Resort city dances into dance festival map
MIRI: TheinauguralMiriAfrolatin Fiesta has put the resort city and Sarawak on the world map of dance festivals, with some 70 international and local dancers showing their off their skills here.
The four-day festival, which will end on Sunday, was initiated by a local dance studio — La Danza Fitness & Dance Studio and supported by Miri City Council.
La Danza owner Dr Safrina Othman was pleased with the response from dance enthusiasts even though the number did not reach the target of 100 participants.
“I consider it already a success in putting Borneo on the world dance festival map.
Initially we have 13 international and national artistes joining us but two others international Afrolatin artists – Theodore Wolashie Awadzi from Norway and Michael Wisniewksi from the Philippines, upon knowing we had the festival, came along on their own expenses,” Dr Safrina told The Borneo Post on Thursday night during the training session for the gala dinner tonight.
The session on Ki zomba performance was conducted by Paris Penalver from Australia assisted by Romana Rustveld from Holland. Romana will be teaching Afro-Brazilian dance during the fiesta.
Dr Safrina said artistes like Azlan and Mabel from UK/ Malaysia, Gupson Pierre from Canada, Isabelle Crepin from France and Malaysia’s very own Deejay Selva would be sharing their skills in dance workshops.
She said other activities at the fiesta include a performance workshop, three dance parties and excursions to Niah National Park and Tusan Beach.
Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting and Miri Mayor Adam Yii will be joining the 200 guests for the gala dinner to be held at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club.