Asia Dance Channel

Malaysian Dance Carnival 2009

12 May 2009
Mid Valley Exhibition Centre

In conjunction with International Dance Day, a worldwide dance celebration on April 29, Living Arts Dance Studio organised it’s the first Malaysian Dance Carnival 2009 on 2 and 3 May 2009. The carnival featured dance competitions, workshops and performances by dance professionals, amateurs and students from various dance schools in the Klang Valley.

The two-day dance carnival attracted over 300 people. The carnival kicked off with a dance competition entitled ‘Happy Feet Star Search’ for kids ages 4-7 in Category 1, and ages 8-17 in Category 2.

All the contestants amazed the crowd with their sweet smiles and impeccable performances. In Category 1, there were five dazzling groups of little dancers; Groovy Chipmunks, Baby Elephant, Christmas Time, Candy Kids and Dance Move Studio.

The youngest dancer of the whole competition is Raeleen Ferzureen who is only three and a half years old. Together, they wooed the crowd with their adorable facial expressions and lovely dance moves.

In Category 2, ‘Happy Feet Star Search’ featured more mature performers. There were eight groups presenting various dance styles ranging from Hip Hop to Chinese traditional dance. All the contestants were thrilled when given cash prizes, trophies and free dance workshop vouchers by judges Mr. Weijun Loh, Miss Elaine Pedley and Miss BB Adam.

Besides the competition, there were dance workshops; Salsa, Bachata & Belly Dance conducted by renowned professional instructors in the local and international dance arena. These workshops attracted dance enthusiasts young and old who packed the dance floor in record time.

This if followed by dance showcases presented by Han Fong Dance Club, Kids Planet, VS Mode, Viva Vertical, Dance Fusion, Tribal Belly and Living Arts. The audiences were enchanted by Salsa, Rhumba, Jazz Dance, Kids Hip Hop, Belly Dance, Swing Dance, Bollywood Dance, Contemporary Dance, Lyrical Dance and Pole Dance. The highlight for dance showcase is the beginner Contemporary Dance students who dressed up as pregnant ladies going shopping and surprised everyone when they actually went on stage to perform to the song, ‘Down On My Knees’.

These activities aimed not only to promote dance as a healthy living culture, but also to celebrate dance as part of our lives regardless of age; to provide a platform for our local dance talents to perform; to expose our community to local and international dance talents; to educate the general public on the importance of dance; to enable dancers of all ages and backgrounds to mingle and learn from one another.