Sarawak's ‘Little Bornean Birdie' soars to silver at Dance World Cup Finals in Spain
The nine-year-old SK Green Road pupil represented Malaysia in the Mini Solo National and Folklore category, performing an ethnic creative dance inspired by the traditional Ngajat Iban and two of Sarawak's iconic birds – the Burung Ruai (Great Argus) and the Kenyalang Hornbill.
He outshone 34 other contestants from around the world, scoring an impressive 93.8 points – just 0.3 points behind the gold medallist from Germany.
'Truth be told, I was initially nervous as there were a lot of good dancers from all over the world at the competition,' he told The Borneo Post in a WhatsApp message conveyed through his mother Edina Lanying.
'But I am very happy and proud to have made it this far on the international stage and given the opportunity to compete against the 34 dancers,' he added.
Dion's performance was accompanied by original music composed by local bands Sada Borneo and At Adau.
His vibrant parade costume was specially designed by Sarawakian designer Gilbert Headhunter, who is based in Kuala Lumpur.
'We are incredibly proud of Dion's achievement. It was a tough one as there were a lot of amazing dancers at the competition,' said Edina.
She added that she and her husband, Louis Lansam, plan to enrol Dion in more international events next year, and hope to see him represent Malaysia at global cultural festivals.
The family also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who made Dion's journey possible, including the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra); Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Ghee Hua Group of Companies; Kelab Kaban Golf Samarahan; International Education Legacy Foundation; and the United Asia Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce.
Dion's achievement drew praise from Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who congratulated the young talent in a post on his official Facebook page.
'Heartiest congratulations to Dion for winning 2nd Place (Mini Solo National & Folklore – Ethnic Creative) at the 2025 World Finals of Dance World Cup!' he wrote. — The Borneo Post
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sabahan wins silver in World Ballet Competition
Ivana (right) the first Malaysian to place top two in Ballet Solo at global Dance World Cup finals in Spain. 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.'
Free Malaysia Today
14 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Young filmmakers boosting quality of local Tamil movies, says Finas
A scene from the horror-comedy 'Mirugasirisham', which is being lauded for its impressive storytelling, direction and performances. (Five Star Trading pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Young film directors, especially those transitioning from digital platforms to the silver screen, are playing a key role in raising the quality of local Tamil cinema, the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) said recently. According to chief executive officer Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, the new generation of creators has demonstrated an ability to deliver fresh, high-quality stories – a positive development within the local film industry. 'One film I watched recently, 'Mirugasirisham', showcases the kind of quality not often seen in works by first-time filmmakers. These are people who started out creating content for social media and YouTube, and now they're making films – and the results are truly impressive,' he told Bernama. Azmir expressed his admiration for the film's strong storytelling, direction and performances, saying it was all the more noteworthy considering it was produced by newcomers to the industry. He lamented, however, the fact that the movie hadn't been widely promoted. 'Many viewers still believe that watching local films in cinemas isn't worth it. But they should come out and support these screenings, because the quality of our local productions is now truly comparable to Tamil films from India,' he said. He also noted that Finas remains open and inclusive in its support for local film development, regardless of language or genre. 'We don't limit our support; in fact, we regularly engage with the industry, including Tamil filmmakers, to understand current issues and trends,' he said. 'C 4 Cinta' recorded box-office earnings of over RM2.5 million last year, making it the highest-grossing local Tamil film to date. (S Karthik pic) Azmir highlighted that the improvement in the quality and reception of local Tamil films is evident in the success of 'C 4 Cinta', which recorded box-office earnings of over RM2.5 million last year, more than double the earnings of previous local Tamil films. Meanwhile, 'Mirugasirisham' producer Sai Suthan Krishnan said that, despite receiving glowing reviews from critics and audiences across various communities, local Tamil films generally continue to record disappointing box-office figures. 'There are many young and emerging talents in Malaysia who are waiting for the right opportunity to showcase their filmmaking skills and tell stories that reflect our regional and cultural roots. 'Every Malaysian who has watched 'Mirugasirisham', whether Indian or from other communities, has given glowing reviews, particularly for its story and technical aspects. 'It's an engaging and entertaining 2.5 hours well spent in the cinema, appreciating the film's sound and visuals,' he said. He stressed that ultimately, producers and filmmakers rely on strong box-office numbers to inspire confidence among potential investors. 'It encourages them to boldly support the next generation of passionate artistes and filmmakers, helping to realise bigger dreams and create works of international quality,' he concluded.
