I could not believe my ears when I was told that there was no folk dancing class in KK. I could not comprehend why folk dancing was not available in this state of Sabah compared to the state of Sarawak where it could be found in almost every town! Some towns have even more than 1 dance group. There was a class in KK but it was not open to the public. It was run by a private teacher who only take and train young students for paid public performances. I just wanted to join an ordinary dance class where I could socialise, dance for fun and exercise.
Walking in a park one morning, I came across a group of people doing tai-chi and decided to join them. The place was lovely with the trees around and it was still shady after the tai-chi session was over. I told myself that if there was no folk dance class, I will dance myself here after the tai-chi exercise in this park. I don't want to forget the dances that I have learnt.
Soon after the tai-chi friends had left the next morning, I inserted my tape in the small cassette player that I had brought, took out my fans and dance, with my back towards people who walk past. I don't care whether I look good or not, but I was too shy to face them!
The ladies who joined me as the days rolled by told me that they were so happy for the joy and fun that folk dancing had brought to them.
A Chines folk dance "Village Girl" taken on the 19 June 2000 at the Bukit Padang
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
This is in memory of a dance teacher and friend, Maria Leong, who passed away on the 19 October 2013, from lung cancer.
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