9th Ipoh International Dancesport Championship

by Anne Das

The rhythmic heart of Ipoh came alive as the 9th International Dancesport Championships took centre stage recently. Organised by MY Dancesport Studio Ipoh and co-organized by SJK ( C ) Ave Maria Convent Ipoh, this event marked a triumphant return after a three-year hiatus, delivering an unforgettable spectacle of grace, artistry, and unbridled passion for dance.

Yeap Yen Chin, affectionately known as Yen Chin, the Championship Organizing Chairman, encapsulated the evening’s sentiment as she took the stage. “This Championship,” she remarked, “is a celebration of dance, unity, and the nurturing of young talents. It goes beyond the art of dance; it’s about fostering connections and promoting the well-being of our community.”

But this event was more than just a dazzling display of dance prowess. It played a significant role in the academic lives of Malaysian students. Accredited by the Ministry of Education and Perak State Education Department, the Championships provided students from schools/colleges and universities with a unique opportunity to earn merit points for their external curriculum activities, underlining the multidimensional value of dance education.

The day commenced with a sunrise of excitement as the morning program kicked off, featuring a series of riveting championships that captivated the audience. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the event culminated with a much-looked-forward prize-giving ceremony and photography sessions, leaving attendees with a sense of admiration and awe.

In her speech, Yen Chin expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I extend my deepest appreciation to everyone present. Your unwavering support enabled us to overcome numerous obstacles and exceed all expectations.” She also paid tribute to the co-organizer, S.J.K © Ave Maria Convent, for their pivotal role in making the event a resounding success.

The evening wasn’t just about dance but also about the numerous benefits it offers as a sport. Yen Chin eloquently highlighted, “Dance contributes to physical and mental well-being, offers a creative outlet for self-expression through movement, musicality, and styling. It fosters connections, enabling individuals to explore diverse cultures and even accrue merit points in school extracurricular activities.”

The day-long competitive Dancesport Championships reached its zenith with the winner’s ceremony, a moment of pure elation and recognition of talent and dedication. With an impressive roster of 268 contenders, including participants from Italy, China, Thailand, Singapore, and across Malaysia, the Championships transcended borders.

Dancers exhibited their grace, precision, and passion in both Modern (Standard) and Latin sections. The solo events, in particular, brought the house down with electrifying performances that left the audience wanting to get up and dance too.

Yen Chin reaffirmed her commitment to elevating the world of dance. She declared, “Our collective effort and courage have allowed us to put Malaysia and Ipoh on the map for world Dance Championships, and we shall continue to do so.”

The 9th International Dancesport Championships 2023 was not merely an event; it was a celebration of artistry, unity, and the boundless joy of dance. As the final curtain descended in the Grand Ballroom of Kinta RiverFront Hotel, guests departed with a newfound appreciation for the cultural richness that dance brings to their lives, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this extraordinary journey.

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