‘Little Bornean Birdie’ ready to soar high in the US
KUCHING: Dion Das Louis, 8, better known as the ‘Little Bornean Birdie’ is all set to become Sarawak’s pint-sized cultural ambassador at an international event in California, the United States of America.
His father Louis Lansam said Dion will be travelling as a member of the Malaysian team to the 27th World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA 2024) in Long Beach which will be held from June 28 to July 7.
According to Louis, the competition that Dion is participating will be from July 1 to 5, while the medals presentation will be on July 6.
He said his son, who is a Year 2 pupil at SK Green Road here, has a natural talent for the traditional Iban ‘ngajat’ dance.
Louis was met after he and his wife Edina Lanying accompanied Dion to pay a courtesy call on Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah at his office yesterday morning.
Dion qualified for the world championship after winning a gold medal at the grand final of the Malaysia Championship of Performing Arts held in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 27 this year.
He had performed an ethnic contemporary dance where he assumed the character of a little bird – thus the name ‘Little Bornean Birdie’ – in his presentation.
Meanwhile, Edina said her son’s rendition of the ‘ngajat’ for the performance was influenced by elements from two majestic Borneo birds: the ‘Ruai’ or Great Malayan Argus pheasant, and the ‘Kenyalang’ or hornbill.
These were elegantly depicted in the feathers of his traditional costume, she said.
“The dance was choreographed to mimic certain movements of the ‘Kenyalang’ as it flew through tree tops, and the ‘Ruai’ as it spread out its rich plumage on the forest floor deep in the state interiors.
“I guess he inherited it from his maternal grandfather who was also an accomplished ‘ngajat’ dancer from Nanga Entabai in Pakan, Sarikei,” Edina said, adding Dion is often invited to perform during big functions in Kuching.
Both Louis and Edina will accompany their son to the US for the championship, and they are now making preparations for the trip as well as helping Dion further polish his movements.
Meanwhile, Uggah said it was very heartening to note that Dion is participating in a world class championship.
“We are very happy that a youngster from our community can make it to the world stage,” he said.