Grooving to the beat in Putrajaya

Having a good time: The crowd dancing to songs which represented a multi-cultural Malaysia.

PUTRAJAYA: The heart of Putrajaya was transformed into a dance stage as thousands dressed in cheerful and bright colours got their groove on at the Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Dance Tourism Carnival.

Visitors, including tourists, packed the streets of the Putrajaya boulevard yesterday as dancers swayed along to songs which represented a multi-cultural Malaysia.

The atmosphere became more exciting when Korean singer Psy's smash hit Oppa Gangnam Style burst through the loudspeakers. The young and old sportingly pulled off the horse-riding dance moves made popular by Psy. The Korean song was the only foreign song played at the carnival among local music.

Present at the half-day event was the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Rosmah accepting a painting from Dr Ng at the carnival in Putrajaya.

Dr Ng said she estimated about 16,000 people attended the event yesterday.

“We have seen the programme grow since its first edition in 2009 and we have decided to have it on the first Sunday of December. It has become an event that people look forward to.

“Through this event, Malaysians can contribute towards building a positive image of the country for foreign tourists,” Dr Ng said, adding that she hoped the carnival would be promoted internationally.

The original dance routine for the carnival involved a medley of the Malaysia Truly Asia and Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia songs as well as seven ethnic dances. This is the fourth time that the carnival has been organised and similar events will be held in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday and Kuching on Dec 16.

Rosmah, who launched the event, said while the carnival promoted Malaysia's cultural heritage, it also helped people to stay healthy. “The event builds a bridge that connects the different races in line with the objective of 1Malaysia. “We can appreciate the unique cultures of our multi-racial society through the variety of dances presented,” she added.
-thestar online.