NUS Ilsa Tari

Starting with strong foundations in traditional Malay dances such as zapin, ronggeng, inang and serampang 12, together with the traditional Malay martial art of silat, NUS Ilsa Tari experiments with both traditional and contemporary Malay dance to push the boundaries of creativity and modernity.

The word ‘ilsa’ is derived from the Malay word ‘asli’ or ‘native’, which signifies a bold new artistic direction for radical creativity in Malay dance while acknowledging the importance of the past. Today, NUS Ilsa Tari plays a part in the evolution of a Malay dance form relevant to the times.

Under the tutelage of Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer Osman Abdul Hamid, the Peoples’ Association Malay Dance Group’s choreographer and Singapore's Young Artist Award recipient, each dance esngages with modern themes not usually dealt with in Malay dance, such as women’s empowerment, metaphysics of the soul and multiculturalism.

---

Osman Abdul Hamid

NUS Ilsa Tari
Artistic Director & Resident Choreographer

Osman Abdul Hamid joined the People’s Association and the former Sriwana Malay Dance Group in 1979. He became the Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of the People’s Association Malay Dance Group and Era Dance Theatre Pte Ltd. Since 1995, Osman has produced highly acclaimed works with NUS Ilsa Tari which includes Imbas…Ampas (2010), Ilsa Revisited (2011), Contengan Hidup (2011), Akur…Menyerah Takdir (2012), Selamatkan Bumiku (2013) and Temasek Berbisek (2014).

Osman has represented Singapore at many ASEAN Performing Arts Festivals and overseas cultural programmes. In 1996, his dance item was selected by the National Arts Council to be featured in the 4th ASEAN Dance Festival. In recognition of his outstanding talents and dedication, Osman has been conferred the prestigious Singapore Youth Award (Service) in 1993 and the Young Artist Award (1994) by the National Arts Council. Under the tutelage of Osman, the People’s Association Talents won the Best Choreographer Award at the 5th Sabah International Folklore Festival in 2010. He has also represented Singapore as an Asian Dance Expert in the Asia Dance Committee 2011 till present. No doubt, Osman’s works have continued to inspire the audiences with his unique vibrant choreography.

---

Beztari

Nanyang Technological University
Instructor: Mr Azmi Juhari

Established in 2008, Beztari is one of the clubs under the cultural wing of NTU/NIE Malay Language and Cultural Society (Perbayu).

Since its inception, Beztari has provided growing platform for aspiring dancers to showcase their talents.

To date, Beztari has more than 70 members including alumni with up to more than 60 performances of both traditional and contemporary dance items by its renowned resident choreographer, Cikgu Azmi Juhari.

---

Indra Nila Kirana

Nanyang Polytechnic
Instructor: Mr Zairin Abdul Latiff

Indra Nila Kirana which derives from the mythological Indra, leader of the Dewas or heavenly figures. Through their effective showcase of intricate and elegant dance steps and body movements, students who join Malay dance, will gain a better appreciation of Malay dance culture. By learning, the different genres of tarian, from the ancient to contemporary, it gives the group an opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional Malay dance and music.

---

Itra Tari

Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Instructor: Mr Azhar Hamidon

Itra Tari has produced their very own dance production for the first time in December last year. Additionally, they have collaborated with other tertiary institutions in various performances such as Temasek Berbisik and Rentak Budaya. Itra Tari has also participated in the prestiged MUARA festival at the Esplanade along with other schools and professional malay dance groups.