BIOGRAPHY

Zainadance Zidane Ijau Anak Lanyun 

Zainadance Zidane Ijau Anak Lanyun, a passionate dancer from Limbang, Sarawak, discovered a love for dance in primary school. Graduating from Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak in 2018, he pursued a diploma and degree in dance at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Highlights include Konsert Diraja UPSI 2019, FESTKUM 2019, Dance Xchange 2020 and Muara Festival Singapore 2021. Notable in dance film "Chura' Iban" and groundbreaking performances like Kontra Borneo at KLPAC 2023. Committed to dance education, he contributed to events like the 4th Selangor & Kuala Lumpur Schools Dance Exchange and organized the Chinese Malaysian Dance Conference in 2023. He presented at the 2nd International Performing Arts Graduate Conference and managed to submit his full thesis article to be published at Jurai Sembah (Online journal) UPSI. His continuous involvement in PenTAS Tari Productions from 2019 to 2023 showcases versatility and dedication, leaving an indelible mark on the global dance community. 

 Almiesha Jenun Anak Anthony Lawan

23-year-old student from Selangau Sibu Sarawak. She has been involved in the dancing profession since she was nine years old. She previously attended Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak and graduated from UPSI's dance diploma programme. She actively participated in dance competitions and performances in Malaysia, winning second place, best female dancer, and best choreography at the University Science of Malaysia (USM) in 2023. In that regard, she won an ethnic creative dance competition at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall in 2023. Her main involvement was to participate in Singapore's Muara Festival of the Era Dance, which runs from 2020 to 2023. She also took part in the 2020 International Dance Xchange On Air Philippines performance. 

Muhammad Haikal Izanni Bin Muhammad Hakimi

24. Ipoh, Perak. He has previously competed at the national level in football. After finishing his Diploma in Dance at UPSI, he pursued a Bachelor of Dance Performance Arts with Honours. He had many encounters. One of his most memorable moments were his performance during the 2022 IPT Games' opening ceremony at UPSI. In addition, he is a lighting designer who successfully represented UPSI in Malam Citra Bayu 23 and Malam Bumi Kenyalang 23, finishing second in both events. Despite his lack of dance expertise, his efforts never failed to yield positive results, and the experience helped him improve as a dancer.

"No matter what comes your way,

Stay positive and stay grateful.

Never lose hope and never stop fighting

For what you believe in." 

 Nur Yasmin Zulaikha Binti Mohamad Isa

23-year-old Negeri Sembilan resident has been dancing since she was a toddler. Yasmin majored in Diploma in Dance and pursued her studies at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). Yasmin has participated in variety of performances and dance competitions, including the Santapan Diraja in conjunction with UPSI's 100th anniversary, the Folklore Dance Festival, and many other throughout her career as a dancer. Armed with the knowledge she has gained over the course of five years at UPSI, Yasmin hopes that with all of the expertise provided by the instructors at the Faculty of Music & Performing Arts, she would be able to provide the best and most quality performance in PenTAS'24.  

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Ruan Ziyun

A girl from China. She was born on April 13, 2000. She was extremely sensitive to dance when she was a toddler. When she heard music, she couldn't stop dancing to it. Her interest in dance and art grows throughout time. Before moving to Malaysia, she obtained professional training in Chinese and contemporary dance in China. In addition, she works as a dance teacher. She is currently studying a Bachelor's degree in Dance Performance at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris( UPSI), where she receives good grades every semester. Ruan Ziyun strives to improve as a dancer, instructor and artist. 

 Noryshea Nala Lexline Anak Alexander

23 years old, from Kuching, Sarawak. She has an interest in the dance profession since she was very young. She attended Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak and graduated from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) with a Diploma in Dance. She is now pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in dance performance at UPSI. In 2017, she won first place in the Sarawak State-level Co-Curricular Carnival dancing competition. She also performed on an international stage at the World Harvest Festival in Kampung Budaya, Sarawak. She also took part in the International Xchange On Air Philippines 2020 dance performance. Most recently, she won two gold medals in the 3rd International Bandung Choral Festival 2023. Noryshea Nala Lexline is a devoted and competent dancer who has won numerous dance competitions and performed internationally. Her enthusiasm for dancing, combined with her academic interests, demonstrates a dedication to excellence and continuing growth in the performing arts.  

