https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ycb2_YVvuHXqldOVoDnyE95vJtCaMwot/view?usp=sharing
Tag: Lo5
Culturama Reflection (2)
So Culturama is over and it’s really quite sad knowing that it is my last one. But I just want to take some time to reflect in regards of course to CAS.
Firstly I had to work collaboratively with my partner to face something neither of us have done before which was a big challenge in itself but I think with the guidelines and the whole load of documents the committee created for us to get organised really gave us a direction in which way we should steer our dance. I honestly a lot of the other dances were super organised whereas we were struggling. But the realisation that this was not the case and that everyone were struggling really reassured me. As I stated in my previous reflections, sometimes me and my partner clashed because of opposing ideas but we’re both really civil. We never ended a conversation in screaming or hair pulling even though there were times where I kept my mouth shut to avoid any conflict which made me quite mad on the inside but when her idea turns out better than anything I could have imagined, I calm down. It’s a learning process and I think I learnt throughout this process that not everything goes your way, sometimes you can change it but most of the time it’s acceptance that comes out.
Secondly, I had to plan and initiate a whole experience for a group of people which carries importance in itself. I was quite stressed because there are other people relying on you especially since I have never done it before and was assured that I did not have the courage to do it either. But having partner who knew how to talk to a group of people was good. I did more background stuff: filling out the forms from the committee, ordering costumes, getting everyone’s measurements and those fun things that is a part of it. There were a LOT of things to do but I’m glad there was, otherwise honestly I would have left things to the very last minute. Also, there were some last minute things that were stressful like returning the costumes to get the money which turned out to be not a huge issue (I got the money back) and collecting money from the dancers since there was an excess. But I sorted it all out in the end through the support of others and trying to organise my time.
Overall, I really enjoyed this experience even though I probably would not do it again. I’m really glad about how it turned out and got chocolate in the end so extra bonus!
Culturama #5
So we have dancers! I originally thought no one would audition since we never promoted much of it and Germany is a new country so you never know what to expect. Normally people want to get into more popular countries because they do more modern styles but people did audition and I’m glad for that.
Since we have to choreograph this and neither of us know anything about German dance or choreographing for that matter, we turn to Youtube for inspiration. Most of the steps are taken from existing dances which I am a little guilty about because it could be called out for plagiarising but once the whole thing is put together, hopefully it won’t look like any of the dances on Youtube. Also, I have ideas and my partner has ideas and sometimes they clash. I mean I am a little conflict avoidant so I don’t like saying ‘no’ to people but I don’t like people telling me ‘no’ either. I knew having to work with someone else on something neither of us have done before will be a challenge but we work it out and hopefully our combined efforts won’t be put to shame.
Also, I’m in charge of the costumes. I’m getting it from Taobao because my mom has an account and it’s just generally cheaper to get it from there. There might actually not be enough time to get it shipped here from China but my mom is good at online shopping and I think we’ve sorted it out. Hopefully they turn out to look good on stage.
Culturama #4
Culturama is back and this year I’ve decided to lead a dance with my friend instead of just purely dancing in it. Ever I came to this school, I’ve wanted to do it because the opportunity came up and it’s never before. The theme is “unexplored” so essentially the committee is “banning” dances that have been done over and over again. I originally wanted to do Chinese dance because I have been studying it for over ten years recreationally but I still wanted to share that. China however was on the list of over-used dances so I thought maybe Korea or Mongolia because it is technically also encased within Chinese Dance. After conversing with my fellow choreographer, we decided to go with something else, something neither of us have done before.
Made a list and everything and eventually decided to go with Germany because why not. The dresses look cute, the steps are simple so it was a good choice. We had to fill in a lot of documents for costumes and choreography. Mind you this was in Grade 11 so a whole 3 months before auditions. There is also an option with live music since the Music Department wanted to be more involved in these artistic ventures. So we want to consider that but nothing is set in stone.
This is something new I’m trying out since I’ve never done it before and I’m actually quite terrified that it will turn out to be a mess. I’m glad I’m doing it with someone and we will hopefully make quite a good piece out of this.
Pre-Project week
Project week requires significant amount of planning and effort that I’ve never had to deal with before. There were many problems along the way but through the support that the school provides – Ms. Toth, our supervisor, parents and teachers in general, these problems are a thing of the past.
We are going to China doing rock climbing for our activity and fan painting with a documentary as our creativity with our providers – Terratribes.
The first problem were the groups. We originally were going with a GC that our group which consisted of 6 people back then but then the GC suddenly said they weren’t taking people anymore. The GC was in China. However, our current group still wanted to go to China so the other 2 people left which gave Ms. Toth the impression that the split was due to personal reasons and so never approved our group to go to China until the very last moment. That was quite frustrating.
Our second problem was our budgeting. Since going to China was quite far and it the flight tickets pretty much took up half of our budget, we had to cut back on other things like transportation and food. This was done by negotiating with our activity providers so that they could provide us with food and transportation to and fro from most places.
The hotel we found was really cheap which did bring up concern to Ms. Toth that is was TOO cheap. However, we checked the reviews and found that it was quite a pleasant place. They also provided transport from the airport and to the airport which is an hour away. If it does turn out to be a scam, we always have a support system, the iSOS, the school, our supervisor, our local contact Katrine. This was set up by filling out a Google doc that everyone had to in the start of the planning process. At first I thought that it was completely redundant and should be the least of our concerns but after an assembly done by the iSOS which brought awareness to the dangers of travelling underage in a foreign country. Therefore I am quite relieved to have done the document and been through the storms of getting it finished.
Dance showcase reflection
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?
Dance showcase #2
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 #1
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.
Pre-season Netball reflection
So pre-season has ended and I’m proud to say that I’ve definitely learned so much more about the sport of netball and have definitely formed a new found respect for it. The intensity of it is quite real even though if we take it slower since we’re beginners. The collaboration needed for the communication in times where thinking on the feet is needed and being able to clearly say where the ball is going to go and where you are going to go next. After every session which is once per week, I’m covered in sweat and completely beat from all the running and ball handling. To be honest, I did not have good stamina or strength in general going into these sessions but I think I have definitely gotten better in those areas and these are important to live a rather long and healthy life.
Thinking on your feet isn’t just a skill that’s needed in the court but applies to real life settings where people simply need to think of something quick. I think with the running and adrenaline pumping helps with having quick reactions but it’s good practise for the future.
Even though I’m not taking this sport to a competitive setting, I think just playing with other people has taught me a thing or two about sportsmanship and to respect the fact that you’ve lost/won which also again applies to a real life setting. To be able to set down losses and to leave it behind you because continuously hanging onto something that you couldn’t achieve or reach affects all the things you do in the future.
Pre-season Netball #2
Netball turns out to be really fun. We have a small group of people in which 2 people are my really close friends and honestly we have a blast. I go into each session which is once per week feeling a bit nervous because I still don’t quite believe I’m capable of being good at a sport but I’m really trying. I come out of each session feeling drained but really happy because I guess being active does that for you. The next day however is a different story where my legs feel like lead and I feel like I can barely walk but it’s definitely worth it.
Since sometimes, there really is a lack of people, the whole session just turns into a fitness session where we have to do cardio and push ups and that whole lot of stuff which is basically torture but apparently it’s good for the body and the heart. But sometimes I feel like there’s less of the netball element because we often don’t have enough people to play a full game or even a half game which is probably why I joined netball in the first place.