Malaysian traditional dances are getting some international attention, with participants from other countries reportedly becoming so fascinated by a group of Malaysian students’ performance that they asked to learn some of the dance moves themselves.
The students are part of Cemara Seni Malaysia, a group coordinated by Mohd Zulhafiz Mohd Zubir, a teacher from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bukit Jelutong in Shah Alam.
Foreign participants wanted to learn Malaysian dance
According to Harian Metro, the students, aged between nine and 16, had the opportunity to showcase Malaysian culture directly to international participants during their previous performance in Prague. Mohd Zulhafiz said one of the most meaningful moments came when participants and audiences from other countries showed genuine interest in the Malaysian performance.
Some reportedly asked about the origins of the dances, the names of the traditional costumes worn by the students, and whether the dances were commonly performed in Malaysia. Others were so intrigued that they asked the students to teach them some simple dance moves, particularly the graceful and gentle gestures featured in the performances.
Mohd Zulhafiz also said the performances created opportunities for the students to exchange cultures with their international peers and introduce them to Malaysia’s heritage. He added that traditional dance is an effective way to introduce Malaysia because art can transcend language barriers.
“When the students are on an international stage, they are not only performing dance movements, but also bringing the stories, values, history and identity of Malaysia with them,” he said.
The experience also taught the students important values such as discipline, teamwork, confidence and courage while performing in front of an international audience.
Students became ‘little cultural ambassadors’
Mohd Zulhafiz hopes the experience will help the students develop a stronger sense of pride in their Malaysian identity. Rather than simply learning about culture in the classroom, the students get to experience what it means to represent their country on the world stage.
He hopes they can become ‘little cultural ambassadors’ who help share Malaysia’s heritage through traditional dance while encouraging others to appreciate and preserve it. Cemara Seni will next participate in the Mediterranean Folks Fest-International Folklore Festival in Spain from 8 to 16 October.
The group will bring 33 students, 11 teachers and one officer, and will perform Tarian Ceracap Inai as one of Malaysia’s traditional dance treasures.
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