Poco Poco Gets Okay

Malaysians will be allowed to perform a controversial "poco-poco" line dance after top clerics ruled that its benefits to health outweigh concerns about taste and decency. The decision came after a mufti in the predominantly Muslim nation outlawed the dance in his state, saying it amounted to cult practices and that its crossed-shaped movements was associated with Christianity. However, Abdul Shukor Husin, chairman of the country's National Fatwa Council said Islamic clerics had decided against a ban, paving the way for its free use.

"If they can adhere to the regulations...and if it can bring about positive impact to the health, then we have no objection on that matter," he was quoted by Bernama news agency after chairing a special meeting Friday. Muslim women, however, have been reminded to not wear sexy clothes or mix freely with men while dancing. Harussani Zakaria, an elderly mufti from the state of Perak declared the "poco-poco" dance violated Islamic law and banned it. Regardless of the Fatwa Council's decision the dance will remained banned in Perak as matters pertaining to Islam are covered by local law.

In Malaysia, many adults and children take part in the dance, which is considered a recreational activity to keep fit. More than 60 percent of the nation's 28 million population are Muslim Malays and other faiths have expressed concerns of creeping Islamisation in this multi-racial country. Norazliza Alias, a dance instructor said her students were mainly women who just "love to sweat with poco-poco movements and music. The dance I teach is not linked to any religion. My clients really have fun, with mothers bringing in their sons and daughters to join in," she said.

Clerics Ban Poco Poco Dance

Islamic clerics in a Malaysian state want Muslims to avoid a dance they claim has Christian influences.

The "poco poco" is a line dance that is common in social events in Muslim-majority Malaysia. It is widely thought to have originated in Indonesia.

Islamic scholars in Malaysia's Perak state say they believe the "poco poco" is traditionally a Christian dance and that its steps make the sign of the cross.

State cleric Harussani Idris Zakaria said Friday the scholars have issued an edict forbidding the dance. It is not clear if other states will ban it.

Some Muslims insist the ban is unnecessary. Malaysian clerics have also banned yoga for Muslims and barred girls from behaving like tomboys, but the edicts are not legally binding. (AP)

'Super Dancers' To Battle It Out

A quintet of dance teams from Penang will square off against the Klang Valley's best for the ultimate title of 'Super Dancer' at The Mines in Seri Kembangan, Selangor on April 17. Of the 19 teams battling it out in the Super Dancers Competition 2011 Selection 2 in Gurney Plaza, Penang, on Sunday, only five remained standing at the end of an exhilarating and intense contest.

D' VolCrew, D' Versatile, Danzity, Floor digital and Eupho Girls were all optimistic of making an impact in the grand finals, where they will be joined by five qualifiers from Selection 1 held earlier at The Mines. For the grand finals, all 10 teams will each need to come up with a specially-choreographed routine according to a theme drawn at the end of each regional selection.

For the finals, well-known Taiwanese hip hop dancer Bmouth will be among the judges, while another, Manchuker, is set to emcee the event. At stake are cash and prizes amounting to RM22,000. Be sure to catch this event at The Mines on April 17. For more information please check out SuperDancersCompetition at Facebook. ( Sourced from The Star ).

MDSB Beginners Ballroom Dance Competition 2011

Malaysia Dancesport Berhad (MDSB) is organizing the inaugural MDSB Beginners Ballroom Dance Competition 2011 in conjunction with its fourth MDSB Dinner & Dance. Further details of the competition is as follows:-

Venue: Royal Lake Club, Jalan Cenderamulia, Taman Tasek Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Date: 15th May 2011

Time: 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Events: Ballroom ~ Standard & Latin - Rainbow 8 and below, Juvenile 8 to 12, Junior 12 to 16, Adult 16 to 49, Senior 50 and above

Partnering: Couples can be Man with Lady or Lady with Lady

Participation: Open to all Malaysians

Closing date for entries: 1st May 2011

Entry fees: RM125 per person (inclusive of dinner)

MBSB reported in a communique: "The Beginners Ballroom Dance Competition is held with the main purpose of building a large core of competitors from the foundation level. We wish to focus on this level of dancers from all age groups as we feel that with a large number of competitors at this level, we would be able to nurture more dancers of high caliber in the future."

It further added: "We are also launching the 2011 MDSB Membership Drive campaign to encourage all teachers, parents and students of dancesport and all other disciplines to sign up as MDSB members. We sincerely wish and welcome members to contribute ideas and participate actively in our activities benefiting dance teachers, students, competitors and parents alike."

For more information on the Dinner & Dance and Competition, kindly log on to www.mdsb-my.blogspot.com or call Chong Kim Yee at 012-2215727, Josephine Siow at 012-2186463 or email malaysiandancesport@gmail.com.