40 students take part in traditional ethnic dance workshop

KUCHING: The Kuching Unity Dance Association (KUDA), with the support of Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN) Sarawak recently organised a “Jom Menari Workshop” focusing on the spirit of unity among the diverse traditional ethnic dances in the state.

The workshop was held at the Sa’ati Hall of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Headquarters, from Sept 13 to 15 providing participants with a unique opportunity to learn and appreciate the traditional dances of different ethnicities in Sarawak.

According to a media statement released by KUDA, about 40 participants from seven secondary schools in Kuching took part, led by experienced instructors Soffina Ahmad, Wan Siti Noryanni Yaakob and Haizul Mohamed.

“The participants were guided through a series of traditional ethnic dances, including Chinese, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, and Melanau. The reviews from this workshop will be needed for the up-skills and re-skills of local dancers to further improve ethnic dance technique and encourage creative choreography,” the statement added.

“Kong Ying Ying, the organising chairman expressed her excitement at the positive turnout and enthusiasm of the participants for the workshop,” it said.

Meanwhile, in her closing speech, Deputy Director of JKKN Sarawak, Norsyahrul Syafsaidatina Ismail recommended that participants should continue to explore and share the traditional dances that they have learnt during the workshop.