The second MyDance Festival (MDF 2003) Diversity in Motion took place from 23 to 28 September 2003.
The festival entailed three nights of performances at The Actors Studio Bangsar, seven workshops in collaboration with Akademi Seni Kebangsaan, and a six-speaker seminar sponsored by University Malaya. Although many participants were from Kuala Lumpur, there were also a few from interstate and a Malaysian based abroad. In keeping with the theme, the festival reflected the diversity of dance in Malaysia in terms of culture, genre and perspective.
The aim was to feature the diversity of dance in Malaysia, from Contemporary to Ballet, from Traditional to Jazz. We believe that dance, which has no language barrier, is the best means to represent the harmonious diversity that exists in Malaysia. Many well-known local figures from the different genres of dance agreed to be part of the selection panel that viewed all submissions and determined the final lineup.
A number of the works featured in the festival were nominated for the 2nd BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (2003)
- ‘Ubah’ choreographed by Suhaimi Magi, presented by Sri Panggung, Produced by MyDance Alliance, performed by Shafirul Azmi Suhaimi, A. Arif A. Kadir, Junainah M. Lojong, Rozila Abdul Rahman, and Fahezul Azri bin Suhaimi. Nominated for Best Group Performance.
- ‘Penusing Sinui’, choreographed by Jasni Abdul Hamid and presented by Adikara Dance Theatre. Nominated for Best Soundscape Design.
- ‘Distance’, choreographed by Hoi Cheng Sim and Choo Tee Kuang. Nominated for Best Costume Design/Styling/Make-up, by Mun Lee.
Of special note was the fact it was an independent (non-government supported) festival funded by corporate sponsorship, advertising and ticket sales. Overall the festival was well received and income sufficient to cover costs. Organisation of the festival was based on the active engagement of four MyDance – WDA Networks headed by the following people, and the Publications/Media officer: Creation & Presentation (Mew Chang Tsing and Dayang Mariana); Education & Training (Gan Chih Pei); Research & Documentation (Prof. Anis); Management & Promotion (Wong
Siew Lyn and Mew Chang Tsing); and Website (Rogayah Shahariman). In all it was a fruitful experience, bringing the committee together with everyone contributing selflessly.
Coinciding with MDF 2003, MyDance Alliance and Tasema Productions organised the Annual General Meeting of World Dance Alliance Asia–Pacific. In attendance were delegates from Australia, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Belgium and Malaysia. An important part of the meeting was the election of a new Executive Board. MyDance Alliance is honoured to have its National Advisor, Professor Mohd Anis Md Nor, and President, Mew Chang Tsing, voted in as the new President and Treasurer of WDA AP respectively.