Alam Can Really Dance

Haslam Abdul Rahman, or Alam, never tires of dance, an activity he indulges in every day.

Ask rising breakdance star Haslam Abdul Rahman, who is known as Alam to his fans, what he does on Sundays and the inevitable answer is a no-brainer.

“I dance, of course,” replied this So You Think You Can Dance Season 1 champion who is now the star of his own reality show, Alam’s Story, which airs on 8TV every Sunday.

So you think you can dance? Alam proved he certainly could.

With this, the 22-year-old bachelor who is currently taking a break from his hotel and management diploma, revealed his private hangout is the Cintabboy studio in Bandar Mahkota Cheras in Sungai Long, Selangor. This is where he gathers with the Wakaka crew, a b-boy dance outfit to hone his moves and to teach aspiring dancers how to breakdance for free.

And when asked why Alam has decided to exempt payment, his promptly replied, “Break dance is about freedom”.

This, he insisted, had nothing to do with keeping with the nice guy image. Rather, he pointed out, realistically, that the dance form had its basis in practice and it was up to the individual to look at the moves and then build up enough physical strength to perform the dance. Alam revealed that he himself learned the ropes this way and he guarantees that once the fitness kicks in, the moves will come au naturel.

But there is the saying that goes, “One will get tired if served the same menu every day”. In Alam’s case when he thinks he needs a break, it’s time for a few rounds of salsa with his partner, Tengku Noor Fatimah Zaharah Tengku Zaimi Azlan, 27, his dance partner from SYTYCD.

“Breakdance is rough, salsa is sexy. I feel that learning how to salsa has put a bit more polish and suaveness into my movements,” affirmed Alam who struck a pose for effect.

The couple’s favourite dance spot would be none other that a club at Westin Hotel in Phileo Damansara.

Sunday salsa: With partner Tengku Noor Fatimah Zahariah Tengku Zaimi Azlan.

“I think salsa has taught me the lesson of responsibility. In break dance, you basically dance solo without having to think of anyone but yourself. But salsa ...” paused Alam as if he had gone into a deep reverie, “... salsa makes you think of the other person”.

Otherwise, the Muar, Johore, native who is the second of eight siblings, would most likely be found hanging out with fellow breakdancer and best friend, Ezhan Azman, 22.

“There is this place in Muar called Tanjung Emas, a favourite area for kite flying with the locals. There is a park and a river there with lots of trees and at a certain spot, you can see the whole town of Muar. This is where the both of us like to go and practice our dance moves,” revealed Alam of his “dating spot” with Ezhan.

And speaking of Muar would make him think of his family too.

“Coming from a family of eight makes us a noisy bunch indeed. Come meal-times, it looks like we are having a house party. Since I am based in Kuala Lumpur now, I do miss them very much and there are times when I would call my parents at 4am because I was feeling homesick,” said Alam.

Meanwhile, for the time being before fame truly catches up with him, you may also find Alam showing off his nifty moves in Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL, at the square in front of Maybank. This is a favourite spot for breakdancers and many are seen to congregate here on weekend nights to see who’s the best of the lot.

And without question, all that dancing will inadvertently make Alam look for food!

“I love fried drumsticks and I get them from KFC. Otherwise, I don’t mind a hot bowl of ‘sup gearbox’ (beef marrow soup). But what I really miss is my mum’s cooking. She makes great asam pedas dishes with ikan keli, ikan pari and ikan patin,” said Alam who was clearly drooling.

Lastly, Alam confessed that sleeping in on Sundays is also one of his favourite things to do. He has been known to wake up at 11am, only to go back to sleep again three hours later!

“I don’t see anything wrong with that as long as there is no work. At times like these, even a ringing phone will not wake me up as the ring tones will just be part of my dreams,” concluded Alam and while one may be mistaken but it does look like he is stilfing a yawn.

But sleep is the nurturer of life and here’s hoping that Alam will wake up to a fresh start to entertain us as the nation’s favourite dancer!