Sabahan wins silver in World Ballet Competition
KOTA KINABALU (July 9): Ivana Iman Mohammad Ezral has etched her name in history as the first Malaysian to secure second place in the Ballet Soloist category at the Dance World Cup 2025 finals — one of the most prestigious youth dance competitions on the planet.
Representing Malaysia on the grand stage in Burgos, Spain, the 10-year-old Sabahan stood shoulder to shoulder with elite dancers from powerhouse nations like Russia, Germany, Romania , Bulgaria, China and the United Kingdom — delivering a flawless, emotionally resonant performance that earned her a silver medal from the global esteemed judging panel.
'This is more than just a personal win — it's a national milestone,' said one judge. 'To see such poise, technical excellence, and storytelling at her age, from a country not historically known for classical ballet, is nothing short of extraordinary.'
The Dance World Cup, often referred to as the Olympics of youth dance, sees over 120,000 dancers from more than 70 countries competing through rigorous qualifiers — with only the top dancers advancing to the finals. In the realm of Classical Ballet Solo, it remains one of the most competitive categories, judged by former principal dancers and internationally renowned choreographers.
Ivana's achievement represents a breakthrough for Malaysia in global performing arts, and positions her as a rising figure in the international ballet scene.
Trained under the guidance of Ballet by Nora, her journey is being celebrated nationwide as a symbol of what discipline, talent, and vision can achieve — regardless of borders.
'This is the beginning,' her family said. 'Ivana didn't just dance; she inspired a nation.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Awie to Amy Search: 'Take responsibility, tell the truth'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian rock icon Datuk Awie has urged Datuk Amy of Search to step forward and provide a truthful explanation regarding an issue currently being hotly debated by netizens, which has also implicated him. In a post on his Facebook page, the 57-year-old vocalist of the band Wings, whose real name is Ahmad Azhar Othman, said that Amy's explanation was crucial to clear his name. He added that he was weary of continually explaining himself, especially as several netizens on social media had mentioned his name. "Amy Search, tell the truth. Stop all these foolish people from accusing me. Take responsibility for this; tell the truth. "I'm tired of having to read and answer for what you've done," he wrote. However, Awie did not elaborate on the specific issue his name was associated with. Earlier, the police confirmed receiving a report from singer Shila Amzah, who claimed she was publicly insulted by a legendary artiste during a concert rehearsal on Thursday. In a Harian Metro report today, Kuala Lumpur Deputy Police Chief, Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad, confirmed that a report was made by Shila, whose real name is Nurshahila Amir Amzah, on July 10, at 5.31pm at the Dang Wangi Police Station. Awie, Amy and Shila had performed together at the MR. D.I.Y 20th Anniversary concert, held at Stadium Merdeka, here, last night. Awie's direct appeal to Amy now puts the onus on the 'Isabella' singer to shed light on the unfolding drama.
The Star
13 hours ago
- The Star
The ever-versatile Sam, lead singer for Malaysia's iconic pop-punk band Bunkface, goes solo with the enigmatic 'Borak'
Sam, the charismatic frontman of Malaysia's iconic pop-punk band Bunkface, takes a brave new step as a solo artist under the name S amsol with the release of his debut single, ' Borak .' Available now on all digital streaming platforms, 'Borak' blends infectious pop melodies with a deeply relatable message. The song speaks to couples who are learning to navigate the ups and downs of life by keeping honest conversations alive — sharing worries, laughter, and the little things that hold a relationship together. 'I wrote 'B orak ' thinking about how important it is for couples — especially those who've been together for a while — to keep talking, to keep sharing,' s ays S amsol . 'Sometimes the simplest chats (borak) are what keep love strong.' Fans will recognize S amsol 's familiar voice and energetic style, but 'B orak ' unveils a more personal side of the artist, revealing his reflections on love, communication, and the real-life dynamics of marriage and relationships. ( Listen to 'Borak' here: ) S amsol 's solo journey promises to build on the electric spirit of Bunkface while exploring new emotional territories, offering listeners music that's both catchy and sincere. Sam has been the lead singer for the group Bunkface since 2006. Bunkface is a Malaysian rock band formed in 2006. The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Sam (Shamsul Anuar), bass guitarist Youk (Farouk Jaafar), lead guitarist Paan (Ahmad Farhan), and drummer Biak (Alif Sufian). Since breaking into the limelight, the Klang boys are considered a foremost new modern rock band that has been in the music limelight in the South-East Asia region with songs such as "Silly Lily, Situasi, Revolusi, Prom Queen, Through My Window, Ekstravaganza, Panik, Rentak Laguku, Malam Ini Kita Punya, Darah Muda and Masih Di Sini". Their fan base in this region is called "Bunkers". Over nearly two decades, Bunkface has also solidified its place as one of Malaysia's most influential bands. Their ability to seamlessly blend punk-rock energy with relatable lyrics in both Malay and English has earned them a loyal fan base across generations. From their humble beginnings in Klang to performing on international stages, Bunkface continues to inspire and resonate with fans through their music and unwavering passion for the art. And now, it's Sam or Samsol as a soloist, to break out into the limelight. 'Borak' is the start.
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Malaysia, we hear you': Possible chance to purchase more MCR tickets?
KUALA LUMPUR: Hopes are soaring for Malaysian My Chemical Romance (MCR) fans who missed out on tickets for the band's highly anticipated April 30, 2026 concert, following a cryptic social media post hinting at further opportunities to catch the American rock act live in Kuala Lumpur. The official @hellouniversemy X (formerly Twitter) account shared a brief video yesterday, featuring the compelling text: "Malaysia we hear you. The march is not over." This enigmatic message has ignited a flurry of speculation among the band's devoted fanbase. Concertgoers are now left wondering about the precise nature of this promising teaser. Theories circulating online range from the release of additional tickets for existing standing areas to the more ambitious possibility of an entirely new concert date being added to the Kuala Lumpur leg of the South-East Asia tour. Yesterday's initial ticket sale saw all 60,000 passes for the April 30, 2026 show snapped up within mere hours of going online. However, the rapid sell-out was met with considerable frustration from fans, who took to social media to voice concerns over bulk purchases by resellers and unexpectedly high processing fees. My Chemical Romance last graced a Malaysian stage in 2007, performing at Stadium Merdeka, making the upcoming 2026 concert a long-awaited return for their passionate local following.
