AdminASK Dance Company is set to present two major dance productions in 2026, combining traditional and contemporary forms while working with a network of collaborators across Malaysia. The initiative reflects a strategic effort by the 10-member company to maximise resources and expand its artistic reach.
The first production, Menempa Tari Tradisi 2026, will take place on 25 and 26 April at the Auditorium JKKN Perlis in Kangar. The programme builds on a series that has travelled across the country, with previous editions staged in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, and Sarawak between 2022 and 2024. This latest instalment continues its focus on showcasing Malaysia’s diverse traditional dance heritage, incorporating performances that draw from classical, folk, and ritual-inspired traditions.
The production will also feature special appearances by local collaborators from Perlis, including an Awang Batil master performer and Terinai musicians and dancers. These elements aim to highlight regional expressions while connecting them to a broader national narrative.
Preserving traditions through diverse Malaysian dance
According to Artistic Director Prof. Dr Joseph Gonzales, “The vibrant collage of dance cultures from Johor to Sarawak and Kelantan is truly fascinating. Our traditions encompass classical, folk, and ritual-inspired dances, each with its own distinct characteristics, rhythms, and movement vocabulary. This has always been one of the core missions of ASK Dance Company – to ensure the preservation and propagation of traditional dance.”
He added that the production seeks not only to educate audiences but also to sustain, empower, and entertain, reinforcing the relevance of traditional dance in contemporary contexts.
Creative Producer Imran Syafiq Mohd Affandi noted the significance of returning to Perlis after more than a decade. “The last time ASK Dance Company performed in Perlis was in 2011 with 3 Faces, a production that combined three dance genres. After 15 years, we bring Menempa Tari Tradisi to the people of Perlis to experience, learn, and better understand the traditional dances that define Malaysia’s cultural landscape,” he said.
“We are also creating opportunities for younger generations to connect with local performing arts figures in Perlis. This performance is suitable for audiences of all ages,” he added.
Contemporary work explores resilience and constant change
In contrast to its traditional offering, ASK Dance Company will also stage Never Stand Still, a contemporary dance production choreographed by Zulkarnain Zuber. Scheduled from 22 to 24 May at Kongsi KL, the performance presents four interconnected works examining themes of uncertainty, resilience, and collective strength.
The production positions the body as a repository of lived experience, exploring how individuals and communities respond to change. Through movement, it raises questions about personal choices and societal assumptions, while encouraging audiences to reflect on adaptability in an evolving environment.
With ticket prices set at RM55 for standard entry and RM25 for students, the production aims to remain accessible to a broad audience. Tickets can be purchased via CloudJoi.
Together, the two productions illustrate ASK Dance Company’s dual commitment to preserving cultural heritage while engaging with contemporary discourse, offering audiences varied entry points into Malaysia’s evolving dance landscape.
Add comment