How you can end-up onstage at Pasar Seni

On my last night at Kuala Lumpur, I decided to spend the evening wandering aimlessly around Central Market and Kasturi walk in Pasar Seni. Although, I’ve seen everything there was to see in the area, there would always be a little trinket in some shop that would catch my attention. So, I ended up buying a few ‘I love KL’ keychains and shirts until the workers began shooing me away.

Central Market is Kuala Lumpur’s souvenir haven. The complex is lined with all kinds of shops that sell anything from wood sculptures, hijabs, ladies bags, woven mats, clothing, to hand-painted landscapes.

The information desk at the entrance of the complex advertised a cultural show that ran daily at 9pm in front of the building but by closing time there wasn’t any activity outside. No sign of any crew setting-up the stage, no chairs, no crowds. I asked the security officer if the program was cancelled and he assured me that it wasn’t.

I decided to wait at a coffee shop nearby and fortunately, about 30 minutes later I heard music, the show had just begun. I quickly walked back to the area and there onstage were the stars of Pasar Seni.

Three ladies in bright lavender dresses swayed to lively Malaysian music and a few minutes later three male dancers in equally colorful costumes joined in, and they all danced to what I can only assume was the Malaysian version of the salsa.

Both the women and men’s group entertained the crowd with lively performances alternately taking the stage. They danced in pairs and in groups. It was a well choreographed performance. However, there weren’t many people around.

As I wanted to take good photos, I made my way to the front row. Suddenly, one of the dancers came to me and ushered me to the stage. I soon learned that it was not an option to decline. 😄

Up on the stage, I ungracefully followed their lead and tried my best to ignore the audience. Sway, sway, wave your hand to the side, tap, tap, tap.. I survived around ten minutes of that and then we finished.

The last time I danced on a stage was back in grade school so yes, this was a big out of your comfort zone moment for me. Awkward but a good memory to look back on and laugh about.

Posing with the dancers of Pasar Seni

I loved the bright smiles of the performers all throughout, it surely added to the zest in the air. I was also impressed at how quickly they changed costumes. The show ran for around 30 minutes and in the end, you can pose with the dancers.

I posed and thanked them for what felt like a send-off performance for me and headed back to the b&b. If you’re traveling to KL anytime soon, swing by this little corner of Pasar Seni for some splendid evening entertainment. It’s a great way to cap off your trip to Kuala Lumpur.

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