Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Classics with an Indian Twist
Why why why must there be cars on the road? Why why why must there be drivers who cannot drive?? We reached dot on time for our tech rehearsal (or perhaps a few minutes late) and dashed into KLPAC.
I knew I wouldn’t need the whole hour but I don’t like being late but we really had no choice as Lavin’s classes only ends at 4.30pm. The first time I remember going lights lights to the stage crew as we continued dancing in the dark. We got the lights right in 2 tries since my lighting requirements are super simple. I was super relieved but why was it so cold?
Anyway I thought I’ll write a short synopsis for our piece since it probably confused everyone. I’m sure people will be wondering why we’re jumping, scolding, fighting and romancing each other!
The Classics with an Indian Twist has been choreographed in the Indian classical dance style of Bharatanatyam to the western classical piece by Johann Straus – The Blue Danube. It tells the tale of the mischief of little Krishna, his valour as a teen in vanquishing evil and ends with a duet with his goddess Radha.
At the start we see the child Krishna stealing ghee and acting innocent when he is questioned on his actions. Krishna’s mischief continues to his teens when he steals the clothes of the maidens bathing in the river and gleefully enjoys watching them beg him for their clothes.
Krishna’s playing of the flute has been said to mesmerize even the creatures of the jungle who dance to his music. When the evil snake Kaliya terrorized the people and creatures of Gokulam, Krishna fights and tames the giant snake.
Krishna then battles and kills the evil king Kamsa and restores peace to Mathurya. The piece ends as Krishna dances with his eternal lover Radha.
Intrigued come watch us perform with the rest of the dance groups in Week 2 of the Short+Sweet Dance festival from 29th July – 1st August 2009 at Pentas 2, KLPAC.
Ps : Note to self – pack the hair dryer to keep warm! ;p
Visithra
I knew I wouldn’t need the whole hour but I don’t like being late but we really had no choice as Lavin’s classes only ends at 4.30pm. The first time I remember going lights lights to the stage crew as we continued dancing in the dark. We got the lights right in 2 tries since my lighting requirements are super simple. I was super relieved but why was it so cold?
Anyway I thought I’ll write a short synopsis for our piece since it probably confused everyone. I’m sure people will be wondering why we’re jumping, scolding, fighting and romancing each other!
The Classics with an Indian Twist has been choreographed in the Indian classical dance style of Bharatanatyam to the western classical piece by Johann Straus – The Blue Danube. It tells the tale of the mischief of little Krishna, his valour as a teen in vanquishing evil and ends with a duet with his goddess Radha.
At the start we see the child Krishna stealing ghee and acting innocent when he is questioned on his actions. Krishna’s mischief continues to his teens when he steals the clothes of the maidens bathing in the river and gleefully enjoys watching them beg him for their clothes.
Krishna’s playing of the flute has been said to mesmerize even the creatures of the jungle who dance to his music. When the evil snake Kaliya terrorized the people and creatures of Gokulam, Krishna fights and tames the giant snake.
Krishna then battles and kills the evil king Kamsa and restores peace to Mathurya. The piece ends as Krishna dances with his eternal lover Radha.
Intrigued come watch us perform with the rest of the dance groups in Week 2 of the Short+Sweet Dance festival from 29th July – 1st August 2009 at Pentas 2, KLPAC.
Ps : Note to self – pack the hair dryer to keep warm! ;p
Visithra
Monday, July 27, 2009
Indian? Western??? Crazy?
.... maybe
When I first heard about the Short + Sweet Dance festival, I thought I’d give it a try with one of the ideas I’ve always toyed with – to choreograph the classical Indian dance style Bharatanatyam to western music. So I submitted that and another idea, to try my luck.
After the euphoria of getting picked vanished, I started panicking because I had to stay true to the classical aspects of Bharatanatyam yet merge it to classical western music. It didn’t help that I had picked a popular western composition by Johann Strauss – The blue Danube. The reason I picked the song was coz even if you’re not a fan of classical music, you would have heard this song somewhere. The children of the 90s think of the Dunhill ad music with swirling dancers.
I knew what I wanted to do with the music. The idea was to use the storytelling aspects of Bharatanatyam and choreograph it into the instrumental piece. I’d already picked the story – Lord Krishna’s mischief from a little boy to a grown man.
I thought I had the music settled. Only when I began choreographing did I realize the huge obstacle in front of me. The music was one swirl after the other, there was nearly no space for rhythmic exploration. I couldn’t even put in a basic adavu (step) of takita takita or anything similar.
