Workshop sees 40 students learn Sarawak’s traditional ethnic dances

KUCHING (Sept 19): Some 40 students from seven secondary schools recently participated in the ‘Jom Menari Workshop’ to learn more about the traditional dances of Sarawak’s ethnic groups.

The workshop from Sept 13 to 15 aimed at emphasising the importance of unity in diversity and promoting social cohesion among Malaysia’s vibrant multi-racial communities.

Organised by Kuching Unity Dance Association (Kuda) with support from the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Sarawak, the three-day event was conducted by experienced instructors from JKKN Sarawak, namely 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 workshop also looked into the upskilling and reskilling of local dancers to further improve ethnic dance techniques and encourage creative choreography.

JKKN Sarawak deputy director Norsyahrul Syafsaidatina Ismail in her closing speech encouraged all the participants to continue exploring and sharing the traditional dances they’ve learnt during the workshop.

For more information on Kuda, follow its Facebook page under the handle ‘Persatuan Perpaduan Seni Tari Kuching.’