KUCHING: Over 300 students from across Kuching and beyond gathered under one roof at Wisma SABATI here today for the Tandak Melayu Sarawak Workshop, a cultural workshop organised in conjunction with the Kenyalang Bersaok Youth Category Competition that will take place on August 24.
The workshop, hosted by Kenyalang Prodigy in collaboration with Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS), was a celebration of heritage besides offering youth a chance to explore, experience, and embrace tandak, a traditional Sarawakian Malay dance rooted in rhythm and identity.
Adding an international flair to the event were guests from Kelab Budaya Mukun Selendang Sutera, Brunei Darussalam, whose participation reflected the growing regional interest in preserving shared cultural traditions.
Their presence was warmly welcomed, adding cross-border cultural exchange to the day’s activities.
Participants came from five institutions, namely SMK Semerah Padi, SMK Demak, SMK Matang Jaya, Sekolah Menengah Seni Sarawak, and Kolej Abdillah.
Facilitating the workshop were three experienced cultural educators; Yusup Bujang served as the lead facilitator, while Drahman Lee and Mohamad Adona Drahman took on the role of demonstrators.
Together, they guided students through the nuances of tandak, from understanding the meaning behind every movement to mastering the rhythm and style of the original dance form.
“This is not just about performance. It’s about identity, about knowing where we come from. Tandak is poetry in motion. It tells stories and it keeps our heritage alive,” said Yusup in his opening speech.
Throughout the day, music filled the hall as students refined their steps, postures, and immersed themselves in the dance form.
The workshop concluded with a mock showcase, allowing each group to present what they had learned.
As Sarawak pushes forward in modern development, initiatives like these are vital reminders that progress and tradition can dance hand in hand, especially involving youth in leading the rhythm.
