KUCHING – Sarawak’s La Danse Company has once again demonstrated its growing influence in the international dance arena, achieving notable success at the Daejeon Ballet Grand Prix 2026 in South Korea.
The prestigious event, held on 4–5 April, brought together dancers from across Asia and beyond, offering a platform for emerging talent to showcase their artistry.
Among the standout performers was 17-year-old Annalisa Lao Lik Xin, who secured third place in the Senior Solo category. Her performance was praised for its technical precision and expressive maturity, qualities that impressed the panel of judges.
In the Mini Junior Solo category, nine-year-old Chew Jia Yuan achieved second place, captivating audiences with her confidence and stage presence that belied her age.
The achievements of these young dancers reflect the guidance of Ivy Chua, La Danse’s principal instructor and a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance.
With more than ten years of teaching experience, Chua has been instrumental in shaping the studio’s philosophy, by emphasising discipline, resilience, and artistic growth. Her mentorship has helped students reach international standards while nurturing their passion for dance.
La Danse’s reputation has been steadily expanding beyond Malaysia. The company previously represented the nation at the Dance World Cup Finals in Burgos, Spain, where students gained exposure to diverse dance styles and global performance standards.
Such experiences have enriched the studio’s training approach, encouraging dancers to pursue excellence on both local and international stages.
Participation in competitions like the Daejeon Ballet Grand Prix highlights not only individual accomplishments but also the collective dedication of the La Danse community.
The studio’s commitment to developing technically skilled and artistically expressive dancers has positioned it as a key contributor to Sarawak’s cultural landscape.
Sarawak, known for its rich heritage and vibrant arts scene, continues to produce talent that resonates internationally. La Danse’s success in Korea underscores the region’s potential to nurture performers capable of competing at the highest levels.
Based in Kuching yet reaching far beyond, the studio embodies the spirit of Sarawak’s youth, ambitious, resilient, and determined to make their mark on the world stage.
As La Danse builds on its growing international recognition, its achievements serve as a reminder of the importance of community support, dedicated mentorship, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.
The company’s journey reflects the broader narrative of Sarawak’s cultural development, where tradition and modern artistry converge to inspire future generations.