Week 2 went by and the choreography was still in bits of pieces. I was having the most trouble with the chorus. I searched the net for inspiration, looked at different ballet productions of the Blue Danube. I couldn’t find a single fusion attempt and every western production had the same choreography, they swirled their hearts away.
I was so close to calling Michelle and pulling out. Week 3 came and I slowly filled the missing pockets with rhythmic steps and I sighed in relief. I will not need to pull out! Yay I hate being a quitter! The story was unfolding and I’d finally fixed the gaps. I figured why go against the music, I might as well incorporate swirls as well, where ever necessary.
So we begin this week with our production. Come watch the Short + Sweet Dance Week 2 from 29th July to the 1st of August 2009. The gala night will be on 2nd of August 2009. We'll be the dancers decked in full indian costumes dancing to a pure waltz music. You have been warned ;p
Ps : Note to Self : You are forbidden to have crazy ideas! ;p
The Classics with an Indian twist
Chereographed by Visithra and performed with Laveenia
When I first heard about the Short + Sweet Dance festival, I thought I’d give it a try with one of the ideas I’ve always toyed with – to choreograph the classical Indian dance style Bharatanatyam to western music. So I submitted that and another idea, to try my luck.
After the euphoria of getting picked vanished, I started panicking because I had to stay true to the classical aspects of Bharatanatyam yet merge it to classical western music. It didn’t help that I had picked a popular western composition by Johann Strauss – The blue Danube. The reason I picked the song was coz even if you’re not a fan of classical music, you would have heard this song somewhere. The children of the 90s think of the Dunhill ad music with swirling dancers.
I knew what I wanted to do with the music. The idea was to use the storytelling aspects of Bharatanatyam and choreograph it into the instrumental piece. I’d already picked the story – Lord Krishna’s mischief from a little boy to a grown man.
I thought I had the music settled. Only when I began choreographing did I realize the huge obstacle in front of me. The music was one swirl after the other, there was nearly no space for rhythmic exploration. I couldn’t even put in a basic adavu (step) of takita takita or anything similar.
Week 2 went by and the choreography was still in bits of pieces. I was having the most trouble with the chorus. I searched the net for inspiration, looked at different ballet productions of the Blue Danube. I couldn’t find a single fusion attempt and every western production had the same choreography, they swirled their hearts away.
I was so close to calling Michelle and pulling out. Week 3 came and I slowly filled the missing pockets with rhythmic steps and I sighed in relief. I will not need to pull out! Yay I hate being a quitter! The story was unfolding and I’d finally fixed the gaps. I figured why go against the music, I might as well incorporate swirls as well, where ever necessary.
So we begin this week with our production. Come watch the Short + Sweet Dance Week 2 from 29th July to the 1st of August 2009. The gala night will be on 2nd of August 2009. We'll be the dancers decked in full indian costumes dancing to a pure waltz music. You have been warned ;p
Ps : Note to Self : You are forbidden to have crazy ideas! ;p
The Classics with an Indian twist
Chereographed by Visithra and performed with Laveenia
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Good news!!!
Have you heard??
25th July tickets for S+S Dance
Week 1 is SOLD OUT!!
Yes, it's true!!
Alright, so it's bad news for some people who planned to get it when they get here.
To avoid disappointing yourself, get Week 2 and S+S Theatre tickets now!!
Don't hesitate or procrastinate, get your tickets now and root for your favourite teams!
Prices:
Week 1 & 2: RM30; RM15*
Gala Night: RM40; RM25*
*Students, senior citizens, the disabled
Tickets can be purchased at klpac box-office (03-4047 9000).
25th July tickets for S+S Dance
Week 1 is SOLD OUT!!
Yes, it's true!!
Alright, so it's bad news for some people who planned to get it when they get here.
To avoid disappointing yourself, get Week 2 and S+S Theatre tickets now!!
Don't hesitate or procrastinate, get your tickets now and root for your favourite teams!
Prices:
Week 1 & 2: RM30; RM15*
Gala Night: RM40; RM25*
*Students, senior citizens, the disabled
Tickets can be purchased at klpac box-office (03-4047 9000).
Friday, July 24, 2009
Your ASM photoblogging again!
Ola!
I'm back with the photographs! Been busy with S+S Dance week 1. Tonight was the 3rd performance night!
Anyway... here they are! Sorry if any of you were waiting to see your pictures and I took so long..
