Royal touch to Xinjiang troupe’s opening performance

In step: Toh Puan Ena Ling dancing with one of the troupe members during the finale of the gala premiere.

THE premiere of Mystical Steppes: Along the Silk Road was given a royal touch with the attendance of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah, who was accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Bainun. Also present to savour the dance extravaganza were a host of VIPs, including Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim and wife Datin Seri Maznah Rais and Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and wife Datuk Seri Wendy Ong. 

Former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and wife Toh Puan Ena Ling, ambassadors and leading corporate figures were the other guests. The event took place on Friday at the Plenary Hall, KL Convention Centre. 

The 54-strong contingent of the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar Theatre offered a total of seven shows throughout the weekend. 

Call to dance: A dancer inviting Perak Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Bainun to the stage at the end of the show. Looking on are Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and his wife Datin Seri Wendy Ong.

Mystical Steppes, a kaleidoscope of dances and music from the Xinjiang region of China, introduced to Malaysians the colourful cultures and customs of the various minority groups there. 

It was presented by The Star and Osim (M) Sdn Bhd, and supported by the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.