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Free Malaysia Today
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
‘Little Bornean Birdie' clinches 2nd spot at world dance final
Nine-year-old Dion Das Louis outshone 34 other contestants with his performance of a dance inspired by the traditional Ngajat Iban and two of Sarawak's iconic birds. (Ukas pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak's 'Little Bornean Birdie', nine-year-old dancer Dion Das Louis, has clinched second place at the Dance World Cup finals held in Spain yesterday. Dion, from Kuching, represented Malaysia in the mini solo national and folklore category, where he performed a dance inspired by the traditional Ngajat Iban and two of Sarawak's iconic birds, the burung ruai (great argus) and the kenyalang (hornbill). He scored 93.8 points, just 0.3 points behind the gold medallist from Germany, coming ahead of 34 other contestants from around the world in the competition, which is billed as the world's largest all-genre dance competition for children and young adults. Speaking to the Borneo Post, Dion said he was initially nervous as there were many good dancers from all over the world. '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 was quoted as saying. His mother, Edina Lanying, said 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. In July last year, Dion won gold medals in the junior division ethnic dance and photo shoot model categories of the World Championships of Performing Arts in Long Beach, California. He also won a silver medal in the formal model and casual model categories.
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's ‘Little Bornean Birdie' soars to silver at Dance World Cup Finals in Spain
Edina (left) and Louis in a photo with their son Dion after his second-place win at the Dance World Cup, World Finals in Burgos, Spain. – Photos courtesy of Edina Lanying KUCHING (July 5): Sarawakian talent Dion Das Louis, fondly known as the 'Little Bornean Birdie', has made the state and country proud by clinching second place at the prestigious Dance World Cup World Finals in Burgos, 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 medalist 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. Dion during his performance which was inspired by the traditional Ngajat Iban and Sarawak's iconic birds 'Burung Ruai' (Great Argus) and the Kenyalang Hornbill. – Photos courtesy of Edina Lanying '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. Dance World Cup World Finals Dion Das Louis Little Bornean Birdie Spain
