Over the weekend I attended A Touch of Tap at PJPAC in Kuala Lumpur. Whilst I expected a pleasant hour of dance, the performance exceeded my expectations – well-structured, engaging, and rich with variety that I truly enjoyed.
Dancesteps Studio’s debut show, A Touch of Tap delivered a lively one-hour program combining ballet, modern theatre, and local cultural dances, all centred on the crisp, joyful sound of tap. An original production, it keeps tap front and centre, weaving creative stories through rhythm and motion with pieces spanning classical tunes, playful Disney moments, warm jazz, and elegant Malaysian steps.
Dancesteps Studio is a dance academy established in December 1999 by local dancer and choreographer Shirena Hamzah. Located in Mont Kiara, it offers classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Contemporary – from beginner and junior levels to professional dance training and teacher certification. The facility includes six spacious dance rooms, an in-house shop for dancewear, props, and costume rentals, a tuck shop for students, and a comfortable reception area. All instructors are RAD or ISTD certified, combining local and international expertise.
This rigorous foundation was vividly on display during the recent showcase. The musical arrangement, and the choreography were all very professional but the cast was a highlight – dancers ranging from little ones to confident teenagers, all performing with passion and focus. Every step, turn, and tap carried real joy and commitment. Their energy and precision spoke volumes about the training and culture at Dancesteps Studio, and they made the school proud.
A Touch of Tap: the show
The program opened with “Sugar Rum Cherry,” a fresh take on The Nutcracker infused with mambo rhythms and bold tap sequences.
“Wickedly Bailey” followed, capturing the playful spirit of friendship and mischief with a nod to Jonathan Bailey. “Sidekicks and Villains” spotlighted Disney’s overlooked characters, delivered with energy and precision.
“The Beat Behind the Feet” introduced the cool PiTAPatter Musicians – live strings, brass, and percussion in perfect harmony with the dancers.
“Sax in the City” brought a smooth jazz energy, while the interactive “Sound Check” invited audience participation.
The finale, “Ala ‘e Wau,” wove Malaysian traditions gracefully into a colourful story.
At the close, the team announced sponsorship from Yayasan Sime Darby – a welcome development for the company and boost for future productions.
With only two performances held, the interest was high and I look forward to more shows in the future. And for anyone interested in dance training or upcoming events, Dancesteps Studio is ready to welcome you!
