SIBU: The Sibu International Dance Festival (SIDF) 2025 will mark its 11th edition this year, taking place from September 16 to 20 here, with Pre-Festival Show on September 13-14.
The SIDF 2025, organised by Hornland Dance Theatre (HDT), is proudly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
Following the debut event launched in 2012 with the acknowledgement and support of the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), SIDF has grown into a signature annual event, held during the mid-term school holidays, and serves as a vibrant stage for cultural exchange and artistic excellence.
“This year’s festival will feature five days of programmes, which include dance concerts, outdoor performances, and workshops, bringing together dance performers from Malaysia and around the world to showcase a rich diversity of cultures, genres, and artistic expressions,” HDT said in a media release in conjunction with the launching of the SIDF 2025 at a hotel here on Saturday.
The Pre-Festival Show, to be held at Sibu Rejang Esplanade, will highlight local talents and performances by local groups, featuring theme nights such as International Indigenous Dance Night, International Children Dance Night, and International Folk/Line Dance Night at Sibu Rejang Espanade, alongside Outdoor Site-specific Performances at Sibu’s Central Market, and is open free to the public.
Over the years, SIDF has welcomed approximately 130 dance groups from various countries and regions, with many returning for multiple appearances – a testament to the festival’s international appeal and its role as a hub for the global dance community.
Each edition sees 150-200 participants, including dance artistes, choreographers, musicians, lighting and sound designers, photographers, videographers, and costume/makeup designers.
The SIDF 2025 programmes include the indoor International Dance Concerts and Dance Workshops at RH Hotel’s Grand Jasmine Ballroom, which require ticket admission.
Tickets will be available for purchase soon at the SIDF official website: www.sidfestival.com.
“SIDF remains dedicated to presenting a world-class celebration of dance arts, fostering arts education, promoting cultural tourism, and uniting audiences through the universal language of dance,” the media release added.
For updates, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/SibuInternationalDanceFestival; https://www.instagram.com/hornlanddancetheatre/; https://sidfestival.com/ or https://wa.me/+601138449932.
