4 Young Ipoh Talents Set to Shine at Asia Dance Arts Festival Competition in Singapore
By KT Leong
Four exceptionally talented young performers from Ipoh are poised to represent Malaysia at the 6th Asia Dance Arts Festival in Singapore. Abigail Lam (6), Lee Rui Xin (5), Liew Xan-Rae (5), and Kylie Koh (5), have been trained by Persatuan Seni Tarian dan Pendidikan Antarabangsa (PSTPA) and are eagerly preparing to showcase their skills on the international arena.
“I’m super excited to perform my piece Candy Magic at the competition. Remembering all the steps is tricky, but my teachers always cheer me on. I’ve been practising since June. It’s my first time doing something this big and I can’t wait to show everyone what I can do. I want to make my family and teachers in Ipoh proud!” – Liew Xan-Rae, 5.
“PSTPA is proud to have nurtured and trained these young artists from Ipoh. Our mission is to foster excellence in our youth. By empowering them with guidance and opportunities, we can place Ipoh on the international dance map,” said Audrey Kwan, PSTPA President.
The journey for these young talents has been made possible with the support of Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN), Perak. This collaboration between PSTPA and JKKN signifies the beginning of a joint effort to scout and develop local talents, elevating Perak’s performing arts scene.
“We are pleased with PSTPA’s commendable efforts in scouting and developing young talents. Perak is rich in young talent, and we are thrilled to collaborate with PSTPA to bring this to a higher level. Together, we aim to nurture and showcase the exceptional abilities of these young artists, placing Ipoh and Perak on the international dance map with distinction,” said En Mohd Fairuz bin Selamat, Deputy Director of JKKN Perak.
The Asia Dance Arts Festival in Singapore boasts over 2500 participants from more than 10 countries, including the UK, US, China, Japan, Australia, and Germany. The presence of these young talents from Ipoh adds a touch of Malaysian brilliance to this prestigious event.
Weekly classes in theatre, traditional dances, ballet, contemporary dance, public speaking, and choral speaking are available at JKKN and PSTPA, aiming to build and enrich the local talent pool. Additionally, PSTPA announces auditions for its Perak Elite Dance Team, open to talented dancers aged 11 to 16, with more age groups to be announced soon. The Perak Elite Dance Team offers unique opportunities for international performances, competitions, exchanges, and even dance films, providing aspiring young artists with a gateway to a world of possibilities. Interested individuals can register their interest at pstpa.my@gmail.com
