Kahaani Reflection

Kahaani is a Global Concern group performance that supports an NGO in Kolkata, India. The dance show, ‘Kahaani’ aims to raise funds for the NGO, through ticket sales as revenue. While the performance aims to attract an audience, the inclusivity of the GC allows anyone to join the cause, without dance experience or even an audition, unlike the other dance shows I’ve been a part of. Because of this, I’ve had to adapt myself, and collaborate with others at different levels of experience to myself, and to each other. While this was frustrating and challenging at times, it made my overall CAS experience a lot more diverse, and helped me to understand that ultimately, the reason for participation wasn’t to perform a flawless dance, but rather to support the NGO and raise awareness in the school community. Additionally, the varying levels of ability made rehearsals longer, and more time had to be dedicated to the cause than I anticipated, though, in terms of personal growth, it helped me prioritise issues that I hadn’t involved myself in before.

 

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Culturama – Trini x Tobago

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The final performances were insane. All the stress and hard work were completely worth it. Even though we faced so many challenges – with 3 of our dancers (on different occasions) not being able to make the show, and having to redo all our formations and reteaching all our choreography countless times – it was completely worth it. The communication and dedication between Alessia and I was enough to resolve any issue. Not only did the performance look amazing, but our group of dancers also got really close as friends. I met so many people I would’ve otherwise never talked to and built new relationships, as well as strengthening old ones. I feel so proud, especially knowing that we performed something that represented the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, and its diversity in dance – in an ethical sense, my conscience is clear knowing that our tribute did the country justice.

Revelations – Programme Notes and Areas of Focus

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What the dance is about: 

The subject of Revelations is a celebration of African American heritage and community through 4 sections. Each section is a tribute to a celebration of the richness of black culture. Section 1, religion, communicated through a mood of holiness. Section 2 explores the labour and a mood of determinism and strength. Section 3 is centered around a theme of baptism. The final section returns to the first dynamic of piousness and religion. 5 styles: African, Caribbean (as an exploration of heritage), Horton technique, ballet and jazz dance. It is important to do these themes justice through the performance, showing respect to these communities by always maintaining a choreographic intention. 

 

Focus for dance elements: 

In section 1, an atmosphere piousness can be reflected through a sustained dynamics well as the ‘holy’ nature to the openness of my chest, and the upwards facing. Some Caribbean elements (spine undulations can be seen here)  In section 2 I have a strong-willed nature through projection and a heavy, yet outwards dynamic. The themes of baptism in section 3 can be seen through the more fluidness and fulfilment to my movement and expressions. The last section returns to the first theme, so I again use an open chest, and a peaceful dynamic.

Dance Showcase – Revelations

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This piece was really really difficult. It was a contemporary, African, Carribean piece, based on the choreography by Alvin Ailey. We were taught as a solo, but as a class, we created a group piece by adding formations, and a narrative about Ailey, and the struggle of the black community in America. I think physical perseverance was a big big part of revelations – the dance was incredibly challenging, and because of my unfamiliarity to African and Carribean styles, a lot of muscles I wouldn’t normally use had to be strengthened (especially in the back and inner thighs). Another challenge was choreographing as a group of 7. A balance had to be found between the presentation and confidence in pushing your own ideas while considering and respecting the proposals made by others. Rehearsals were also largely student lead, so we had to keep the focus strong to make sure we not only came up with an impressive final dance but also paid respectable tribute to the choreographer, Alvin Ailey. It is also important to maintain a sense of meaning throughout the dance, remembering to communicate such significant issues such a racism, and black rights.