Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Dancesport Championship 2025 at Kian Kok Middle School Hall drew talented dancers from Sabah and Sarawak to compete in a wide range of categories, including Standard and Latin styles.
The event, organised by the Sabah DanceSport Association (SBDA), with support from the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Sabah State Sports Council, featured both solo and couple performances across multiple grades and age groups. It reflected the growing popularity for ballroom dancing in Sabah.
John Chong led a panel of 10 adjudicators who meticulously evaluated each performance. The panel included three adjudicators from Kuching, and seven locally trained adjudicators, ensuring a diverse and balanced assessment throughout the competition.
According to SBDA President Harold Chung, the championship was organised with the aim of promoting a variety of dance genres, enhancing the quality of both dancers and officials, and fostering friendship, goodwill, and sportsmanship within the dance community.
“This event reflects the spirit of Olympism, bringing people together through discipline, artistry, and mutual respect,” he said.
In the Grade A Solo Standard category, Fandy Hwong Sze Han clinched the top spot, followed by Ashley Chua Wen Shuen and Ren Xuanyi.
Amber Tan Ling Xin led the Grade B Solo Standard, with Ren Xuanyi and Ashley Chua rounding out the top three.
The Youth Solo Standard saw Ashley Chua Wen Shuen take first place, ahead of Danisha Ashley Wong Bao Hui and Eunice Ling Chen Xin.
In the Junior 2 Latin category, the dynamic duo of Angus Yan Hong Tan and Amber Ling Xin Tan impressed judges to secure first place, followed by Isaac Wen Kang Liew and Angel Chong Yi Qing Pham Thu Uyen.
The Grade A Solo Latin title went to Eunice Ling Chen Xin, with Erin Ung Ting Yee and Arabelle Leah Pei Yu Qian placing second and third respectively.
Other standout performances included, Chloe Foong Kit Yee winning both Junior 2 Solo Latin and Sabah Junior 2 Latin, Valery Chung Yee Thong topping the Junior 1 Solo Latin, Ng Fong Yi leading the Juvenile 1 Solo Latin respectively.
As for juvenile 2 Latin, rank no. one was Krischelle Jade Cheong, second Adeela Dania Azhanorrhisan, third placing Ng Fong Yi, no. 4 Angel Chong Yi Qing / Pham Thu Uyen, no. 5 Nathania Jintoni Girishan and 6th placement Desiree Chua Wen Tyng.
The competition also highlighted the need for continued support and development of dance sport in Sabah, with many young dancers showing promise and passion.
Organisers expressed their appreciation to all participants, their supportive parents, coaches, and supporters who made the event a success, and encouraged continued involvement in future competitions.
According to SBDA, its mission is rooted in nurturing grassroots talent through structured training programmes, workshops, and school outreach initiatives.
The association also prioritised the development of qualified dance instructors by encouraging professional certification, ensuring that dancers are taught with proper technique and high standards.
In its broader vision, SBDA aims to raise the competitive level of dancesport in Sabah by organising annual state-level championships and preparing athletes for international competitions.
The association also champions inclusivity and promotes a healthy lifestyle through dance, while working to elevate Sabah’s presence on the national stage.
Its long-term aspiration is to produce world-class champions who can represent Malaysia and shine on global platforms.