Sarawak's ‘Little Bornean Birdie’ to showcase talent at World Championships of Performing Arts
KUCHING: Sarawak's pint-size dancer, Dion Das Louis, better known as the "Little Bornean Birdie", is set to showcase his talent on the world stage in July.

Eight-year-old Dion would be part of Malaysia's team that competes in the 27th World Championships of Performing Arts in the United States.

His father, Louis Lansam, said Dion would fly to Long Beach, California, at the end of June, where the competition would be held from July 1 to 5.

Dion qualified for the world championships after winning the junior dance category at the Malaysia Championships of Performing Arts in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 27.

Performing Arts while his parents Louis Lansam (left) and Edina Lanying look on.

He performed a contemporary ethnic dance in the character of a bird, which inspired his stage name.

Louis said Dion's rendition of the traditional Iban ngajat dance was influenced by two majestic Borneo birds, the ruai or great argus pheasant and the kenyalang or hornbill.

"The birds are elegantly depicted in the feathers of his traditional costume.

"His dance steps are choreographed to mimic the movements of the kenyalang as it flies through the tree tops and the ruai as it spreads out its rich plumage," Louis said when accompanying Dion to a courtesy call on Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah on Wednesday (March 13).

Dion's mother Edina Lanying was also present.

Louis said Dion, a Year Two pupil at SK Green Road, had a natural talent for performing the ngajat.

"I think he inherited it from his maternal grandfather, who was an accomplished ngajat dancer from Nanga Entabai in Pakan," Edina said, adding that Dion was often invited to perform at events.

Both Louis and Edina will accompany their son to the world championships.

Uggah said it was heartening to hear that Dion would participate in the event, which has been dubbed the Olympics of performing arts.

"We are happy that a youngster from our community can make it to the world stage," he said.
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KUCHING: Sarawak's pint-size dancer, Dion Das Louis, better known as the "Little Bornean Birdie", is set to showcase his talent on the world stage in July.