By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 10: Nanyang Wushu Federation of Sarawak has created the ‘Hornbill Dance’, a distinctive dance form performed by the ‘Sarawak First Hornbill Dance Troupe’. It is the first in Sarawak and the nation.
The dance troupe stopped by the DayakDaily office earlier today to perform in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
The troupe is now accepting bookings for Hari Raya Aidilfitri performances at offices and private residences. For additional information, interested parties should contact 019-8866879.
According to a press handout, the ‘Hornbill Dance’ will bring good luck, a bountiful harvest, and prosperity to the property owner and those who witness the performance.
“It is an honour for us to perform the ‘Hornbill Dance’, because the hornbill is both an important bird and a cultural symbol for Sarawakians.
“We will perform for communities celebrating festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Gawai Dayak, and Chinese New Year, among others, as well as shop openings and official events.
“We hope that Sarawakians will embrace this new cultural identity as their own,” said Nanyang Wushu Federation of Sarawak chairman Professor Dr Song Swee Hee, adding that the ‘Hornbill Dance’ was launched this year before Chinese New Year.
He pointed out the federation welcomes members of all races and cultures, with its dance troupe consisting of performers of multiple races.
The ‘Sarawak First Hornbill Dance Troupe’ is made up of eight youths of various races and is the federation’s first such team that has been training since its inception in January of this year.
DayakDaily also spoke with the youths, ranging in age from 15 to 10, who shared their enthusiasm for Wushu and the ‘Hornbill Dance’.
“There will be more incoming teams. During Wushu training, we also incorporate a portion of the ‘Hornbill Dance’ and drumming into our syllabus. Therefore, when they join Wushu training, they will also learn the ‘Hornbill Dance’,” Song explained.
He also stated that the 3D-like hornbill props were handcrafted and were newer and better versions. — DayakDaily
