Youngsters Steal The Limelight

Posted Date: 26 May 2009 at 08:42:43 AM

STARMETRO, 2008 July 28.

By ESTHER CHANDRAN
Photos by LOW LAY PHON

DANCE competitions are platforms for dancers of various disciplines to put into motion their routines and to take their steps to higher heights.

Hence, it was not surprising to see so many serious dancers practising their routines just before the Asia Pacific Dance Explosion 2008 championship took off at Shangri-la Hotel Kuala Lumpur on July 20.

From near and far, the fast and furious dancing kings and queens, with their strapping dancing shoes and without, stepped out with confidence as the competition witnessed a return of last year's winners and competitors.

Organised by JoyClub Dance Academy, the competition recorded a 120% increase in the number of competitors from last year's championship, said Academy principal Joanne Wong.

Meanwhile, organising chairman Alvin Loong said the overwhelming response from competitors proved there was a need for such adrenalin-charged dance competitions.

“This year, more than 400 participants signed up for the competition, which is more than double last year's entries.

“The number of competitors in each category – line dancing, hip hop and belly dance – increased so tremendously that we had to start the competition a day earlier as we would not have finished all the events in one day,” he said.

Loong said costly air fares had deterred the participation of contestants from Philippines, Australia and Thailand but contestants from Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Iran had nevertheless made the journey to represent their countries.

“We have received positive comments from spectators as each category showcased serious competitors who showed their love for dancing.

“This year, the quality of the performances by the dancers has gone up as the competition has drawn serious participants,” Loong said.

He added that such dance platforms needed the government's endorsement in order to get international recognition.

“The Tourism Ministry has shown good support for our efforts and we hope to be able to present ourselves to a wider audience next year,” Loong said of the championship, which is in its second year.

Though the participants ranged from the very young to senior citizens, each leg of the competition offered a different perspective of dance.

The children, however, captured the attention of the audience in all categories.

Japanese hip-hop dancers Crazy Bee and Wookie Wookie Monkeys may have come in second and third respectively in the Hip Hop Team - Junior category but their antics on the floor were worth watching all the way.

First prize winners U.D.C, however, got the better of the Japanese with their well-choreographed dance steps.

The young belly dancers from Zen Production stayed up way past their bedtime to compete in the Belly Dance Troupe event and although they did not make it to the top three, their routine was certainly adorable.

Loong said the competition allowed students of the various dance academies in Malaysia and throughout the Asia Pacific region to display their prowess on the dance floor.

“Many of the contestants were first-timers and the first step is to overcome your fear.

“When you step on the dance floor, it gives you the confidence to come back and do even better,” he said.

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/7/28/central/21919057