SDA proud of homegrown talent after 21 years

KUCHING : The Sarawak DanceSport Association (SDA) is proud to see homegrown dancers grow into technical officials and organisers, with many having been part of the association since its inception 21 years ago.

SDA president Chester Lim said many of the association’s current officials had started dancing at the age of eight or nine before progressing to represent Sarawak and Malaysia in competitions.

He said their journey from young dancers to officials reflected the opportunities provided by the association to develop local talent and prepare them for higher levels of competition.

“I’m proud to say that we have got a very good team of local talents and we give them a lot of opportunities to improve themselves and to guide the dancers to the international level,” he said during the closing ceremony of the inaugural Sarawak International Open DanceSport Championship 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday (Oct 18).

Lim also acknowledged the contributions of international friends from the Philippines, Vietnam and China, saying their support and expertise remained important in helping Sarawak’s dancesport community improve.

The championship brought together about 200 officials and competitors from six countries, including Sabah, Sarawak, the Philippines, Vietnam, China and Canada.

Chester (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to Johnny Ng Chie Shen, drink sponsor of the championship.

Organised by the SDA, the competition featured Latin, Standard and Breaking events, while also marking the association’s 21st anniversary.

Looking ahead, Lim said the experience would be valuable as Sarawak prepares to host dancesport at the 2027 SEA Games.

“Sarawak will be hosting the SEA Games, and dancesport is one of the 18 sports in the sports cluster.

“So this would be more or less an eye-opener for all enthusiasts and supporters to see the standard of dancesport, including Latin and Breaking, and to have a better idea of what these disciplines are all about,” he said.

He encouraged the public to support the sport and take the opportunity to understand the different disciplines ahead of the regional sporting event, which Sarawak will host next year.

“Next year, in September, when the SEA Games 2027 dancesport events take place, you will have an idea of what it is all about,” he added.

Lim said the association hoped to continue bringing honour to Sarawak through dancesport and other sporting disciplines.

He also expressed appreciation to the visiting delegations, officials, dancers, families and supporters who contributed to the success of the championship.