Nunuk Ragang - BB Ostella Adam
Shades Of The Moon - Weijun
Nerds Gone Nuts - Suhaili Micheline
Fugue For Dancer & Violin - Alyzsa Lim
Follow/Lead - Vivian Chan
Snakefood - Aiza
Walking With Angels - Kerry-Ann Khoo
Mirror - Lorna
Kinespherically Modulated
And we have some S+S Theatre rehearsal photos too..!
Life's A Twitch - Syed Zalihafe
Shelter - Az'farr Baginda
Unsaid - Kelvin Wong
Okay, I'm outta the office NOW!
=)
Week 2 dance performers, see you soon!
I'm back with the photographs! Been busy with S+S Dance week 1. Tonight was the 3rd performance night!
Anyway... here they are! Sorry if any of you were waiting to see your pictures and I took so long..
Nunuk Ragang - BB Ostella Adam
Shades Of The Moon - Weijun
Nerds Gone Nuts - Suhaili Micheline
Fugue For Dancer & Violin - Alyzsa Lim
Follow/Lead - Vivian Chan
Snakefood - Aiza
Walking With Angels - Kerry-Ann Khoo
Mirror - Lorna
Kinespherically Modulated
And we have some S+S Theatre rehearsal photos too..!
Life's A Twitch - Syed Zalihafe
Shelter - Az'farr Baginda
Unsaid - Kelvin Wong
Okay, I'm outta the office NOW!
=)
Week 2 dance performers, see you soon!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
NUTS + MOON for BREAKFAST
So, this morning we were on NTV7's The Breakfast Show promoting Short + Sweet Dance. We spoke to Joanne (the host) about our dance pieces and telling people why they should come and watch us.
picture - Suhaili, Shalini + me having breafast after The Breakfast Show
SO, WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH SHORT + SWEET DANCE?
A. Because you are a friend and you are obligated to support.
B. Because you love dance and are a fan of Suhaili and Weijun.
C. Because you have RM30 and has nothing better to do with it.
D. Because you are a dancer who auditioned but didn’t get in and wondered what you missed out.
E. Because you know that dancers are hot, sexy and sweaty and you might have a chance to get to know some of them better after the show.
Though I did not put forward those answers on the show (I wish I did!), it is definitely something for you to chew on.
However, if you need more convincing.
This is why a friend of mine watches and enjoys dance performances:
HIS DANCE COMPLETES ME.
picture - Suhaili, Shalini + me having breafast after The Breakfast Show
SO, WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH SHORT + SWEET DANCE?
A. Because you are a friend and you are obligated to support.
B. Because you love dance and are a fan of Suhaili and Weijun.
C. Because you have RM30 and has nothing better to do with it.
D. Because you are a dancer who auditioned but didn’t get in and wondered what you missed out.
E. Because you know that dancers are hot, sexy and sweaty and you might have a chance to get to know some of them better after the show.
Though I did not put forward those answers on the show (I wish I did!), it is definitely something for you to chew on.
However, if you need more convincing.
This is why a friend of mine watches and enjoys dance performances:
I see the dancer’s body as a musical instrument. His movements are like melodies. The dance, his song. He moves with grace, power and seduction. I feel his energy and his passion. He emotes a primal instinct in me. I want to be him, dancing the soul out of the body. I feel the connection. His dance completes me.
HIS DANCE COMPLETES ME.
Short+Sweet Dance has begun!!
Tonight would be the second night of S+S Dance week 1.
This is coming from your ASM, Avrril.
Everytime I have to take a prop out on stage, I have my heart beating like as if I'll be dancing! And I have 2 (actually that's very little, I know!) more dance pieces' props to take out later! I've to be fast, I've to be quite, I've to not drop the props too loudly cause the whole Pentas 2 can hear it, I've to clear or atleast check if the costumes are left properly and not causing danger. What in the world! What did I put myself into this time? What am I doing here??!
I think that way for a moment, then I smile, and think, "BUT IT'S FUN!"
Perhaps next year I'll join as a participant? The next ASM, nyahahahhahahaha!!!!
Okay, that was just a release of, I wouldn't say tension, I wouldn't say stress. Here we go...
Your ASM, Avrril Leow, me, hehehe.. I probably don't look my age, but I'm 20 years old. I studied Hotel Management and graduated last December. Before I graduated, I worked/did training in a hotel and a restaurant, and have many many Food & Beverage experience as I specialized in that sector. Then when I graduated, I worked in a non-related to Hotel Management business. Then I went to Europe and wasted good time there. Long story short, I watched Oliver when I was in London! Rowan Atkinson was Fagin'. That night was simply amazing!! I wished to live in London already! Watch musicals instead of movies! Oh, what a life. Then I came home to Malaysia in mid May. Oh, I'm back in THE country.
