Having these types of performances allows it to bring people together, people who I never though I really would meet in a classroom setting or just school setting. Doing something active is the best way to connect with someone because you’re working collaboratively. You’re all working towards a common goal that is completely achievable as long as the right amount of effort is put in by everyone collectively. The moment someone slacks off, it ruins the piece. So really using a positive attitude to overcome difficulties together and working cohesively as a group especially while collaboratively with the choreographer. The choreographer comes up with the choreography but really moulds it around what the dancers can do and what we are able to put out there. However  the challenges within groups may be that some people have very strong opinions and that sometimes doesn’t leave room for others to share but again the decision has to made among the group. If one person can’t do it, it shouldn’t be in the dance.

I have been dancing for more than 10 years and you never really stop learning. There’s always something new out there that’s different unique to what you have already done. Me, I’ve always done Chinese dance and have experienced a little bit of other genres but to really be in a full on contemporary piece and a contemporary fusion is different because a lot of it is very different. How it is more expressive and dramatic in the movements while Chinese dance may be more subdued and controlled. You never really want to stop learning because what’s the fun in that?

Rehearsals definitely take up a lot more time than I anticipated especially taking from an already tired day. It’s very enjoyable though seeing how choreographers come up with choreography on the spot to suit the performer but still be able to stick to the main theme of the dance. If dance were to be thought of in a metaphor to painting, choreographers would be the artists where the dancers are the canvas and the choreography is the paint. Dance is very much an art form where emotions and feelings are expressed and a very raw way. Sometimes it isn’t just about who has the best legs are the prettiest feet but who is able to perform and convey emotion better. I am learning from people who have so much knowledge about an area that I lack and are able to come up with movement stemming from their own imagination is quite amazing.

Here is the footage of one of my performances:

Dance showcase is an opportunity for students to show their creativity and storytelling through dance. But not just students are able to choreograph, 2 professionals choreographers have been asked to choreograph pieces for the showcase which can be great to learn from them since they do that for a living.

I am in 2 dances – 1 student choreographed and 1 professionally choreographed. Both are contemporary. This year’s dance showcase is about a catharsis from all the trouble in the world and a release from it. The committee have used caged birds for the posters and I think it is quite perfect.

I have been dancing for more than 10 years but never really in the styles that they have in the showcase even though they are definitely similarities between Chinese dance and contemporary but I think joining this will hopefully broaden by perspectives and horizons within dance and will hopefully help me become a better dancer. In our groups, we all come from different backgrounds of dance which aligns perfectly with the values that we are taught which is finding unity in diversity as dance brings people together.