THE Malaysia Ballroom Dancer’s Association (MBDA) has received the support of the Penang government to hold the 2019 WDC Open World Championships – Professional Ballroom at SPICE Setia on Nov 30 next year.
A nine-member delegation, led by MBDA president Datuk Dr Henry Ooi, was given the good news when they paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at his office in Komtar today.
“We’re very happy and pleased that he (Chow) is doing a good work. What has been promised to us by the previous chief minister (Lim Guan Eng), he honours it. We’re grateful and we’ll always support him and the state,” Ooi said.
Chow assured the delegation of some financial support in holding the world ballroom dancing next year that will see professional dancers participating in the waltz, tango, foxtrot, quick step and Venice waltz.
The total prize money for the top 12 dancers is US$100,000 (RM418,000).
The others present were MBDA honorary life president Datuk Seri Chew Weng Khak, MBDA senior vice-chairman Teh Swee Guan, MBDA vice-chairman Ooi Hock Seng, MBDA secretary Datin Goh Lean Neoh, Malaysia Dance Association vice-chairman Richard Kang, MBDA international liaison officer Frances Teoh and MBDA committee members Peter Lee and James Ooi.
Last year, the MBDA, with the support of the Penang government, held the 2017 WDC World Professional Latin Championships where participants competed in cha cha, rumba, samba, jive and paso doble.
For this year, the Penang International Ballrooom Dancing Championships will be held at the Bayview Beach Resort on Nov 18 from 1pm to midnight.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting