Latest news with #DanceWorldCup2025
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Sabah dancers bring home ballet medals
Published on: Friday, July 18, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: Farish won second place in Solo National and Folkdance Boys category. Kota Kinabalu: The all-girls team from Ballet By Nora, who represented Malaysia at the Dance World Cup 2025 (DWC2025) in Burgos, Spain, brought home four international medals, making history for Malaysian ballet. Competing in eight categories – six solos, one duet and one group – the dancers earned the followings: Advertisement Silver: Children Solo National & Folklore by Tiara Izz Zayani Silver: Mini Solo Ballet Any Style by Ivana Iman Mohammad Ezral Silver: Children Classical Ballet Duet/Trio En Pointe by Ashlyn Chong & Shanelle Santani Bronze: Group Classical Ballet/Repertoire (Valse Reverie) by Adrea Yu, Faith Kennedy, Ashlyn Chong, Shanelle Santani, and Ivana Iman. Coach Nora Ridzwan praised her students' graceful movements and strong connection on stage. 'Their connection on stage was like poetry, and their hard-work had paid off' she said. Tiara, who previously won gold in the Children's Folklore Trio at the 2024 finals, impressed the crowd with her performance of 'Kreasi Zapin Galit.' Despite dancing in pain, she finished with strength and determination. 'Tiara danced until her nails came off, but she never complained,' said her mother, Tuya, tearfully. 'She told me, 'I just wanted to finish strong.' Ten-year-old Ivana won silver in the Mini Ballet Any Style Solo category, shared that she felt nervous at first, but once she started dancing, she just imagined she was home. She felt proud to be able to dance in international stage. Coach Nora added, 'This double silver means more than just medals. It shows years of hard work, late nights, and strong commitment. Tiara and Ivana have inspired us all.' Ivana's parents, Dr. Natassia and Mr. Mohammad Ezral, said,'We're very proud of Ivana. She danced with joy, and that joy brought her this far. We're also happy to celebrate this moment with Tiara and her family.' These young dancers are now seen as ambassadors for Malaysia, showing the world the beauty of Sabah's culture and talent. Meanwhile, more Sabahan dancers won on the world stage when in the Children's National and Folklore categories, the Parhakow team placed 4th in the world in two events, namely; Small Group National and Folklore (Boya), just 0.1pc behind the 3rd place winner, and Small Duo/Trio National and Folklore (Nyebang). Team member Farish Hail Umar Farruq, 13, won a silver medal in the Solo National and Folkdance Boys category. He was accompanied by his mother, Maria Sularso, who was extremely proud and excited about the team's achievements, even though none won gold. Another Sabahan team from Tawau students brought home bronze, they are two students from SK Muhibbahraya, Tawau also made Sabah proud by winning third place at DWC2025. Muhd Syahmi Asyraf bin Sulaiman and Muhammad Ammar Asyraf bin Mohd Taufik impressed judges with their energetic Zapin performance titled 'Suara Siam.' Their success was guided by teachers Sarena Sanin and Basri Kambung, with support from headmaster Tuan Haji Sapri bin Haji Raupu, who said the win reflects the school's vision to help students succeed internationally. These young dancers competed among 120,000 participants from over 60 countries, proving that Sabahan talent can shine on the global stage. * 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
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sabahans shine at Dance World Cup
Tiara with her coach Arthur. KOTA KINABALU (July 6): Malaysia proudly celebrates a double silver medal victory at the Dance World Cup 2025 in Burgos, Spain – thanks to the remarkable performances of Tiara Izz Zayani and Ivana Iman binti Mohammad Ezral, two young dancers from Ballet By Nora, Kota Kinabalu. Ivana with her coach Nora. These talented young Malaysians earned second place in their respective solo categories, rising above thousands of international competitors and making their mark on the global stage. Tiara, known for her powerful and expressive interpretations of Malaysian traditional dance, brought the house down with her performance of 'Kreasi Zapin Galit'. Dancing through pain, she gave her all on stage: 'Tiara danced until her nails came off — but she never complained,' said her mother, Tuya, visibly emotional. 'She told me later, 'I just wanted to finish strong.' That's her strength — heart, discipline, and quiet courage.' Ivana, age 10, earned silver in the Mini Ballet Any Style Solo category. 'I felt nervous at first, but once I started dancing, I just imagined I was home. I'm so happy I could make everyone proud,' she said. Their teacher and mentor, Nora of Ballet By Nora, expressed her pride in both girls. 'This double silver is more than a medal. It's the result of years of discipline, late nights and unwavering commitment. I'm honoured to guide them. Tiara and Ivana have inspired all of us,'she said. Ivana's parents, Dr Natassia and Mohammad Ezral , added: 'We're humbled by Ivana's achievement. She danced with joy, and that joy brought her here. We're just so proud — and even more proud to share this celebration with Tiara and her family.' These two dancers stand as young ambassadors for Malaysia, showing the world the strength, artistry and cultural beauty that lives in Sabah. The Dance World Cup 2025 continues, with more Malaysian dancers taking the stage in the days ahead. Meanwhile, SK Muhibbahraya students from Tawau also put Sabah in the eyes of the world when they won third place in the same competition. The young dance duo — Muhd Syahmi Asyraf bin Sulaiman and Muhammad Ammar Asyraf bin Mohd Taufik — captivated judges and audiences with their energetic and disciplined Zapin performance titled 'Suara Siam. 'Their success is the result of dedicated coaching and mentorship by their teachers, Sarena Sanin (Senior Assistant for Student Affairs) and Basri Kambung (Senior Assistant for Co-curricular Activities). Upholding the school's motto, 'SK Muhibbahraya Unggul, Melangkah Jauh dari yang Biasa' (SK Muhibbahraya Excels, Moving Beyond the Ordinary), this team has proven that young talent from Sabah can not only compete but excel on the world stage. This achievement is a reflection of the vision of Tuan Haji Sapri bin Haji Raupu, headmaster of SK Muhibbahraya, Tawau, who has long aspired to see his students succeed internationally. Their accomplishment not only brings honour to the school and local community but also serves as an inspiration for students across the country to pursue their dreams with dedication and determination.
