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Daily Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Six Sabahans in dance team at Spain event
Published on: Wednesday, July 02, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 02, 2025 By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: Sabah dancers representing Malaysia at the event in Spain. Kota Kinabalu: Six dancers from Sabah are in the Malaysian team that will compete in Burgos, Spain, from July 3 to 12. They will compete with some 120,000 dancers from over 60 countries, showcasing the best of youth dance performances. Their journey reflects months of training, national qualifiers, and countless hours of hard work and sacrifice. Alyssa Lim, a parent accompanying the group, said they are aiming for as many medals as possible. 'Our dancers will perform both classical ballet and traditional folklore dance, combining discipline and national identity in every performance. 'They've prepared for months to reach this level, and we're proud to bring Malaysia's name to the international stage,' she said. One of the participants, Tiara Izz Zayani (11), was a champion in the Children's Folklore Trio at the DWC 2024 Grand Finals. This year, she has again qualified in the Children Solo in National and Folklore Category 2025 with her performance titled 'Kreasi Zapin Galit'. Tiara, who dreams of becoming a cultural dance ambassador, is passionate about promoting Malaysian heritage through movement. Another dancer, Ivana Iman Binti Mohammad Ezral, 10, placed seventh in classical ballet at the DWC 2024 Grand Finals. She will once again represent Malaysia this year. Faith Kennedy, 13, will perform classical ballet in the Children Solo Ballet Repertoire category. She believes this experience is more than just a competition, it's a chance for cultural exchange. 'This journey is about more than winning. Dance is a universal language. From ballet to traditional folk dance, our dancers represent Malaysia's diversity, strength and warmth. 'As they share our stories through dance, they'll also make global friendships and learn from others,' Alyssa said. She said the team brings Malaysian flag pins to exchange as gifts, small tokens of identity and goodwill, connecting hearts across cultures. The dancers call this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, made possible through generous government sponsorship and support. 'We're very thankful to our State and Federal leaders, namely Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, Datuk Ewon Benedick, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Datuk James Ratib, Datuk Matbali Musah, Chan Foong Hin, Mustapha @ Mohd Yunus Sakmud, Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar, and many more agencies and supporters,' she added. The team was grateful to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED), and Uniqlo Malaysia, for providing travel wear that kept dancers comfortable and stylish. They also expressed gratitude to the IEC Art Foundation for continuously supporting and nurturing youth talent in the arts. 'All this support made their dream possible,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Six Sabah dancers head to Spain for Dance World Cup
The Spain-bound young dancers from Ballet by Nora. KOTA KINABALU (July 1): Six young dancers from Sabah-based dance studio Ballet by Nora will represent Malaysia at the prestigious Dance World Cup 2025 Grand Finals in Burgos, Spain from July 3-12. They will join hundreds of Malaysian participants from across the country in one of the largest international youth dance competitions, featuring over 120,000 dancers from more than 60 countries. The dancers' departure on Monday, despite with no formal sending off, was a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of years of dedication, training and perseverance. For the young performers and their families, it represents not only a competitive milestone but also a celebration of cultural heritage and personal growth. Competing across a range of categories including classical ballet solos, duets and group pieces, the Ballet by Nora will also bring traditional Malaysian dance to the global spotlight. A highlight of their repertoire includes the celebrated piece 'Kreasi Zapin Galit', which blends classical training with Malaysian folklore and storytelling. 'This is more than just a competition. It's a platform to present our identity, artistry and resilience to the world,' said the manager and the team lead Nora Ridzuan in a statement. The dancers representing Malaysia from Ballet by Nora are Tiara Izz Zayan, 11, Ivana Iman Mohammad Ezral, 10, Ashlyn Chong, 12, Faith Kennedy, 13, Shanelle Santani, 13, and Adrea Yu, 15. During their time in Spain, the young dancers will also take part in cultural exchange activities. They are carrying Malaysian flag pins to exchange with international peers, a small gesture of friendship and pride in their homeland. 'Dance opens doors beyond the studio. It teaches diplomacy, respect and unity,' said Nora. Meanwhile, the journey to the world stage would not be possible without the generous support of various government officials, agencies, and sponsors who believe in empowering Malaysia's next generation of artists. Ballet by Nora extends heartfelt thanks to the various government leaders who include Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, Datuk Ewon Benedick, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Datuk James Ratib, Datuk Matbali Haji Musah, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Datuk Mustapha @ Mohd Yunus Sakmud and Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar. The studio also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Tanjung Aru Eco Development, UNIQLO Malaysia and IEC Art Foundation. Ballet by Nora is a Sabah-based dance studio dedicated to fostering artistic excellence while nurturing confidence, expression and cultural appreciation among young dancers. This marks the studio's second consecutive year representing Malaysia at the Dance World Cup. As the team heads to Spain, they carry not just choreography and costumes, but the hopes and pride of a nation behind them.
