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Showcasing Sabah’s rich culture on the international stage

nabalunews

By AVV


2 January 2025


KOTA BELUD: The Windbreeze Cultural Association Kota Belud will be holding a Malaysian Dance Qualifier, scheduled to take place on January 16 and 18. This highly anticipated event will be held at the Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN) establishment at Jalan Tasik, also known as the National Department for Culture and Arts.

According to the organising chairman and association head, choreographer Mohd Hairul Nazmie Talib, this year’s qualifier has seen an impressive turnout with 28 teams participating, totalling 166 dancers.

“This event is not just a local highlight; it has gained international attention. The 28 teams will showcase their skills as they compete for a chance to qualify for the grand finale in Burgos, Spain, later this year,” Mohd Hairul noted, highlighting the significance of the competition.

In July, Burgos will host the "City of Burgos" International Folk Festival, where over 800 participants from folk groups worldwide will converge to celebrate the richness of various cultures through dance.

Mohd Hairul, affectionately known as Syah, revealed that the competition will feature performances across eight distinct categories. These include Folklore International, Street Dance, Ballet, Contemporary, and Lyrical. Additionally, there will be competitions for Acrobatic Dance and Soul Dance.

“Creativity and presentation will be critical in determining the winners,” Syah emphasised, explaining that meticulous attention to artistry and originality will be essential for success.

The top three teams from each category will earn the honour of representing their respective dance styles in the grand finals, showcasing their talent on an international stage.

“The Windbreeze Cultural Association is proud to facilitate this platform for cultural expression and competition, and we look forward to an exciting and vibrant display of dance,” Syah said.

Syah shared that in November 2024, he and his team embarked on an exciting two-week tour to two cities in China, where they participated in the prestigious 7th China Empireast International Drum Festival held in Shanghai and Jiang Zhou. This remarkable opportunity allowed them to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Sabah through their traditional performances.

During the festival, Syah, accompanied by six talented dancers, had the honour of presenting the Traditional Dances of the Bajau Samah and Dusun of Kota Belud, complete with their unique songs and the rhythmic beats of traditional drums.

“We wanted to showcase the beauty of our dances and the melodies that embody the spirit of our people. The reception was overwhelmingly positive; the audience was impressed and sang our praises,” Syah recalled with pride.

“We felt a tremendous sense of pride in our traditional costumes and our performances. It was as if we had brought the very essence of Sabah to the international stage.”

Reflecting on this enriching experience, Syah noted, “That was our last international engagement for 2024; however, we also had a local performance at a resort in Kota Belud in December, which was another opportunity to connect with our community.”

Through these experiences, Syah and his dancers not only enhanced their skills but also forged connections with audiences around the world, celebrating their cultural identity and sharing the vibrant traditions of Sabah.


He expressed his hope that his efforts would be recognised by arts enthusiasts and relevant government agencies, which could lead to financial support for their international participation. He emphasised that their performances not only promote the rich culture of Sabah but also showcase Malaysia as a vibrant tourism destination.

Over the years, he has had to tirelessly seek funding for himself and his dancers to attend various competitions. “It is my aspiration that, one day, we could receive at least partial funding—if not fully- from the relevant authorities—to help us continue our mission of promoting the State’s cultural heritage on an international stage,” he stated.

By securing this support, they could further elevate Sabah’s cultural presence and attract a global audience, ultimately benefiting the region's tourism industry.

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