KOTA KINABALU: Dance troupes from all over the world staged an array of stellar performances at the Sabah International Folklore Festival (SIFF) 2016 International Folklore Dance Competition, to the delight of a capacity crowd gathered at the Sabah Cultural Centre to watch one of the most awaited events of the year.
In yet another exciting show putting the spotlight on the melting pot of cultures, dance groups from 11 participating countries took to the stage to deliver their traditional dances based on their interpretation of this year’s SIFF 2016 theme “The Warrior”.
Bringing elegance and grace to the stage, dancers adorned in their South Korean folk dress presented a breath-taking cultural dance which captivated the audience.
The dance which was presented by the Kim Mija Dance Company, was traditionally performed for generals and soldiers returning from battle.
Among those at the festival were Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun who also launched the event on behalf of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Hj Aman, as well as Mayor of Kota Kinabalu City, Datuk Yeoh Boon Hai.
The festival next headed to South Asia, putting the spotlight on Sri Lankan culture with young dancers from the RanRanga Dance Academy presenting a graceful starting performance before their older counterparts dazzled the crowd with an exhilarating traditional dance medley.
Irish group – the Gaellic Girls Dancing Troupe were clear crowd favourites of the night who performed a medley of exciting toe-tapping music of traditional Irish Jigs and reels in a dance based on an old Irish folklore about the mysterious Selkie, a mythical creature. According to Irish folklore, Selkies are said to live as seals in the sea but shed their skin to become human on land.
Members of the audience cheered the host country took to the stage who delivered a hauntingly fascinating cultural Kelantanese dance which was traditionally performed for kings and warriors during the olden days.
Among the many fascinating shows of the night include the exciting Bhangra Desire Folk Art Club of India who really set the stage alive with their vibrant and lively Punjabi Warrior dance. The dance group of the Philippines also staged an exciting cultural performance of the Visaya tribe which drew loud cheers from the crowd.
Continue reading at: Sabah International Folklore Festival 2016: A night to remember
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