On the 12^th of July 2023, University of Brunei Darussalam hosted a Traditional Dance for the first ever competition between all local higher institutions. Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology won 3^rd place among all 7 institutions. 

Each institution was given one traditional song to prepare and train with. Moreover, Kementerian Kebudayaan Belia dan Sukan [KKBS] provided training prior to the tournament for all the participants.

On the wonderful bright sunny day, students that partake with the competition were arriving at the venue at the Chancellor’s Hall of Arts and Culture in UBD. Everyone was dressed in their custom-made traditional outfits and the venue was filled with students that looked like royal dancers with their crowns and outstanding outfits. Women can embrace their femininity while males can express their masculinity via traditional dancing. It allows for a greater emphasis on the artistry of movement and the complexities of steps, as well as the cultural and educational aspects, over dance couples and merely entertainment-oriented elements. Students that partake were seated row by row and was waiting the time to shine.

The ceremony begins with a welcoming speech from the Deputy Dean, Student Affairs, UBD, Dayang Rozita binti Haji Tamin, who is also the Co-Chair of the Competition, in her speech, she said that among the objectives of the competition is to unearth the talents of students who are interested in the field of culture, especially in the field of dance, namely the original Bruneian dances.

Each institution was introduced with a short video of their fellow students practicing and to tell a short brief about the originality of the given song and the story behind the dance, exhibiting the distinct Bruneian identity and beauty of the Brunei Malay culture. Cosmopolitan College was given a traditional song called “Dang mengalai” While the moves of this dance appear to be easy, synchronizing dancers is a difficult task, yet the meaningful consequence causes its dancers to have a stronger connection to Brunei’s traditions and legacy. During the performance of cosmopolitan students, they appeared on the stage with a respectful bow, as the enchanting melody of gongs starts playing, the students was one with the melody as it flows and allowing dancers to experiment and show patterns that improve the grace of their movement.

The students were supported by their classmates, friends and audiences from different institutions giving encouragements and boost of energy. These are the times when enduring memories and friendships are formed. As the day was progressing and the event had come to an end. Performers were enjoying their time watching the last performers that were specially made for them   and it wasn’t long before the winners were announced and the awards were handed out. Participants’ accomplishments were recognized with trophies and certificates. As the atmosphere tense up, adrenaline and nervousness come within the dancers, waiting to be announced by the host and hostess. Audiences were guessing and having a different expectation for each institution. Cosmopolitan College was announced as the 3^rd  Place having it as the group’s first traditional dance competition! Tears of happiness and joy overflow to the dancers with smile on each dancer’s face as they were collecting certificates, prize money, trophy along with acknowledgements from the Head of Department.

This day was marked as a great achievement for Cosmopolitan students as for beyond the trophies and medals, the experiences and friendships formed during this event will live on long after the event has concluded.

Here are some comments from the members of the COSMO Arts and Culture Club.

“When we were given this opportunity to perform with other higher institutions, we felt excited, thrilled, more likely overwhelmed. But overall, we enjoyed watching other participants performing and ofcourse winning the 3rd place.” – Nasirah

“Before the performance, I felt very nervous and shy. However, after the performance it felt amazing and I can feel my confidence level rise up” – Yana

“It was very exciting and emotional for us, all the practices and sacrifices that we gave was worth it at the end” – Aqilah

“I’m very happy as it brings back some memories and the hurdles that we had and the difficulties that we encountered. All the efforts and the members and staff had given was really appreciated” – Miss Nadirah binti Jambol (Arts and Culture Club Facilitator and Principal of Cosmopolitan College)