Dance event receives huge public response

SIBU: Hornland Dance Theatre (HDT) held a Contemporary Dance Workshop Showcase which received an overwhelming response from the public at Wisma United Chinese Association (UCA) here on Thursday evening.

The event conducted by HDT’s artistic director Chen Ing Kuan was among others, supported and sponsored by Sarawak Arts Council (SAC).

Wong (right) speaks at the event.

In her opening remarks at the event, HDT chairlady, Wong Siaw Siong said many dance workshops and seminars had been undertaken by HDT in the past including during the annual Sibu International Dance Festival.

“Now, we are planning to have outdoor and indoor dance performances very soon. We not only have dance performances but also have dance training classes. Next year, we will organise more dance workshops and seminars.

“There are classes for beginners, for children below eight and above nine years old, classes for teenagers, aged 13 and above, and classes for dance performance.

“I hope any parents or anyone who are interested in dance, please contact our office at telephone number, 084-349932,” she said.

Touching on HDT’s artistic director, Wong described Chen as a Sibu local outstanding, smart guy who after completing his secondary course of study, pursued his studies further in Taiwan.

She said during his stay in Taiwan, he had done his school work well, and went for dance classes.

A contemporary dance performance in action.

After obtaining the most famous dance studio first degree, he came back to teach at Catholic High School and Kwong Ming Secondary School for many years.

Then, he went to Beijing to get his Chinese Folk Dance master certificate, Wong said, adding at last, he received a master degree Art of Dance at The University of Melbourne in Australia.

“He had many choices to work in other places, but he preferred to come back to Sibu in order to promote the standard of art of dance here. He put all his effort and time in dance training, performance.  We are very fortunate to have him here,” Wong enthused.

Among those present were SAC officer Erra Emyra Yusuf, HDT advisor Datin Seri Judy Lau Kung Ee, Cr. Donna Petrus Ngelai and Cr Raymond Tiong Yiong Ching.