Young dancers bring home gold

KUCHING: The Tyng Dance Academy has brought home a dazzling haul of 15 gold, 11 silver, and 6 bronze medals at the 3rd World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) Malaysia Open Dancesport Championship 2024, held from July 26 to 28 at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam.

The academy’s talented dancers outshone over 300 competitors from 18 countries to claim the top spot.

“This championship was a crucial qualifier for the year-end world championship in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The intense competition showcased the exceptional talent of our dancers,” said the academy in a statement. Its dominance extended to the National Solo Ranking.

Jayda Chang, 13, emerged as the champion in the Junior 1 Solo category, while Trisha Yap, 15, and Janice Liaw, 18, secured second and third places in the Junior 2 and Adult Solo categories, respectively.

Youngsters Jovanna Goh and Ariella Tang, both seven, stole the show in the Single Dance Solo categories, each winning two gold medals in Cha Cha and Jive.

Ooi Shee Le, nine, and Claudin Tay, 18, also clinched top honours.

Newcomers Ally Bong and Eva Wong made a strong debut, winning four and three gold medals respectively.

Other notable performances included Belle Bong’s silver and bronze medals, Bong Ker Chien’s semi-final finish in the Malaysia Junior 1 Ranking, Amanda Goh’s finalist position in Single Dance, and Jocelyn Yap’s semi-final spot in the University Category.

The academy’s overall performance secured champion, second, and third places in the National Ranking Solo categories for Junior 1, Junior 2, and Adult.

“We are committed to bringing more glory to Sarawak and aiming for the pinnacle of the international stage,” said principal and coach Tyng Tyng.

Jayda Chang, overwhelmed by her victory, shared her passion for the sport and her determination to represent Sarawak.

As the academy celebrates its triumph, it is preparing for the Borneo Open International Dancesport Championship and seeks support from the Sarawakian community and government to further elevate the state’s dance standing.

For more information about Tyng Dance Academy, call 0109733388.