 Nurul Fatin Aqilah Binti Abdul Rahim

23 years old, from Kuala Lumpur. Nurul Fatin Aqilah is popularly known as Qiela. She previously attended SMK Puteri Titiwangsa and earned a Diploma in Dance from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). She started dancing when she was five years old and studied at Pak Ngah Production, also known as 'SWATARI'. Qiela involved as a 'Penari Cilik' (DBKL) and Permata Seni Tari (JKKN) in 2010. Performed in a number of countries, including the 'Thai International Travel Fair (2011) in Bangkok, Thailand, the 'Xinjiang International Youth Arts Festival (2016) in Urumqi, China, and the Muara Festival (2020-2023) Era Dance Theatre in Singapore. She participated in the Malam Bumi Kenyalang 2023 competition at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), winning the best choreography and finishing second, as well as being the Champion at the Festival Of Colours Of The World 2022 (FESCO). Qiela also competed in the Malaysian Dance Festival Competition (2022) and earned second place, best choreography for the Traditional Dance Category, and best costume for the Creative Ethnic Dance Category. 

Fedrick Mujang Anak Labani

Fedrick Mujang Anak Labani holds a Diploma in Dance and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Dance Studies) (Honours) Degree at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). His dance adventure began in primary school and continued at his secondary school Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak, where he participated in numerous dance events. During his tenure in the Faculty of Music in Performing Arts, he participated in variety of shows and collaborated with numerous researchers and choreographers, including Prof. Dr. Md Anis Md Nor, Mr. Fauzi Amiruddin, and more. Aside from performing, he actively teaches, leads dance workshops and choreographs dances in Kuala Lumpur and Tanjung Malim. His traditional Ngajat Iban choreography, “Ngajat Nanga Jela” for MY Dance Festival '23 at PJPAC won The Best Choreography. Fedrick believes that “When we dance, our main purpose should not be about getting to a certain place on the floor. It is to enjoy each step along the way.”  

 Muhammad Akmal Alif bin Salizan

Muhammad Akmal Alif Bin Salizan popularly known as Mallep, is 23 years old from Kedah. He began his studies in dance arts with a diploma in 2019 and is now pursuing a Bachelor's Degree. Akmal has been actively interested in the arts since he was in school, as well as in sports like football and futsal. Throughout his academic career, he has accomplished and contributed tremendously. He took part in the Muara Festival in 2020, which was held online owing to COVID-19. He was also involved in several shows and event management, both directly and indirectly. While earning his degree, he excelled in various events, including the Battle of Zapin Putrajaya, Term'23, and the Borneo Arts Festival (Tingkah Geruh), winning third, second and first place, respectively. Akmal is passionate in traditional dance and actively oversees technical components such as music and lighting in addition to performing it. At the Borneo Arts Festival, he was instrumental in lighting production and visuals for the creative section. He is passionate in his work, hoping that future generations will participate actively in the arts to strengthen the country's artistic landscape. 

Muhammad Ikmal bin Kamal Bashah 

Muhammad Ikmal Bin Kamal Bashah is 23 years old from Selangor. He received his primary education at SK Taming Jaya from 2007 to 2013. He then pursued his education at SMK Cheras Jaya from 2014 to 2018. Following that, he continued his studies at Universiti Pendidkan Sultan Idris (UPSI), graduating with a Diploma in Dance. Participation in the Muallim Festival 2019, Uda & Dara Musical Theatre, organised by the KL International Arts Festival 2019, and the Muara Festival 2020 are examples of Diploma level achievements. Then continue his studies in the same course with a Bachelor of Dance Degree at UPSI. The opening performances of SUKIPT 2022, Muara Festival 2022, KonTra Borneo KLPAC 2023, DanceBox 2023 and Dancing In Place 2023 have received the most attention and participation. 

Jackson Anak Janda

An Iban born in Sarawak. Jackson anak Janda holds a Dance Diploma from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Performing Arts with a major in Dance at the same university. He has participated in a number of notable performances both locally and internationally, including Incress 22 International Choreographers' Residency in Sapphire: Contemporary Dance Intensive by Raziman Sarbini in Kolkata, India, and the Muara Festival in Singapore. He won his first "Best Choreography" award at the Festival Colours of The World 2022, under the guidance of Mr Hamid Chan. The trio won the competition's Champion, Best Choreography, and Best Costume awards. 

