By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 9: Approximately 100 practitioners participated in a Yuanji dance mass performance at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Square tonight.
In his address at the event, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng encouraged participants to persevere not only the dance but also the spirit of Sarawakian unity, allowing more people to improve their mental and physical well-being for a better life.
“For years, the Council has maintained the Yuanji programme as part of the Kuching Food Festival because Yuanji is more than just a dance—it’s an exercise suitable for people of all ages,” he said.
Noting that the number of Yuanji dance practitioners had declined due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Wee urged members not to let this diminish their pursuit of health and longevity.
He emphasised the importance of preserving Yuanji, a low-impact dance that combines elements of Taiji, Qi Gong, martial arts, and dance, all set to the rhythm of Yuanji music.
“With simple and elegant movements, Yuanji helps improve mobility, balance and strength of practitioners, making it a comprehensive exercise for the whole body.
“It takes the collective effort of everyone to ensure that Yuanji dance is preserved. The number of members is not as important as the continued passing down of this practice so that more people can benefit. I will always support this programme,” he stated.
Expressing gratitude for their participating in making the programme a success, Wee also called on the members to strengthen ties and unite through Yuanji dance.
Wee also expressed gratitude to the participants for making the event a success and called on them to strengthen ties and unity through Yuanji dance.
Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, organising chairman Councillor Liew Leong Yee and programme working committee chairman Tiong Chee Wong were among those present. — DayakDaily
