DANCE MAESTRO JOSEPH GONZALES HONOURED AT KL ARTS AWARDS

By Nurhafizah Tan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) — More than four decades of excellence and dedication in the world of dance has elevated choreographer and dance educator Prof. Dr. Joseph Victor Gonzales, who was named the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Arts Figure 2025 at the State Arts Awards (ASN).

  The highest accolade, presented by the Director-General of the National Department for Culture and Arts, Mohd Amran Mohd, recognises Joseph’s immense contribution in empowering dance and enriching the nation’s performing arts landscape, particularly in the capital city.

Reflecting on receiving the prestigious award, Joseph expressed his deep humility and gratitude, describing it as motivation to continue nurturing the next generation of artistes.

“As artistes, whether choreographers, educators or writers, we never work with the expectation of awards.

“All our efforts are dedicated to educating the young and using art to benefit society. So, to receive such recognition from Kuala Lumpur is truly surprising and humbling,” he told Bernama at the event today.

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Since beginning his professional journey in 1981, Joseph has been active across multiple genres including dance, theatre, musical theatre and music, appearing in both local and international productions such as The King & I in London’s West End, Kuala Lumpur Dance Theatre, St. Moritz Dancers, and the contemporary gamelan performance Maya: Gong Illusions.

Renowned not only as a leading choreographer but also as a distinguished educator, Joseph has played a pivotal role in developing a new generation of dancers and performing arts educators through academic and internationally disciplined training approaches, including his service at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Universiti Malaya, a Master of Arts in Choreography from Middlesex University, as well as diplomas in ballet, modern dance and performing arts from several leading institutions in the United Kingdom. He later returned to Universiti Malaya to pursue his Doctorate in Dance Studies.

Meanwhile, Mohd Amran said the recognition reflects the intellectual and aesthetic contributions that continue to strengthen the development of Malaysia’s arts sector.

“This ceremony is held with great commitment as the highest tribute to distinguished figures and artistes who are pioneers, trailblazers, or outstanding achievers in advancing and elevating the arts, culture, and heritage, particularly in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

At the same event, the Arts Supporter Award was presented to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), Pertubuhan Rumpun Seni Mekar Budaya, and Radio KLFM, while the Arts Practitioner Award went to Abdul Wahab Hamzah (theatre) and Sivabalan Shanmuga Sundram (music).

-- BERNAMA