CulturalFest Countdown: Meet Tanak Borneo
This year's CulturalFest Performance Showcase will feature 10 performing artists from around the world on the Meany Hall stage. Read on to learn more about one of this year’s performers, Tanak Borneo and watch them on the big stage on February 25!
How did your group begin?
“Tanak” means child in the native language of Borneo, the island of East Malaysia. Our dance team was founded in November 2015 with 12 members under the Malaysian Students Association (MASA). T.B. strives to portray different narratives about cultural identity through dance.
What do you hope the audience will take away from your performance? What do you hope they will learn about the culture that your performance represents? Is there anything else you would like people to know about your performance?
Malaysia is a diverse country consisting of different races like Malay, Chinese, Indian and local tribal indigenous groups. This year, 2017, we bring in an additional treat for the audience in presenting “The Ribbons of Dance”, using colorful fabric in the air to showcase our Diversity.
Our dance genre are mainly based from the fusion of modern contemporary dance elements that are inspired by Borneo traditional ethnic dance styles like Sumazau, Anggalang, and Magunatip. Our theme revolves around the life of the fearless Kadazan tribe’s Headhunter Warrior that protects the village from its enemies, and the annual ritual celebration of the Golden Harvest Festival.
It is our greatest hope that the audience would have a taste of the uniqueness of the Malaysian culture, as we ourselves had the pleasure of. Thank you, and we look forward in spending this time with you!
PS: If Malaysian culture intrigues you, the Malaysian Student Association will also be having their biggest event of the year, the inaugural Malaysian Night, April 16! Come experience our unique Malaysian slang, mouth watering Malaysian cuisine and integrated cultural lifestyle that we live in.
Fun fact: Most Malaysian speak on average around 3 different languages!
Find Tanak Borneo on Facebook
Join us for our celebration of the diversity and talent that international students bring to our community!
CulturalFest Ticket Information:
General admission tickets are on sale now for $15 online or at the door. Discounted student tickets are available for $10 in advance at the FIUTS office (HUB 206).