SYNOPSIS

Since ancient times, human beings have been associated or involved with sounds and dancing in one form or another in their tribal and ritual ceremonies, etc. Over the ages, all these have evolved or developed from the ancient native and tribal dances to the present day forms of dancing and Ballroom Dancing is one of them.

The prior authoritative knowledge of the earliest Ballroom dancing was recorded towards the end of the 16th Century. The modern Ballroom dancing has its roots early in the 20th Century.

What is Ballroom Dancing? It’s a set of partner dance, which are engaged both socially and competitively around the world. Ballroom dancing cover many different types of dance, and each type of dance has its own set of steps and music tempo like vehicle traffic flow, dancing has a set rules of flow directions. One may ask, ‘What is needed to take up ballroom dancing?’ Well, there are equipment, right dress, shoes, etc. Of course, the dance hall should be big enough for the sensation of the various dance steps to the music. To dance properly or gracefully, the music must have strict tempo and training.

Dancing not only provides social pleasures. To many people, it is also a worthwhile and satisfying hobby, one that can be enjoyed with or without a regular partner.

There is ample opportunity for dancing enthusiast or pupils attending a good dancing school to measure their progress by entering medal tests. The awards for proficiency could be from bronze to gold medals and eventually higher awards. Once you have gained a medal, you can pit yourself against other medalists of your standard!


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

YBhg Dato’ Ir. Pang Leong Hoon received his Fellowship Diploma in Civil Engineering in 1957 from the Royal Melbourne Technical College, Australia. During his one-year service with the Commonwealth Department of Works Australia, YBhg Dato’ Ir. Pang was involved with the multi-million pound Pukapunyal Military Camp Project.

Returning home in 1958, YBhg Dato’ Ir. Pang joined the Drainage and Irrigation Department, Malaysia where he served for 29 years. His contribution in various capacities with DID until his retirement in 1987, was instrumental in the development and management of drainage, irrigation and flood control projects throughout the country. After his retirement, YBhg Dato’ Ir Pang served in the Panel of the Public Services Tribunal for five years.

YBhg Dato’ Ir Pang Leong Hoon had also contributed tirelessly to the IEM especially during his presidency from 1984 to 1986. He is also IEM’s long standing Election Officer who is highly regarded for his integrity and impartially in conducting IEM’s annual elections.

His distinguished services had earned him various State and Federal awards.

He has interest in ballroom dancing since school days. With his wife as regular partner, he took dancing lessons at the Royal Lake Club from 1972. Set for ISTD (U.K.) examinations and obtained Bronze Medal (1986) to Gold Star (1988) and 2nd Award (1989). He still continues to dance for pleasure.