KUCHING: Dance offers young people more than performance skills, helping them develop confidence, discipline, resilience and stronger connections with their communities.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the performing arts provided young people with opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork, leadership, discipline and respect for others.
Speaking at the Zephyr Dance Studio Dance Showcase 2026 on Saturday, she said the event was a celebration of creativity, perseverance and the potential of young people.
“Tonight’s showcase is more than a dance performance. It is a celebration of creativity, perseverance and the remarkable potential that can be nurtured when young people are given opportunities to learn, express themselves and grow,” she said.
She said this year’s theme, ‘PRESENT – Be Here, Be You, Be Present’, carried an important message for young people living in an increasingly busy and connected world.
“Being present is not merely about being physically here. It is about listening with empathy, connecting with others sincerely, and giving our best in every moment,” she said.
Fatimah added that dance contributed to physical and mental wellbeing by improving strength, flexibility, balance and coordination while helping reduce stress, build confidence and encourage emotional expression.
“Beyond individual wellbeing, dance could bring communities together through social interaction, teamwork and friendship, while traditional dance also played an important role in preserving cultural heritage,” she said.
She commended Zephyr Dance Studio for providing a safe and inspiring environment for young people to discover their talents and develop their potential through the arts.
“Every rehearsal teaches patience. Every performance builds confidence. Every challenge overcome becomes a lesson that shapes character,” she said.
Fatimah also acknowledged the contributions of parents, families, instructors, choreographers, volunteers, sponsors and partners whose support helped create meaningful opportunities for young people to flourish.
Addressing the dancers, she reminded them that success should not be measured solely by trophies or applause, but also by the courage to perform, the discipline to keep learning and the joy of sharing their passion with others.
“Continue to dream boldly, work diligently and let your talents inspire those around you,” she said.
Meanwhile, Zephyr Dance Studio artistic director Cherry Abel reflected on the studio’s journey since its establishment in 2021, acknowledging the challenges it faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said the studio’s continued growth had been made possible by the unwavering support and belief of its students, parents and the wider community.
“Our path was not always smooth. We faced immense challenges, particularly during the dark and uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were moments when we did not know what the future held.
“Tonight, we are here because of all of you. Your unwavering belief, your love and your support kept our roots strong and alive,” she said.
Cherry said the showcase was a labour of love involving more than 50 performers, ranging from the youngest dancers aged four to more experienced performers.
She said the showcase provided a platform for teachers and students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they had developed over the years, while taking audiences on a journey through diverse dance forms.
The performances featured Chinese lyrical dances, Sarawak traditional dances and contemporary lyrical choreography, reflecting the studio’s efforts to expose dancers to different artistic styles while celebrating local culture.
“Our objective for tonight’s showcase is to provide a platform for our teachers and students to highlight what they have learned over the years, and I believe we have achieved that to the best of our ability,” she said.
The third showcase, attended by 241 guests on Saturday, also featured performances built around themes of friendship,
dreams, love, loss and growing into adulthood, highlighting dance as a medium for storytelling and emotional expression.
The first two showcases were held at the Kuching Food Festival stage in 2022 and 2023.
