BREATH-TAKING: The International Dance Festival starts with a traditional dance at Sibu Heritage Centre.
SIBU: There is a possibility that the town’s anchor event, International Folkdance, may be staged at the Sibu Heritage Centre.
The unique entrance to the centre, which doubles up as a stage with its open atmosphere, had been likened by members of the public to that of an ‘open amphitheatre’, making it an ideal venue for the event.
In fact, the final night of the International Dance Festival, featuring 10 dances from various countries were staged there on Saturday, which proved to a crowd puller.
BIRD-LIKE MOVEMENT: A dance troupe from JB displaying its graceful movement.
Tourism players had also repeatedly called for more cultural activities to be staged there given the centre was associated with culture and heritage.
Pansar Bhd chairman Datuk James Tai said they were looking at ways to better utilise the place, which is strategically located in the centre of town.
“Of course, we can always foresee that the place will be better utilised given its strategic location. There is that possibility (for the folkdance to be staged there), but it depends on what type of folk dances.
“Nothing has been confirmed. Maybe there are certain types (of folk dances) that can be accommodated here, but might not be for all types,” Tai told reporters after the dance festival.
BEAUTIES: The young dance group from Taiwan has the crowd cheering them on.
Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, when officiating at the launching of the centre in June, said Folkdance International would be the anchor event for Sibu.
He was quoted as saying the event would put Sibu not only in the state tourism map, but also the world.
Abang Johari was further quoted to have said Sibu made an ideal place to roll out the folkdance international festival based on his overseas experience.
Pansar hosted the Saturday’s event.
LADIES IN RED: Dancers in the dazzling costumes keep the crowd on their feet.
ONE FOR THE ALBUM: (Back row, from second left) Jason, Tai, Hornland Dance Theatre’s artistic director Chen Ing Kuan, Tai and others pose with a dance troupe at Sibu Heritage Centre.
DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME: Martial arts exponents dazzle audience with the unique skills.
RAIN DROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD: Spectators seem oblivious to the rain, as they can’t take their eyes off the stage.
Its executive director Jason Tai said the activity was rolled out as part of their social corporate responsibility (CSR).
The unique and electrifying dances dazzled the crowd who stayed on despite the heavy rain.
Many were seen holding cardboard paper and umbrella to keep themselves dry.
In the midst of the excitement, the crowd was treated to a display of nerve-wrecking movements by exponents from Sibu Martial Arts Association. Dancers from as far as Indonesia and Taiwan spiced up the night.