KUCHING, March 13: Sarawak’s young cultural ambassador, 8-year-old Dion Das Louis, affectionately known as the ‘Little Bornean Birdie’, is poised to spread his wings and journey to California, USA by the end of June.
He will be part of the Malaysian team competing in the 27th World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA 2024) in Long Beach, Califonia.
The competition is scheduled from July 1 to 5, with the medal presentation scheduled to take place on the subsequent day.
Accompanied by his parents, Louis Lansam and Edina Lanying, Dion recently paid a visit to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas to extend their regards.
Dion earned his spot in the world championship after winning the gold medal at the grand finals of the Malaysia Championship of Performing Arts held in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 27.
His winning performance featured an ethnic contemporary dance, embodying the persona of a small bird, hence his moniker, the Little Bornean Birdie.
Louis shared that his son’s dance, inspired by the traditional Dayak Iban ‘Ngajat’ dance, incorporates elements from two majestic Bornean birds — the ‘Ruai’ or Great Malayan Argus pheasant, and the ‘Kenyalang’ or Hornbill.
These avian influences are gracefully depicted in Dion’s traditional costume adorned with feathers.
His choreography emulates the movements of these birds, depicting the Kenyalang’s flight through treetops and the Ruai as it spread out its rich plummage on the forest floor deep in the interiors.
Edina said Dion’s natural talent for the Ngajat dance may be attributed to his maternal grandfather who was a skilled Ngajat dancer from Nanga Entabai in Pakan, Sarikei Division.
As a Primary Two student at SK Green Road, Dion frequently showcases his talents during significant events in the city.
Both Louis and Edina will accompany Dion to the championships, where they are currently engaged in preparations to refine Dion’s movements further.
Uggah warmly welcomed them, expressing pride in Dion’s representation of their community on the global stage, noting it as a significant achievement for Sarawak.
“We are very happy that a youngster from our community can make it to the world stage,” he said. — DayakDaily
