{
  "id": 4084929,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: ASK and Dua Space light up DFP with a celebration of Malaysian identity",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/showbiz-ask-and-dua-space-light-up-dfp-with-a-celebration-of",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T02:00:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/08/1521089/showbiz-ask-and-dua-space-light-dfp-celebration-malaysian-identity"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A special dance extravaganza titled \"A Dance Spectacular\" is set to captivate Malaysian performing arts enthusiasts on September 5 at 8pm in the prestigious Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in Kuala Lumpur. The 90-minute event will feature two renowned dance companies, ASK Dance Company and Dua Space Dance Theatre, showcasing their signature styles.\n\nASK Dance Company, founded by Dr Joseph Gonzales, will present an original masterpiece titled \"Pearl of the Orient.\" This captivating Chinese dance explores the journey of cultural traditions across time and geography, reflecting how they are adapted and reimagined within new environments. The performance includes dynamic choreography, evocative music, and striking visual imagery, with a total of 19 dancers from ASK.\n\nDua Space Dance Theatre, founded by Anthony Meh, will take center stage for the second half of the show. Their specially curated contemporary dance work, \"Passage Into The Unknown: Earth, Water, Fire and Wind,\" delves into the human spirit and offers enduring insight for navigating uncertainty. Blending the refined aesthetics of traditional Chinese dance with the expressive freedom of contemporary movements, this performance highlights the four elements and their reflection of the human spirit.\n\nBoth companies were approached by DFP to highlight a special showcase during Merdeka Month, marking their first time focusing on a Chinese dance showcase. ASK Dance Company, known for their contemporary work and Bharatanatyam, cherishes this opportunity and emphasizes the unique traditions developed by Malaysian Chinese people throughout their journey to Malaysia. Dua Space Dance Theatre, led by Lim Hong Jie, is thrilled to reunite on stage with Joseph and presents their first show in the prestigious DFP concert hall.",
  "summary": "A SPECIAL dance extravaganza is set to enthrall fans of Malaysian performing arts this Sept 5, and it features two of the country’s best known dance companies with world-class dancers.",
  "key_points": [
    "ASK Dance Company presents original masterpiece \"Pearl of the Orient\"",
    "Dua Space Dance Theatre showcases \"Passage Into The Unknown: Earth, Water, Fire and Wind\"",
    "Merdeka Month marks first Chinese dance showcase at DFP"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}