ABSTRACT
The parallel development occurred within western dance genres when classical ballet was introduced in Malaysia by expatriate wives of army personnel and plantation owners who established schools in the 1950s. Of most importance are the new interpretations of modernity that move beyond the concept of westernization, of ballet and modern dance. This deeper quest for creativity and new interpretations of modernity took place in the early 1980s with dancers who began the earnest search for a Malaysian vocabulary. In the mid- to late 1980s, Malaysian dancers enjoyed greater international success and presence. Without solely championing western dance, dance training at the tertiary institutions is forging a path in Malaysia by embracing and acknowledging Malaysia’s colonial history. This is achieved by teaching classical ballet and modern dance as an integral component of the syllabus. The development and achievement of some dancers in these techniques has been remarkable.
