Dancing for a good cause

The President of the Brunei Music Society and Australian High Commissioner Mr Allaster Cox addressed the audience before the show. In his speech, Mr Allaster Cox highlighted that the charity performance was dependent entirely on the kind efforts of the sponsors and the attending audience. He also noted that many parents of the children had helped in the performance.

Performing to music written by the composer Tchaikovsky, the ballet was based on the popular fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty".

According to Jigger Garcia, rehearsals began three months ago. The lead roles were performed by senior ballerinas whilst the youngest ballerinas were also given roles in the concert. Mr Garcia also said that he felt noble to take part in a charity event and he hopes that next year, they can put up an even better show for the audience. He also wanted to thank the Ballet's Director, Miss Marichit Hofilena and all the sponsors for supporting the show.

The Production Coordinator, Patricia Sivabalan mentioned that this was the first time a production of such magnitude had been done. The costumes were custom designed and the cost borne by the children's parents. More than 1,000 people came to see the show. Tickets were sold at $10 for two adults and two children to attract families. The proceeds will go to the KACA organisation.

Another aim of the show was to promote dance as an art form and also to enable the children to participate in a worthy cause. This was the first time many of the children had performed in public. The young ballerinas kept the audience cheering and laughing throughout the show. Both children and adults thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

At the end of the show Janet Gilkey from the KACA organisation thanked the Mabohai Ballet Troop for the wonderful performance on behalf of KACA.