The upcoming KL International Arts Festival is set to be an intriguing showcase of dance forms

MARTHA GRAHAM once said that “dance is the hidden language of the soul”, and how right she was. Without the need for explicit descriptions or spoken words, the art of dance conveys a flood of emotions that can only be experienced when one immerses themselves fully into a performance. From the dawn of human civilisation, dance has always been an integral part of every culture spanning the globe.

This year, the Kuala Lumpur International Dance Festival (KLIDF) which is being held for the first time ever at Istana Budaya and Auditorium DBKL, will bring us talent from near and far, showcasing some of the most intriguing tales — both new and old. Brought by the Sutra Foundation, the KLIDF promises to feature performances that help us to rediscover our heritage by restating, redefining and engaging in cherished traditions.

A total of twelve performances will be showcased, and dancers from Malaysia and abroad will be performing a treasure trove of premier dance acts. Some of the most highly anticipated shows include Tepak Tari, Young Curtain, Ganjam — Odissi, and Path of Discover. Of these, two are international acts hailing from India and Taiwan.

Ganjam is a homage to the culturally potent region of Southern Odisha through the story of Gajendra Panda, son of the soil and features the folk dances and musical traditions of rural Ganjam. Path to Discovery brings us virtuoso pianist, Kimball Gallagher whom has played at Carnegie Hall, New York and has toured 30 countries around the world. Young Curtain, on the other hand is a Taiwanese production that combines traditional Beijing Opera and the techniques of modern theatre. The story narrates the precious but fleeting period of youth based on the legend of Faust who sold his soul to the devil. 

Festival curator, Ramli Ibrahim has conceived an impressive line-up of dance institutions and talents for this exciting undertaking, conjuring a stellar group of Malaysian dance-makers in a month long exposition of their newest works. Never before has Malaysia experienced an astounding 12 world premieres — of various dance-theatre genres within a period of one month, making the Festival a veritable dance-playground and the most dance-crazy period KL has ever seen.

As curator of the dance component of Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival (KLIAF) 2015, Sutra Foundation has convinced major dance players in Malaysia — institutions and their artistic directors, individual choreographers, composers, lighting and set designers — to synergise their creative energy in an integrated effort to give KLIAF 2015 a truly original and stimulating artistic fiesta.

In addition to the performances, there will also be exhibitions taking place at the lobbies of the two venues, Istana Budaya and Auditorium DBKL. Paintings by Dinanath Pathy, who was born and brought up in Ganjam, India will be on display. These images showcase earthy tones and are inspired by the land that Pathy grew up in. 

Additionally, a tribute to animal lover, the late Pak Mie who gained fame for rescuing 700 stray dogs and cats in Alor Setar, will take place at the foyer of Auditorium DBKL. Paintings, drawings and sculptures by a host of artists such as Loo Foo Sang, Syed Thajudeen, Philip Wong and Sivarajah Natarajan will be on display, paying homage to Pak Mie’s memory. This exhibition is a fund raising effort for Restu, the animal shelter starter by him and his wife. 

The KL International Dance Festival 2015 will be ongoing from Sept 3 to Oct 4. For inquiries or information, visit www.klidance.com, email [email protected] or call (03) 4021 1092. Tickets can also be purchased from the website or by calling (03) 7610 0682. 

This article first appeared in digitaledge Daily, on August 10, 2015.