KTDTHB troupe shines at division-level traditional Malay dance competition
MIRI: Their sharplychoreographed traditional Iban dance performance and creative ethnic showcase earned Kumpulan Semarak Optima the grand prize at the division-level ‘ Traditional Malay Dance 2019 Competition’ staged at the civic centre here recently.
The 12-member troupe from Kolej Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang ( KTDTHB) took home RM2,000 and a trophy after wowing the judges with their ‘Ngajat Ngauk Ai’ dance and ‘Air’ showcase.
“We feel very honoured and happy to be named the winner as it is a manifestation of all our hard work.
“We will continue to do our best to represent Miri at the statelevel festival, to be held in Betong in May,” said team leader and choreographer Gilbert Lawrence, adding that the group would take a week-long rest after this.
“Our d a ncer s compr i s e secondary school students, from Form 3 to Form 6. Ninety per cent of them are in Form 6,” he said.
Gilbert also disclosed that all of his dancers had never really danced prior to the competition.
“I took the initiative to get them together and join this competition, as it is one way to obtain marks for co- curriculum. The response was very encouraging – we’re very proud to develop into a good team,” he added.
First runner-up was Kumpulan Anak Buluh Gadong (Anbuga), which bagged RM1,500, while in third place was Kumpulan Rumpun Tari IBS, which received RM1,000.
All participating troupes of the dance competition were required to deliver two sets of performances – traditional Iban dance, and a creative ethnic dance.
Judging was based on skills, originality, theme and costumes.
Meanwhile, Muhamad Zahir Raimie and Hajijah Pi emerged winners in men and women’s categories of ‘ Traditional Malay Singing Competition 2019’, held alongside the dance competition
Each of them pocketed RM1,000 and a trophy.
“I was quite shocked, as I did not expect to win. It was tight fight with the two other contestants,” said Muhamad Zahir, 28, a businessman from Miri who said he learned to sing classical Malay songs from his grandmother.
The objectives of the annual competition, organised by Sarawak Arts Council, are to nurture, promote and develop the arts in Sarawak, as well as maintain these arts as heritage treasures.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin officiated at the ceremony, witnessed by Miri Mayor Adam Yii, Miri Resident Mastapha Julaihi and Sarawak Arts Council cultural officer Easter Melebeh.