By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Aug 3: At only eight years old, Dion Das Louis has achieved so much as he happily welcomes two golds and two silvers with his thrilling performance at the 27th World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2024 in Long Beach, California.
According to Dion’s mother, Edina Lanying, she and her husband, Louis Lansam, were honoured and proud that Dion was chosen to represent Sarawak on such a grand stage. It was especially significant as it was Dion’s first global competition.
She shared that Dion first garnered the spotlight with his impressive performance, which earned him a gold medal at the grand final of the Malaysian Championship of Performing Arts (MCOPA), which took place in Kuala Lumpur on January 27, earlier this year.
“He (Dion) was encouraged by his kindergarten teachers to represent them in a competition for ‘Kumang’ (princess) and ‘Keling’ (warrior),” said Edina to DayakDaily after Dion’s performance at an art programme organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MTCP) at GoDown Amphitheatre, Kuching Waterfront today.
The ‘Kumang’ and ‘Keling’ competitions sparked an interest in the little boy, leading him to learn more about the ‘ngajat’ by watching YouTube videos. His supportive parents further nurtured this interest.
“I come from a long line of (traditional) dancers. Whatever (skill) I know, I impart it to my son,” Edina said, and added that Dion was named after his maternal great-grandfather, who was also talented in ‘ngajat’.
Despite Dion’s active participation in performances, Edina said that he is involved and does well in school.
“We (parents) pick and choose which event he (Dion) attends. It’s (the events) are usually on the weekends so that it wouldn’t affect his studies,” she said.
Apart from Dion, Stanford Ryan Sidi also participated in the arts programme, playing the sape solo and alongside the ‘Little Bornean Birdie’.
Stanford, who is from Sibu, also won one gold medal, three silver medals, and one bronze medal at the WCOPA 2024.
Attending the performance was MTCP Permanent Secretary, Datu Sherrina Hussaini. —DayakDaily
