I find myself being able to relate to a lot of things with Riley in the Inside Out animation movie. Of how we lose our imaginary friends or lose a set of skills we once knew. I was so sad when Riley’s Island of playing hockey crumbled to pieces because that was exactly how I felt when I couldn’t continue to pursue my interest in dancing. Not just any form of dance but my traditional Sarawak dance.

SODA PosMalaysia : Traditional Dance Series

February Issue 2016

I was 10 years old. We were practicing very hard to represent our school and participate in a dancing competition held in Kuala Lumpur. My teacher was so excited. Us kids including myself were so excited as well. I was already imagining myself wearing the traditional costume – I was the lead for the Iban tribal dance. I managed to practice for 2 weeks when one fine day my father delivered ‘great news’ to the family.

He was to pursue his Masters study in Cranfield, UK and the whole family is coming with him and staying there for a year. My dance teacher Encik Sabri naturally panicked but he understood,

mun kawu tek pindah rah key ell jak..senanglah aku nak nganta kawu balit rah mak bapak.. tok pindah ke ukey.. gine ku nak molah.. sekpalah Min.. nang sekda rezki kawu nak bertandak kinek tok

yeh.. I think that was what he said. Ha ha.

So I left Dance but I learnt new things in the UK. My spoken English improved, I read better and faster in the language. I picked up a bit of French. I fell in love with fish and chips and muffins. I made new friends. I saw an interesting world outside Malaysia. I did not kind of regret not being able to dance for I have so much more to gain, but I still miss it from time to time of course.

When I came back to Malaysia, I was too old for dancing. Plus I had to prepare for the UPSR exam. In secondary school, I was intimidated by other better dancers – I did try to make an appearance in one of those yearly school dramas but still I was not even close to second best. I think my glasses made me look like a duck.

It was only later prior to starting housemanship – at an induction camp did I tried to step into dancing again. We were to perform for this particular Dinner exercise. At first I did not volunteer to be part of the dancing group, however.. upon seeing that only the ‘teacher’ had ‘life’ to his motions – I felt the urge to give my support.

I was a quick learner. As I have the basics. My ‘teacher’ seemed pleased as I was able to catch up very fast to the other team members. And I guess my pictures during the night managed to capture how I felt. IMMENSE JOY AND SATISFACTION. It was like seeing your best friend again sorta thing. I was smiling like a silly monkey. It felt natural to perform with a smile. The most wonderful smile I could give.