KUALA LUMPUR: In the spirit of national unity and pride, the ASK Dance Company will be staging the Menempa Tari Tradisi show featuring traditional folk and classical dance repertoire that represents Malaysia's unique melting pot of rich vibrant cultures, at Aswara here on Dec 24 to 25.
Held in conjunction with the ArtsFAS Festival (Arts for All Seasons), the effort to keep traditional dance alive is a continuation of highly successful traditional dance presentations of the past that won several Boh Cameronian Award Audience Choice Awards.
It is also connected to the ongoing outreach projects supported by Yayasan Sime Darby since 2011.
"The vibrant collage of dance cultures from Johor and Sarawak to Kelantan is very fascinating.
"Our traditions encompass classical to folk and ritual-inspired dances, each with its own characteristics, rhythms and vocabulary.
"This has always been one of the focal missions of ASK Dance Company — to ensure the
preservation and propagation of traditional dance," said ASK Dance Company's artistic director Joseph Gonzales in a recent statement.
He added: "Menempa Tari Tradisi: Keeping Traditional Dances Alive hopes to educate, perpetuate, sustain while not forgetting to entertain."
ASK Dance Company is collaborating with the Faculty of Dance Aswara, Sekolah Seni Malaysia KL and Johor, where young performers are trained and receive formal education.
It is hoped that this collaboration will further instil the intention to nurture Malaysian artists of the future.
ASK Dance Company also hopes that the upcoming production will flame the fires of being Malaysian and draw cultural tourists to this country.
"The performance will feature dances of Sabah and Sarawak that accompany important occasions within the community such as the Harvest Festival and at other ritualistic purposes that invoke blessings and thanksgiving.
"Menempa Tari Tradisi: Keeping Traditional Dances Alive will also feature traditional and folk dances in Peninsular Malaysia including the Chinese Handkerchief dance, Indian Garba Folk Dance, Plate Dance, Zapin and more.
"I urge everyone to come and experience the beauty of our traditional dance heritage," said the show's creative producer Imran Syafiq.
Supported by Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance, the show will be staged at Aswara's Experimental Theatre on Dec 24 at 3pm and 8.30pm and on Dec 25 at 3pm.
Tickets, priced at RM25 (students) and RM35/55 (adults), can be purchased online via www.cloudjoi.com.