‘DCF instrumental in preserving Dayak dances’ traditional dances, says pioneer

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SIBU: The Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) is a good platform to promote, preserve and maintain the authenticity of traditional dances.

(Standing row) Senorita (11th left) with (from 10th left) Ridu, Mikai and DCF performers during a photo session on the BDCF stage.

According to event manager Datin Senorita Linang, the festival is the brainchild of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu that was formed in July 1992.

“One of the objectives is to promote and preserve the traditional dances of three communities, namely Iban, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh,” she told reporters at BDCF stage of the ongoing Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) here yesterday.

She disclosed that the annual event had 16 trustees of the board, where she was responsible for overseeing the cultural performances.

On the performers, Senorita disclosed that they had all performed across the state, with several stints in Peninsular Malaysia – one of which was during the National Day celebrations in Bukit Jalil two years ago.

“We were also invited to perform at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in Kuala Lumpur.

Asked if they had plans to perform at international stage, she said they loved to do so if given the opportunity.

“In fact, in 2012 we were invited by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to perform in Korea.”

Moreover, Senorita disclosed that her involvement with traditional dances began in 1960, through an Iban traditional cultural troupe formed then by Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), of which she was among the pioneering dancers.

“In 1987, we started with the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration. From there, the Ibans, Orang Ulus and Bidayuhs all get together to perform during the next state-level Gawai Dayak event,” she said, adding that they are full-time performers for the troupe.

Meanwhile, DCF Ethnic Orchestra – formed in 1997 by the late Prof Datin Julia Chong – performed at BCF last night.

The ensemble presented six songs – namely ‘Jungle Sound of Borneo’, ‘Prunchong’, ‘Sound of Sarawak’, ‘Liling’, ‘Bang Kedibang Bulem’ and ‘Berami’ – using traditional musical instruments, including ‘engkerurai’.

The traditional dances showcased were ‘Tulak Bala’ (Bidayuh), ‘Ajat Manggum Lesong’ (Iban) and Kanjen Lasan (Orang Ulu).

The ethnic orchestra first performed with children playing Iban instruments on July 26-27, 1997, at Sarawak Museum during a workshop on Iban traditional music, dance, songs and costumes.

In 1998 and 2004, it was invited to perform at the Sarawak Cultural Village during the Rainforest World Music Festival.

In November 2011, they performed at the Redeems Centre in Bau in celebration of Gong Festival Sarawak, an event organized by the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry and Tourism Ministry.

Nationa petroleum company Petronas had given a grant worth RM150,000 to DCF for the preservation, nurture and promotion Dayak culture. Another grant was presented to sape player Lan E Tuyang.

Petronas introduced the incentive to sustain Malaysian traditional art forms, especially those on the verge of dying out, as well as introduce them to the younger.

Among those present at the meet were DCF administrative officer Mikai Mandau and Petronas Sarawak manager (communications) Johannes Ridu.