Merdeka! I don't know how to translate that to English, but it's something we Malaysians say when we celebrate our Independence Day. And 31st August is our Independence Day.
The celebration was held in the Radisson Hotel, with more than three hundred guests attending. It was quite a merry celebration, I should say... definitely one of the grandest National Day Celebrations that I've been to outside Malaysia.
SO how the heck is this related to CAS? I performed a Malaysian traditional dancing 'thing' -- well, two types of Malaysian traditional dance, to be precise -- known as the Zapin (which originated in my home state of Johor in Southern Malaysia) and Hati K
ama at the Malaysian National Day Celebration -- a 'unique' (or so I believe) activity that I am counting for CAS.This is my first time ever performing a dance in front of such a great number of people. In fact, I've never even performed any kind of dance before. I almost FAINTED. But I didn't.
The two dances were chosen and choreographed by the wife of the Malaysian Ambassador, Datin Jamilah Talib. We have started practicing for this performance since before the beginning of summer, some time around the beginning of June. Weekly rehearsals were held at the Malaysian Ambassador's Residence in Baridhara, for about one and a half to two hours each.
Even though that might sound like such a short amount of time, the rehearsals were extremely tiring, I can tell you.
I suppose a lot of movement in the activity can make this accountable for Action hours, eh?
I think this traditional dancing activity is full of creativity because I am learning a new dance that is very closely-related to my culture. Through this activity, I have also been able to learn more about my Malaysian roots and culture, and at the same time get CAS hours (which I hope will be approved on time).
And Service? Well, I'm offering entertainment to the audiences, and doing the Malaysian High Commission a favor by lending my 'talents' in dancing, aren't I?
Attached below are pictures from the event. Enjoy!
