Memory of 2008 - The Brunei Times - Traditional dance is national heritage by Adilah Ishak

THE Raja Isteri Fatimah Primary School emerged as champion of the National Traditional Dance Competition for Primary Schools at the finals yesterday. In his speech as the guest of honour at the event, Hj Suhaila Hj Abdul Karim, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, said that Brunei Malay traditional dance is the nation's cultural heritage and as such children should be taught not only on the intricate and delicate movements of the dance, but they should also appreciate and be proud of them.

"Traditional dance need to be promoted, provided they do not run contrary with the Malay and Islamic social values practised in the country," he stressed.

He pointed out that the traditional dance, as part of the co-curriculum activity, could become an activity for children to enjoy school more.

"It's not merely an entertainment but also for children to enjoy the school's environment that is fun. Dancing can also contribute to children's emotional development by enabling them to appreciate the aesthetic values better," Hj Suhaila added.

First runner-up was Dato Othman Primary School while Kg Mata Mata Primary School was the second-runner up.

Twelve schools competed in the finals out of an initial 55.

Apart from preserving the country's traditional dances to be passed on to future generations, the competition was also aimed at upholding Brunei's identity as a country rich in cultural heritage and to produce educated young generation excelling in Brunei's art and culture.

A teacher from Kapok Primary School, Hjh Rosnah Hj Osman, told The Brunei Times that her pupils have been practising hard for the event. "The students practised the dance as part of their extra-curricular activities and also learnt the history of the dance," she said.

The competition took place at the Sayyidina Abu Bakar Secondary School in Lambak.