KOTA KINABALU: Three students from SMK Bingkor, Keningau, won two gold medals and two top awards at the Dance World Cup 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic, recently.
Malaysia's sole representative at the international event featuring 54 countries, clinched the gold award in the Junior Solo National and Folklore Dance and the Junior Duet/Trio National and Folklore Dance category on July 4.
Following their victory, they were invited to compete for the Most Outstanding Trophy at the Dance World Cup 2024 gala night on July 6.
They won the major awards for Most Outstanding Male Junior and Most Outstanding Duet/Trio Junior.
The students involved are Mohamad Haykal (Form Five), Flirencley Lius (Form Three) and Wilfred Marcus (Form Five), accompanied by SMK Bingkor teacher Caroline Jreneus throughout the competition in Prague.
They call themselves the "Kumpulan Tukang-Tukang SMK Bingkor" under the guidance of choreographer Brandon Balasius @ Boichore, practicing for three months before departing for Prague on July 2 and returning yesterday.
In the competition, Mohamad won the gold award in the Junior Solo National and Folklore Dance (male) category and the major award for Most Outstanding Male Junior.
Their trio won the gold award in the Junior Duet/Trio National and Folklore Dance category and Most Outstanding Duet/Trio Junior.
When contacted, Caroline also expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Embassy in Prague for looking after their welfare throughout their stay in the country.
"They (embassy staff) were present to provide moral support to us throughout the competition," she said.
Regarding the group, Caroline said the group has many members ready to be showcased as talented dancers, whether at district, national or international levels.
"To have quality dancers, they need to be exposed to various types of competitions, whether at district or national levels," she said.
She also hoped that the success of the three SMK Bingkor students would inspire the school to continue excelling at all levels, both nationally and internationally.