An inaugural event in Sibu, Sarawak, celebrating street dance and K-pop has the potential to be a new tourism product.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said Borneo International Street Dance Fest 2024 had received support from the Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Ministry as well as local arts groups.
“Through this event, we hope to attract more tourists to Sibu,” he said at a press conference.
Chieng added that the K-pop competition would take place on Oct 5 and 6 at Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor’s Hall, Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), with prizes worth RM35,000 on offer.
Before that, a dance workshop will be held at the same venue on Oct 4, from 7pm to 9pm. A fee of RM35 per participant will be charged.
Chieng said the festival aimed to celebrate and promote the vibrant street dance and K-pop culture.
Bringing together leading dance talents from various countries, “the event is more than just a competition, it is a dynamic form of cultural exchange”, he added.
Having K-pop dance competition judges from Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia would ensure the competition met the highest standards, he said.
Competition coordinator John Hii said the contest involved three categories – Open Style Battle 2V2, Breaking 1V1 and K-pop Cover.
So far, he said 20 groups including 90 local participants had confirmed participation for the K-pop Cover category.
“For the other two categories, namely Open Style Battle 2V2 and Breaking 1V1, entries are still being accepted.”
More information can be found on Blast Your Stage’s social media pages.
