Foreign troupes open Sibu dance festival
SIBU: The seventh edition of the Sibu International Dance Festival (SIDF) began with seven performances from foreign troupes on Tuesday night.
The troupes were Pancer Langit Troupe, Indonesia; Guna Music and Theatre Club, Ethiopia; Beijing Yilin Chenfeng Cultural Communication Centre, China; ALab Danse Company, Philippines; La Salle Dance Company – Contemporary and UP Filipiniana Dance Group, Philippines; Danuka Ariyawansa, Sri Lanka; and Foundation Crew, Japan.
In his speech, Sibu Municipal Council ( SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said SIDF could foster international unity across the globe, thus bringing peace and harmony to the world.
“Dancing has not only become a universal art, but a universal language. Whenever dancers with
Dancing has not only become a universal art, but a universal language. Whenever dancers with different ideologies meet on the dance floor, they will know they have something in common.
different ideologies meet on the dance floor, they will know they have something in common.
“Hence, a sense of unity is found within the dance,” he said.
Tiong said the various workshops could also bring people closer together to build social connections among dancers from various backgrounds.
“Because dance is tied deeply to the roots of our communities and cultures, dance builds awareness and appreciation of the differences and similarities between people. This makes you a better citizen of the world,” he said.
He hopes the event would also further promote Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
A total of 23 troupes involving 200 members from 14 countries will perform throughout the festival, which ends on Saturday (Aug 25).
Datuk Tiong Thai King, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman