TARI 25 ASWARA: 11th International Folk Dance Festival by ASWARA

TARI’25 ASWARA! 11th International Folk Dance Festival (TARI’25) by the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA) is set to explode with color, rhythm, and culture from 19th to 23rd Nov 2025 at ASWARA and Zepp Kuala Lumpur. A flagship cultural event that unites ASEAN and international dance communities in a spectacular celebration of heritage, creativity and unity.

Dance Festival by ASWARA, 11th International Folk Dance Festival, National Academy of Arts Culture Heritage

TARI’25 ASWARA: 11th International Folk Dance Festival by ASWARA

This year’s festival highlights the vibrant traditions of ASEAN nations, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to promoting regional harmony through artistic collaboration - a timely effort in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).

Rector of ASWARA, Prof Dr Tan Awang Besar

Rector of ASWARA, Prof Dr Tan Awang Besar said, “The festival has long been celebrated as a platform where artists, scholars and cultural institutions exchange ideas and preserve the richness of traditional dance heritage.

“This comeback edition is set to inspire both professionals and enthusiasts, offering new opportunities for creative collaboration, knowledge exchange and artistic growth across borders.”

TARI’25 ASWARA’s Festival Director, Dr Norsafini Jafar

Meanwhile, TARI’25 ASWARA’s Festival Director, Dr Norsafini Jafar added, “For the first time in its history, the festival will adopt a regional ASEAN dance theme, showcasing the beauty and diversity of folk traditions from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and other neighbouring countries."

This regional focus marks a significant milestone for our faculty as it expands its cultural dialogue beyond Malaysia’s borders, reinforcing ASWARA’s commitment to advancing ASEAN cultural cooperation through the arts.

TARI’25 ASWARA Highlights:

✨ Grand showcase of over 600 local & international artists from 8 countries from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Sri Lanka

✨ Regional ASEAN dance theme, showcasing the beauty & diversity of folk traditions from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and other neighbouring countries

✨Seminars, masterclasses and workshops designed to bridge traditional and contemporary expressions

✨“Rampaian Molek Sepilin” brings together three folk Malay dances - Zapin, Inang, and Joget performed in one seamless medley.

✨ The performance embodies the elegance and dynamism of Malay cultural expression, accompanied by live vocals from Hazraniza Dollah, winner of the 24th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM24) for Best Traditional Song; setting a grand tone for the festival’s opening night.

✨ “Echo of Borneo,” a large-scale presentation that celebrates the traditional dances of Sabah and Sarawak, performed by ASWARA’s Faculty of Dance students from the Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree programmes.

✨ Gala Night at Zepp Kuala Lumpur will showcase a captivating selection of international and Malaysian troupes and artists performing alongside the Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia (OTM) from Istana Budaya

✨ Classic Malay dance “Ketam Bawak Anak” from the state of Perlis, offering audiences a glimpse into the traditional artistry and storytelling of northern Malaysia