By Owen Lee
The 11th Ipoh International Dancesport Championships 2025 & JTBY (Janie Tan Bee Yong) Cup dazzled audiences at the Royal Perak Golf Club’s Jubilee Ballroom on June 26 and 27, drawing international attention and celebrating the spirit of rhythm, elegance, and youth empowerment.
Organised by MY Dancesport Studio and co-organised by SJK (C) Ave Maria Convent, the two-day event was spearheaded by Organising Chairlady Madam Yeap Yen Chin, Principal of MY Dancesport Studio and also daughter of Janie Tan.
With 275 entries spanning dancers aged 5 to 60-plus, and 38 adjudicators overseeing the competition, the event witnessed participants from countries including Italy, the United States, China, Chinese Taipei, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and across Malaysia from states like Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Selangor, Kedah, Johor, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak.
On the opening day, June 26, school-based Latin and Standard solo competitions took centre stage as students showcased their talent under both national and international categories.
Among the standout winners was Jasmine Chau Li Ying from Kuala Lumpur, who triumphed in both national and international solo medalist categories for ages 17 and below.
Kimberly Ng and Liew Yong Shi represented Perak with excellence in the Latin solo events, while Olivia Hsu from Chinese Taipei impressed judges in the international Standard solo category.
The second day saw the grandeur of open amateur championships and family-oriented events. Italy’s Matteo Iodice & Manuela Cosenza took home the top title in the Amateur Latin Open, while Jovan Tan & Julia Maria Scherer of Singapore captured the Amateur Standard Open crown.
Malaysia’s own Chong Kai Wei (Ipoh), Happy Wong Le Yee (Kuala Lumpur), and Maria Chantawadee Foo (Perak) emerged victorious in the JTBY Cup solo categories for beginners, solo open, and senior divisions respectively.
More than 300 spectators filled the ballroom during the evening sessions, including distinguished guests such as Datin Janet Yeoh (mother of Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh), Pn. Zuraida Md. Taib (General Manager of Tourism Perak), and representatives from the Perak State Education Department.
The championships weren’t just about competition, but it was about cultural exchange, community celebration, and nurturing young talent. Supported by sponsors including Spritzers, Jie Rou and HC Dance Wear from China, HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley, Symphony Suites Hotel, and Chang Jiang White Coffee, the event also awarded a total prize pool of RM35,000.
A special highlight of the event was the Family Event and Combined Age Event, which brought together participants from different generations, celebrating dance as a shared passion across age groups. These segments fostered community spirit and inclusivity, proving that ballroom dancing transcends age boundaries.
