‘Little Bornean Birdie’ Dion shines at performing-arts ‘Olympics’ in USA

KUCHING (July 7): It was a triumphant outing for Dion Das Louis, fondly known as the ‘Little Bornean Birdie’, at the 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in USA.

The eight-year-old Kuching boy brought great pride to Sarawak by winning two gold medals, each from the Junior Division’s ‘Ethnic Dance’ and ‘Photo Shoot Model’ categories of the competition, which was staged at the Long Beach Performing Arts Centre in California.

Dion’s dance, inspired by the traditional Dayak Iban ‘ngajat’, incorporated the elements of the ‘Ruai’ (Great Malaysian Argus Pheasant) and the ‘Kenyalang’ (Hornbill) – both symbolising Sarawak.

Additionally, the junior performer also grabbed the silver medals from the ‘Formal Model’ and ‘Casual Model’ categories under the Junior Division.

Dion’s achievements significantly contributed to the overall performance of Team Malaysia, which comprised 15 participants, at this edition of the WCOPA.

They recorded an impressive haul of 37 medals – 13 gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze.

Eleven participants from Malaysia, including Dion, also earned the title of ‘Division Winner’ in the WCOPA, considered the ‘Olympics’ in the performing arts world.

The nation’s contingent battled it out with the contenders representing 30 other countries this year, according to a press statement released late Saturday by Mycreative Promotion, the Team Malaysia coordinator for the WCOPA.

“Six categories were contested in each Junior (Age 5 to 15) and Senior (Age 16 and Above) division: Vocal, Dance, Music, Modelling, Acting and Variety Arts,” it said.