Marion D'Cruz, a founding member of Five Arts Centre (est. 1984), began dancing at the age of 6 and started making dance at the age of 16. She graduated with a BA in Performing Arts and an MA in Dance from University Science Malaysia and has studied classical, modern and contemporary dance in Malaysia, Indonesia, London and New York. In 1983, she formed a company, 'Marion D'Cruz and Dancers', who have performed extensively both locally and internationally.
One of the pioneers of contemporary dance in Malaysia, her work has gone through many phases – the search for a Malaysian identity in contemporary dance, the socio-political commentary, working with ‘non-performers’, the democratisation of the artistic space. She has broken many rules, and continues to do so, in search of interesting projects that empower performers and audiences alike.
Marion was manager of Arts Network Asia from 2004-2006. At the 2006 Boh Cameronian Arts Awards, Marion was awarded the Cross-Cultural Champion of the Arts Awardand at the 2015 Boh Cameronian Arts Awards, Marion was honoured as an Arts Legend.
Presently, Marion choreographs, performs, produces and teaches full time in the Dance Faculty of ASWARA (The National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Malaysia).
Last Updated: 2017