The date, 29 Aug, 2009 will be a day that I will remember and keep it close to my heart, as this is the day that my troupe, Dance99 won the first place in the Malaysia Open Dance Fest '09 in Kuala Lumpur! It is my first dance medal and I would really have to thank my troupe members for their hard work and dedication.

The Troupe

Dance99 consists of belly dancers from different backgrounds. We learn belly dance from different teachers and each of us are different in our skills and techniques. We come together because of our passion for the dance and in the hope that we will be able to practice, guide and help each other towards personal improvements, while enjoying our time dancing and having fun together.

The team consists of Grace, Vivian, Mee Mee, Jenix and Evon (photo above from left to right)

We have been practicing hard for about 2.5 months and it was such a sweet reward that we managed to win!

The Competition Day

We were there at the hall as early as 10am in the morning to submit and try out our music, survey the dance floor and getting ourselves ready. At that time the hall was pretty cold and we were all shivering! I can't really remember what time, I think it was almost noon when the hall black out! And the day long sauna began.

The hall was so hot and stuffy after that. Due to the power failure, the event was delayed. They managed to get the lights back on but still no air-conditioning. Gosh! It was a suffering wait.

Finally, our event started and we were the second troupe to dance. We were pretty nervous at the first round and we almost forgot our veils on our way out. Luckily, the MC reminded us! . So, pai seh.

While waiting for finalist result list, Jenix was getting ready for her newcomer individual category. She had to dance three times because she managed to moved on from the heats to the semi-final and then to the finals! Well done! Although, she didn't win the top 3 spot, but to us, she has made a very good progress for going into the finals on her very first try and beating 13 other participants in that category. Jenix, you've made it!

The Finals and Results

The list were out and we were in the finals! This is it! It will be the last time for us to dance our hearts out. There were 5 other teams that made it.

Soon, it's waiting again.. for the results...

Finally, time came for the prize presentation around 9pm. Everyone were tired and hungry.. but adrenalin took over when we started queuing and waited for the result. Hahahaha.. We were more nervous than before! When one by one each team were called. We got even more nervous. Finally, 2 teams left and when they announced the other team as the 2nd place. We jumped with joy!!! .. Arghh!! My first dance medal!! And it's GOLD!!

Phew!! The girls were so happy! Each of them gave me a BIG BIG HUG. Hahaha..

My Appreciation

I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart, Evon, Jenix, Grace and Vivian for joining me in this competition and for being a team player to make this troupe a success!

I would like to thank everyone for playing a part in this troupe!

• Grace - designing and making the costumes
• Jenix - accommodations arrangement
• Evon - transportation and studio for practice
• Vivian - photography arrangements with Bobby
• CK - videography and photography
• Bobby - photography

** More photos at Facebook