For the love of the country
Determined to inject a sense of patriotism, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Nafastari Dance Club staged a concert recently to raise the spirits of merdeka. Performed by students from various clubs under the Centre for Arts & Cultural Sustainable Development (CiTRA), the Nafastari Dance Concert presented three segments with each accompanied by a sketch by the IIUM Theatre Club.
“We decided on this theme because we don’t want people to feel a sense of nationalistic pride only in August,” said programme manager Mohd Aqmal
Ibrahim, 24.
Also present was CiTRA IIUM deputy director Syed Tahir Syed Mohamed.
The concert started off with the first segment “Kita Anak Malaysia” where the students danced to songs like
Lima Prinsip Rukun Negara. After a short sketch interlude, the dancers performed to the songs Tanggal 31 and Keranamu Malaysia.
A highlight of this segment was IIUM Angklung Club performing their rendition of Laskar Pelangi and Sejahtera Malaysia.
IIUM Angklung Club conductor Aqilah Diyanah Fadzlan, 23, said: “For some of the performers, it was their first time performing onstage.”
“I am glad that we all did so well. I’m also very grateful because this is my first time conducting in front of such a large crowd.”
The second segment paid homage to Nafastari’s roots in traditional Malay dance like zapin and joget with a poetry intermission by Malay Language and Literature Club.
The dance troupe spent two months of rehearsals to perfect their routine. Dance director Syazana Shaiful Adzhar, 22, said: “We wanted to show the importance of preserving the Malay culture with dances like zapin. We also wished to instil the Malaysian spirit through both traditional and modern dance.”
The former student of Malaysia Arts School of Johor who was also in charge of the song selection added, “I included the lesser known songs like Budaya Membaca as many Malaysians are still unaware of their existence.”
Compared to last year’s all-traditional theme, this year’s concert saw the dance ensemble donning casual wear such as their Malaysia themed t-shirts tailored for the occasion.
Assistant dance director Nurul Amira Abdullah, 26, believes that there is no need to dress to the nines in traditional attire to be able to feel the Malaysian spirit.
“We wanted everyone in the audience to be able to see themselves in the dancers on stage.
It is important for dancers to let their enthusiasm spill through their movements.
“You need to feel the essence of the song to be able to maintain your facial expressions. It comes naturally when you can connect to the music and the message that it conveys,” said Amira adding that this can happen with focus and practice.
Entitled “Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta”, the last segment expressed appreciation for IIUM students and the Malaysian youths in general who have brought glory to the country. It comprised a brief Silat demonstration, an English poetry recitation with a flute accompaniment, and a dance performance for the finale.
“We are very touched by the overwhelming support given to us. Thanks to the audience, we could perform for a good cause and raise funds for the orphanage,” said Mohd Aqmal.
The benefit from this concert was given to AlNasuha Orphanage and Protection Organisation.