Free Malaysia Today
14 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
How salsa is winning hearts on KL's dance floors
Salsa instructor Vishnuvarthan sharing the dance floor with a student during a practice session. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : It's dusk in Kuala Lumpur, and most of the city is winding down for the night. Many are preparing to rest after a long day at work. For some, however, the night is just beginning: a group of about 30 people are dancing in a circle atop the roof of a local hotel. A caller shouts out commands in Spanish – 'dame, enchufla, vacílala!' – and everyone moves with the rhythm, swaying as they switch partners to the infectious Latin-American beat. This is a meeting of the Rueda Rebels, one of the many salsa-dancing groups in Malaysia today. Every week, the group – established by student hosts Aiffah Badron, Yunn Zailan and Francis Nantha – practises the popular circular partner-swapping Cuban style known as Rueda de Casino. They are an offshoot of the popular Rueda at the Park, of which dance instructor Andrew Sureshkumar is a co-founder. 'Salsa is a great way to break barriers. It's also a great way of socialising, as it brings people together,' he told FMT Lifestyle. In Colombia, salsa isn't just a social activity – it's part of what the nation represents. It's a cultural emblem, a national dance that carries history, pride, and passion. The scene there is undeniably more intense: more competitive, more expressive, and steeped in tradition. Rueda at the Park dancers at the Afro-Latin Festival Asia pre-party earlier this year. (Rueda at the Park pic) This sense of community, belonging and celebration now thrives in Malaysia, with studios offering classes in everything from Los Angeles to Colombian versions of the dance. Many are welcoming newcomers with free sessions, teaching everything from partner work to group styles like Rueda de Casino. Resources such as the Salsa KL website contain expanding lists of local salsa studios, DJs and socials. 'There's a big community here, and it's only getting bigger and bigger. Every month we get new people joining our free trial classes,' salsa instructor Vishnuvarthan, also known as DJ Alex Vishnu, told FMT Lifestyle. Vishu ventured into salsa at age 35: a reminder that this dance has no age limits. He started learning the Los Angeles style before taking up bachata, merengue, and cumbia with his friends. Then, when watching Cuban dancer Yoyo Flow, he was inspired to take up Cuban-style salsa and now teaches dance at the Illusions Dance Academy in Brickfields. Vishnu shared that salsa social nights are frequently held at prominent spots in KL such as Ceylon House and Havana, usually on Fridays and weekends. He added that salsa is thriving not just in the nation's capital but in locations such as George Town and Kota Kinabalu. This is thanks to events such as the annual Afro-Latin Festival Asia (Alfa)and Penang Salsa Festival, which draw dance aficionados from all over. Salsa instructors Andrew Sureshkumar and Sherilyn Foo with members of the Rueda Rebels. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) They say salsa brings people together, and a beautiful example of this is Rueda at the Park's Andrew and fellow co-founder Sherilyn Foo. They met during a salsa social, fell in love, and got married. 'That's the beauty of dance – it's like another language. For example, I may meet a person from another place, another culture, who I may not know at all, but I could dance with them and it will just work,' Andrew shared. Foo believes the scene has been growing because it's 'a happy place' for many people. 'We get all walks of life here. For many, it's a chance to forget their 9-to-5 job, meet friends, and release stress after work,' she said. She noted that the local salsa scene was even more vibrant before the pandemic, with multiple events often taking place in one evening. In more recent years, the community has steadily been regaining momentum. 'I hope more people give salsa dancing a try. Don't shy away from it; it's a great activity where you can meet like-minded people. You never know what you might gain from it,' Foo added. Members of the Rueda Rebels come from various backgrounds and meet for dance sessions weekly. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) Indeed, in Latin culture, you don't need a reason to dance – it's a feeling that grabs you and doesn't let go. When the rhythm hits just right, simply shout '¡Epa!' and start to move. The joy? That's salsa. In Malaysia, that same infectious spirit has taken root as these growing communities move to the beat, truly proving that the rhythm of the dance knows no borders. Mariana Valentina Tabares Jaramillo is an undergraduate at the City of St George's, University of London, and an intern at FMT.
