SIX dancers from Ipoh, Perak, performed in Fukuoka, Japan, for the first time since the sister city relationship began in 1989.
The dancers from Persatuan Seni Tarian dan Pendidikan Antarabangsa (PSTPA), aged between seven and 30, were invited by Fukuoka City Hall as the opening act for Creators Festival, an annual event celebrating arts, culture and technology.
The troupe took the allotted 30 minutes to perform a blend of traditional and contemporary dance, and also gave a sneak peek of PSTPA’s production of Puteri Gunung Ledang, which will be part of a world tour and staged in Japan next year.
PSTPA president Audrey Kwan said the invitation was extended during a visit by the city hall delegation to Ipoh in August.
“As part of this reciprocal cultural exchange, the Ipoh delegation, represented by PSTPA, showcased Malaysia’s talents on an international stage.
“The festival was also live-streamed, allowing audiences across Japan to enjoy it,” she said, adding that about 130,000 people attended the multi-day event.
“We are incredibly honoured to bring our student dancers to Fukuoka.
“It is our mission to prioritise the growth and development of our dancers, providing them with exceptional opportunities to showcase their talents on an international stage.
“We are dedicated to fostering excellence in their artistry and performance, ensuring that they gain invaluable experiences that inspire confidence, creativity and a lifelong passion for dance,” she added.
Kwan said the delegation from Ipoh also promoted the cultural richness of the city.
“Our booth featured our famous white coffee, traditional Malaysian games like congkak and batu seremban, the opportunity to don traditional costumes and displays of Perak batik.
“This representation of Malaysia highlighted the significance of cultural tourism and forged deeper connections between both cities.”
Kwan also revealed that the Puteri Gunung Ledang world tour will kick off in Fukuoka next October, with two further shows in Tokyo and Osaka.
“We are now inviting dancers aged 16 and above to audition for the show,” she said.
For inquiries on auditions, email pstpa.my@gmail.com
