Early this year, news broke out that an 8-year-old Sarawakian, Dion Das has won a gold medal in the Malaysian Championship of Performing Arts 2024 with his stunning traditional Iban dance. With that said, the win has allowed him to take home a RM3,000 scholarship as well as a ticket to participate in the World Championship of Performing Arts!
8yo S’wakian wins gold medal at the World Championship of Performing Arts
Speaking to Wau Post, Dion’s mother Edina shared that they’ve just came back from California last week, after their son’s competition. Settling down back in Malaysia, she revealed that Dion has received many congratulatory notes as well as dance invitations for various government, corporate and non-profit organisation events!
Source: Provided to Wau Post
“We’re really proud of Dion’s achievements, given that he is still so young”, she said.
Adding on to it, she mentioned that Dion’s stunning performance of “The Little Bornean Birdie” in the ethnic dance category has won him a gold medal in the competition. The dance, inspired by hornbills and sparrows, has perfectly showcased the creativity and rich culture of their ethnicity.
Source: Provided to Wau Post
A year of hard work and dedication
Recalling Dion’s journey in winning the gold medal, Edina shared that her son has been working hard towards the goal since he was 7! Winning a gold medal for the Malaysia Championship of Performing arts in 2023, Dion was given the opportunity to compete in the world championships.
“Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, we were unable to take on the opportunity”, said Edina.
source: provided to Wau Post
Despite the challenges faced, Dion and his family were not discouraged and instead, used it as motivation to work harder to achieve their goals. Thankfully, after a year, Edina saw the same online audition that would allow Dion the same opportunity if he was able to win the competition. After auditioning, Dion successfully made it to the finals, bagging the gold.
“This time round, we were more prepared as we managed to gain sponsors for Dion”, cheered Edina.
Thanking their sponsors, Dion was able to excel and stand out in the competition, leading him to win a gold not only in the ethnic dance competition, but also for the junior model photoshoot category!
Source: Provided to Wau Post
More to come from the little Bornean birdie!
With his recent achievements and his excellence in the traditional dance, both of Dion’s parents have decided that they will be exposing Dion to an Iban traditional martial arts Pencha or Kuntau. When asked why they’ve decided to enroll him into the said martial arts, Edina mentioned that it’s a dying art.
“Many youngsters don’t practice that now and we think we should let Dion experience this as long as we are able to”, she mentioned.
Source: Provided to Wau Post
Through Dion’s achievements and involvement in their culture, they hope that he’s able to inspire and aspire young generation to love their cultures and to be proud of their traditions.
Well done, Dion! You’re amazing!
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