MIRI: Sarawak and Miri in particular remained an almost unknown destination to dance circles until recently, when the world’s dancing community including famous international dancers came to town for the inaugural Miri Afrolatin Dance Fiesta.
In the retinue are Afrolatin dancers like Isabelle Crepin from France, Guspon Pierre from Canada and Paris Penalver from Australia.
However, now the situation has changed emphatically for the better following the hosting of the inaugural Miri Afrolatin Dance Fiesta here from March 2-5, which is also the first such fiesta held in Borneo.
Isabelle, who has never being to Asia, Guspon and Paris were among 15 international and national artistes who came for the fiesta to conduct workshops in their own specialities, besides performing at the Gala Dinner on Saturday night.
“I am proud to be here. When Dr Safrina contacted me and I asked ‘is it real, am I going to Asia?’ but you did it and I am very proud of you,” said Isabelle at a joint press conference yesterday with Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri City Mayor Adam Yii, the festival organising chairperson Dr Safrina Othman and artistes Guspon and Paris.
Among those present were Bintang Megamall general manager John Teo and artistes including Theodore Wolashie Awadzi from Norway.
Guspon, who has over 20 years of experience in dancing and conducting workshops the world over, also commended Dr Safrina and her team for successfully organising the fiesta.
“The reception was really amazing, I never felt that before. I am seeing the future is very bright for Miri in being an important dance festival destination and I hope the mayor will be with us at the next festival here and beyond,” he said.
Paris too was very thankful that Miri initiated the first Afrolatin Fiesta in Borneo adding that “Already this is being so great and the community here makes it so wonderful… I believe this fiesta will to be continued”.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Miri on dancing map with Afrolatin Fiesta
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