Sera Nina Sumbin

Sera Nina Sumbin, 23 years old, from Tuaran, Sabah. A music-loving small lady who decided to start her dance career by competing in the International Youth Folk Dance Festival 2018, where she finished second. She later received a Diploma in Dance from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). Dance being her greatest interest, she continued to pursue her Bachelor of Performing Arts Degree at UPSI, focusing in dance. She has performed at the Muara Festival, Dance in Diversity: Gala Show, DanceBox, MyDance Festival, YSD Art Festival, and Brazil's International Folklore Festival. Among her many accolades are the titles of Champion of the International Igal Festival 2019, Champion of the Borneo Native Festival, 2022 and 2023, and 1st Runner up of Malam Citra Bayu. 

Muhammad Hafiz bin Bakar

Muhammad Hafiz Bin Bakar, better known as Vonne, is a 23-year-old boy origined from Muar, Johor. A Diploma in Dance graduate who is now studying a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Dance Studies) at Sultan Idris Education University. A dedicated dancer who began participating in the dance field at the age of ten and has been actively involved since the age of fourteen. During school, he usually participates in Zapin Johor-related competitions. Aside from that, Sanggar Hang Tuah invited Vonne to attend the Serampang 12 workshop in Medan, Indonesia. During his studies at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, he did involved in variety of dance programmes, including performing as a dancer for the Charity Fund Show to Korea in 2019, hosted at the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, and performing at the Muara Festival in 2020 via online due to Covid-19. Vonne also worked on the Pengabsahan Zapin Johor project for NusPARC in 2022. Aside from dancing, he is interested in becoming a choreographer and a dance coach. He earned a lot of qualification in dance coaching by teaching kids in few schools and has received recognition for it. 

Muhammad Aizat Haikal bin Azizan

Muhammad Aizat Haikal Bin Azizan, also known as Aizat or Haikal, is 23 years old, born and raised in Felda Trolak Selatan, Sungkai, Perak. After completing his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), he attended Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Tanjung Malim, Perak. In UPSI, he completed his Diploma in Dance Performing Arts programme with distinction and is now pursuing his Bachelor of Dance Performing Arts with Honours. His most recent accomplishments include winning the Champion (Titanium) in the Tingkah Geruh Zapin competition at the Borneo Arts Festival Sabah, Champion (Platinum Award) and Best Choreographer in the Malaysian Ethnic Evolution Dance Competition (Term'23) in Kuala Lumpur, and Third Place (open category) in the Battle of Zapin Putrajaya competition.  

Khairul Anwar Bin Shahri

Khairul Anwar bin Shahri (Khairul) was born in Negeri Sembilan. He received his Diploma in Dance from the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Faculty of Music and Performing Arts. He is now studying his Bachelor's Degree in Dance at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). He has been dancing since the age of eight. He participated in numerous dance performances with JKKN Negeri Sembilan during his school times. His accomplishments include the International Folkore Festival Petaling Jaya 2014, Berjaya TeenStar Challenge 2018, Festival Muara 2020, and Festival Muara 2022 in Singapore. Khairul participated in a concert by an international artist from Indonesia, Judika Nalon Abadi Sihotang, or better known as Judika, at Rockmantic Night Judika and The Gang2023 at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil.

Shirin Fazira Binti Mohamed Salim

A 23-year-old girl is a self-taught dancer who began learning to dance on YouTube when she was 10 years old. She likes the speed of street dance and hip hop, but Malay dancing makes her feel the most beautiful. She became interested in learning various styles of traditional dance after performing at the International Two Continents Folklore Festival 2016, which was held at JKKN Perak Malaysia. Shirin formerly attended the Methodist Girls School in Ipoh. She then went on to obtain her Diploma in Dance and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Dance) at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). Among the various performance and achievements she has accomplished during her time in Faculty of Music & Performing Arts UPSI is the participation in Muara Festival 2020 by Era Dance Theatre Singapore, crowned as Champion at the Festival of Colours of the World 2022 (FESCO), held by Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and performed for "My Dance Festival 2023" at PJPAC and YSD Art Festival 2023 in Kuala Lumpur.