Penang Dance Day is a vibrant celebration of movement and culture that takes place annually in Penang, Malaysia. It is a day where dancers from all backgrounds come together to showcase their talent, share their passion for dance, and promote unity through movement.
By Agnes Chin
From the pounding of traditional drums to the graceful movements of contemporary ballet, dance is a universal language that speaks to our souls. It is a way of expressing our emotions, our cultural heritage, and our connection to the world around us. And nowhere is this more evident than in Penang every April.
International Dance Day, celebrated annually on 29 April, was created by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1982 and is promoted and recognised by the International Dance Council (CID) of UNESCO as one of its major programmes. Each year, a distinguished dance personality is globally chosen to be the Message Author to emphasise the significance and potency of dance. This year’s Message Author is Yang Liping, a National First-class Dancer and the vice chairman of China’s Dancers Association. Her message speaks of dance as body language that communicates with the world, her role as an observer of life and her responsibility to communicate her observation through this body language called dance (click here to read Yang Liping’s full message). Penang Dance Day supports ITI’s vision in the celebration of those who see the value in dance and acts as a wake-up call for governments and institutions that have yet to recognise its value to the people.
So how did this amazing event come about in Penang?
Penang Dance Day was initiated by Aida Redza—the administrator of Penang Arts Link (PEARL), the artistic director of the Penang Modern Dance Ensemble (Euphoria), and a member of the artist collective of Ombak-Ombak ArtStudio—as an annual celebration of International Dance Day. Each year, Penang Dance Day features a variety of dance styles, including traditional dances, contemporary dances, and hip hop, welcoming dancers and participants of all ages, genres, and skill levels, making it a truly inclusive event.
Upon returning to Penang in 2007 after her studies in Holland and working in Denmark, Aida observed that the dance community in Penang was segregated, with no collaboration between the Malay, Indian, and Chinese dance groups, unlike in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She wanted to highlight her work with different performance mediums to show the younger generation that cultural exchange and collaboration are essential and recognised this as an opportunity to foster inclusivity and unite people of all backgrounds to celebrate diversity by facilitating a dance-sharing experience, thus igniting a flurry of ideas in her mind and spurring her into action.
Penang Dance Day made it with zero funding. In 2008, Aida registered as an individual member of CID and later registered Penang Dance Day as an institutional member of CID using her personal funds. The idea was to have a one-day celebration of dance to encourage participation and dance education through a variety of workshops and performances throughout the designated day in a public but non-traditional dance venue with a suitable dance floor and stage and convenient public access. The goal was to assemble all forms of dance in one place and time to honour the harmony that prevails in spite of our differences. An important aspect of the event was to draw in a wider audience, particularly those who are not regular followers of dance events.
Together with the cooperation of JKKN Pulau Pinang and USM School of the Arts, Aida set up a working committee that included many prominent figures in the dance community to plan the event. Against all odds (cost, venue, and other circumstantial constraints), the first Penang Dance Day was held on 24 April 24 2010, at the School of the Arts in USM, with a network of dance and art practitioners representing various bodies of performing arts coming together as one under the theme “Sharing the Circle of Dance”.
Penang Dance Day is not just about showcasing talent and promoting cultural exchange; it is also about promoting unity and social harmony. The event is a platform for people from different walks of life to come together and celebrate their common love for dance.
Penang Dance Day 2019 also featured performances by junior teams, like The Kings & Queens led by Albert Chuah. Source: Facebook.
Despite having no funding, the 2010 inaugural Penang Dance Day was a triumph. It continued to be celebrated annually until the COVID pandemic hit. Despite circumstances, Penang Dance Day was celebrated in 2020 via virtual showcase and live video streaming, themed “Dance to Live and Live to Dance,” and in 2021, a modest movie night was held at Hikayat with consideration for a controlled audience within a confined space.
After this prolonged hiatus, Penang Dance Day is finally making a physical comeback this year on the 29th of April. This year’s theme, “Return to Dance”, resonates with ITI 2022 Message Author, Kang Sue-jin’s sentiments on the profound impact of the COVID pandemic on the dance community. It signifies a physical comeback with the resilience, adaptability, and relevance of dance to overcome the challenges of difficult times. The dance industry suffered a significant decline during the pandemic, with many theatres and studios closing down and dance artists losing their primary source of income, forcing some to leave the industry. “Return to Dance” stands in solidarity with the dance artists who had to suffer uncertainty or even gave up their passion during trying times.
This Penang Dance Day, PEARL has teamed up with Penang Arts District (PAD), in partnership with Centrestage Academy of Performing Arts and USM School of the Arts, as well as other participating dance groups, to bring an exciting line-up of workshops and performances.
NOTE: Programme information may be subject to change.
Workshop Registration Link: https://forms.gle/gEq8AP926ZdoidBh6
Follow the Penang Dance Day Facebook page or email pgartslink.pearl@gmail.com for the latest updates.
Penang Dance Day is a celebration of the power of dance to bring people together, break down barriers, and promote understanding and respect for different cultures. It is an event that embodies the spirit of Penang itself—a diverse, multicultural state that is proud of its heritage and its future. Penang Dance Day is a true celebration of dance and a testament to the power of community and collaboration in the arts.
So, if you are in Penang on the 29th of April, be sure to join in the festivities. Mark your calendar, put on your dancing shoes, and join us for a day of rhythm, joy, and inspiration at Penang Dance Day!
Contact or follow Aida Redza at
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/pgdanceday/
for the latest Penang Dance Day programme updates, or to contribute towards this not-for-profit movement.
A writer, entrepreneur, and trainer with a corporate background in strategic management and operational efficiency, Agnes Chin enjoys living in her fairy-tale bubble, where she envisions a world of happy endings.