only financial and logistical support but also the encouragement and commitment necessary for the young performers to realise their aspirations.

The unity displayed by participants and their families, despite coming from diverse backgrounds, states and teams, reflects a shared dedication to promoting Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage globally.

It is hoped that this success will inspire more young Malaysians to pursue and elevate traditional dance and cultural arts on the world stage.