Tugu Budaya Etnik Sabah ke-10, International Youth Folk Dance Festival

The last time I've attended this was in 2011. 8 years down the road and it has evolved into something even greater than before. I saw a lot of local participation. Thought it was held on 11th July 2019 until 14th July 2019 at Sabah Cultural Centre Penampang, I only went to watch it on 13th July 2019. Tickets were sold at RM5 for minors from 7 years old until 18 years old and RM10 for adults. It's free seating by the way.

While we're waiting for the dance to start, the audience was entertained by local singers. Can't say that I know them, looked to me they are youth from KK. I like the stage by the way. This time around, I pick my seats from the left side of the hall.

Then, the hall turned dark. Everybody was asked to turn on their phone's light.

After that, everybody came in with all sorts of costume. The atmosphere was loud, very loud. Everybody in the hall was screaming. Judges for the night was introduced, everyone with their respective credential.

First off, from the locals. Can't remember from where. Sorry about that.

Sri Lanka was next.

Dance from the Philippines. They sure like their bamboos. Because when I look back at photos of previous folk dance I attended, they also have bamboo back then.

Next dance is about how Merong Mahawangsa was attacked by Garuda. If you look closely, some of the Male in the dance is actually a female.

Next up, Uzbekistan.

Taking a small break from dancing, we were serenaded by a 16-year-old opera singer. She's just 16 and she can pull off that high note.

Would you believe me that the next singer is not from Malaysia but she's singing a Malay song? Seriously she did. Can't recall what her song was but it's a classic. She's from Uzbekistan by the way.

Remember about one particular Facebook post a few weeks ago mentioning how a group of school children won an international traditional dance competition but they only show a state flag instead of a country flag. It's not their fault actually. I thought it's just one group. Turn out there's a few of them. And here they are, showcasing their dance.

Next up, very jolly Punjabi dance from India. Feels like watching Hindustan movie, live.

OK, this one I must admit, I forgot what's it's all about. But one thing for sure, performance is by local.

Next up, from Thailand.

Had a minor distraction from 2 little angels, so I only manage to snap the last part from Indonesia.

The last dance for the night, by the locals, depicting the famous Huminodun. A traditional dance with a pinch of modern style flare.

Well, that's all folks. Until next time.