By Christine T
KUCHING, Sept 30: Young dancers from across Sarawak, Sabah, Indonesia and Singapore will converge in Kuching from Oct 9 to 11 to showcase their talent and dance skills as they take part in the BE A STAR K-Pop Dance Concert Competition 2026.
The three-day event at SJK(C) Chung Hua No. 3 will feature dance competitions, the Seoul Vibe Festival and a workshop led by international judges, giving young participants opportunities to perform, sharpen their skills and gain exposure to different dance styles and performers.
Organised by Star Studio with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), the programme will feature Open and Solo dance performance categories.
The event will also bring together an international judging panel comprising dancers from South Korea, Thailand and Sarawak. Representing South Korea are Jyo Jyo and Gooseul, while Thailand will be represented by Kimmiiz. Sarawak will be represented by talented dancers Serina from Kuching and Julia from Sibu.
The competition has attracted 235 participants representing 30 groups in the Open Category, while another 30 participants will compete in the Solo Category.
Participants are coming from Singapore, Indonesia, Sabah and various parts of Sarawak, including Miri, Sibu and Bintulu.
Speaking at a press conference at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) meeting room today, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said K-pop, dance and other creative arts should not be viewed merely as entertainment, but as avenues for young people to develop fitness, discipline, teamwork and confidence.
“Not every young person develops in the same way. Some are strong in academics, some in sports, while others may discover their confidence and talent through dance, music and performing arts,” he said.
Wee said dance could also encourage a healthy lifestyle by keeping young people active while improving their fitness, stamina, coordination and movement.
He added that preparing for performances required commitment, teamwork and discipline, skills that could benefit young people beyond the stage.
Wee said MBKS was pleased to support the programme as it provided young people with a positive platform to explore their interests, develop their talents and express themselves through the creative arts.
He said the initiative was also closely aligned with MBKS’ involvement in the Child Friendly Cities Initiative, which he said went beyond providing playgrounds, facilities and infrastructure.
“Events such as BE A STAR allow young people to practise and perform while meeting others who share similar interests and learning from experienced performers.
“Moreover, participation of dancers from Sarawak, South Korea and Thailand would further expose local youth to different performance styles, cultures and experiences,” he said.
Carrying the theme “Your Stage, Your Moment, Your Dream”, BE A STAR 2026 will run from noon to 9.30pm daily from Oct 9 to 11.
Wee invites members of the public, particularly young people and families, to attend and support the event.
For more information and tickets, visit the event’s Instagram account, @beastarkpop, with the ticket link available in its bio. – DayakDaily
