Labuan dance troupe wins gold at world festival

Labuan's dance troupe, Labuan Youth Dansa, emerged victorious in the folklore category of the world dance festival held in Shah Alam. The troupe competed against 144 teams from 10 countries and territories. The 13-member team, comprising nine dancers, a team manager, a choreographer, and three support crew members, presented a creative interpretation of a traditional Brunei dance.

They blended authentic movements with modern choreography and contemporary ethnic elements, all while preserving the cultural identity of the dance.

Established by the Labuan youth council, this was the troupe's international debut at the festival. The youth council president, Nazera Roslan, expressed her pride in the victory, stating that it demonstrated the talent, creativity, and potential of young Labuans. She also highlighted the appeal of local arts and cultural heritage, which can be showcased on the world stage.

Choreographer Dafi Chua attributed the team's success to their commitment, discipline, and cooperation. They successfully combined traditional Brunei dance movements with modern elements, ensuring the dance's original identity remained intact. Malaysia was represented by 40 entrants at the festival, the second-highest number after India's 47 entries. Other participating countries included Mongolia, Indonesia, Qatar, South Korea, Russia, Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, and Singapore.