What do I do now? I randomly sent my resumes to companies. The day I came to klpac for an interview, I had another interview right after that. That week, I had so much in mind. One was to my interest but super far away from home, and one was super near to home, but had less of my interest. My parents advised that I'm not that old yet(but not very young also..), so why not just do something I like and see how it goes? And then, I can actually have a rough idea how Rowan Atkinson deals with the same performance every night at 8.30pm Drury Lane Hall, Covent Garden, London,-for months and months!
Here I am today, ASM to Michelle the SM, for S+S Dance & S+S Malaysia 2009 (also not related to what I studied, no?)!
I am trying all my very best to do my best. I was thinking on my way to work, why do I get so anxious and nervous when all I have to do is just put the damn thing on stage and get the hell out of stage? I've done some minor stage performances and the anxious feeling is the same!! *aiyo!*
But I'll be fine.
AND I'm happy for all teams! Everyone seems to be doing good and could there have been some tech errors and stuff, perhaps weren't too major. Right Michelle?
Anyway, enough about my experience here.
Day 2 Week 1 performances starting in roughly 5 hours from now.
For your information, this is my SM, Michelle Yip.
And this is her desk(what desk?, can't see it!), and she's talking to Reuben the other ASM.
xoxo,
**Avrril - ASM
This is coming from your ASM, Avrril.
Everytime I have to take a prop out on stage, I have my heart beating like as if I'll be dancing! And I have 2 (actually that's very little, I know!) more dance pieces' props to take out later! I've to be fast, I've to be quite, I've to not drop the props too loudly cause the whole Pentas 2 can hear it, I've to clear or atleast check if the costumes are left properly and not causing danger. What in the world! What did I put myself into this time? What am I doing here??!
I think that way for a moment, then I smile, and think, "BUT IT'S FUN!"
Perhaps next year I'll join as a participant? The next ASM, nyahahahhahahaha!!!!
Okay, that was just a release of, I wouldn't say tension, I wouldn't say stress. Here we go...
Your ASM, Avrril Leow, me, hehehe.. I probably don't look my age, but I'm 20 years old. I studied Hotel Management and graduated last December. Before I graduated, I worked/did training in a hotel and a restaurant, and have many many Food & Beverage experience as I specialized in that sector. Then when I graduated, I worked in a non-related to Hotel Management business. Then I went to Europe and wasted good time there. Long story short, I watched Oliver when I was in London! Rowan Atkinson was Fagin'. That night was simply amazing!! I wished to live in London already! Watch musicals instead of movies! Oh, what a life. Then I came home to Malaysia in mid May. Oh, I'm back in THE country.
What do I do now? I randomly sent my resumes to companies. The day I came to klpac for an interview, I had another interview right after that. That week, I had so much in mind. One was to my interest but super far away from home, and one was super near to home, but had less of my interest. My parents advised that I'm not that old yet(but not very young also..), so why not just do something I like and see how it goes? And then, I can actually have a rough idea how Rowan Atkinson deals with the same performance every night at 8.30pm Drury Lane Hall, Covent Garden, London,-for months and months!
Here I am today, ASM to Michelle the SM, for S+S Dance & S+S Malaysia 2009 (also not related to what I studied, no?)!
I am trying all my very best to do my best. I was thinking on my way to work, why do I get so anxious and nervous when all I have to do is just put the damn thing on stage and get the hell out of stage? I've done some minor stage performances and the anxious feeling is the same!! *aiyo!*
But I'll be fine.
AND I'm happy for all teams! Everyone seems to be doing good and could there have been some tech errors and stuff, perhaps weren't too major. Right Michelle?
Anyway, enough about my experience here.
Day 2 Week 1 performances starting in roughly 5 hours from now.
For your information, this is my SM, Michelle Yip.
And this is her desk(what desk?, can't see it!), and she's talking to Reuben the other ASM.
xoxo,
**Avrril - ASM
S+S on air!
S+S Malaysia '09 was on BFM radio!!
Video 1
Video 2
And we were on Ntv7's The Breakfast Show 2009 too..!
Click here and go to Catch Up tv, and look for The Breakfast Show 2009.
PLUS, watch out for S+S Malaysia on 8tv Quickie on the 5th of August 2009 at approximately 11.30pm.
Wait for it...!
- S+S team
Video 1
Video 2
And we were on Ntv7's The Breakfast Show 2009 too..!
Click here and go to Catch Up tv, and look for The Breakfast Show 2009.
PLUS, watch out for S+S Malaysia on 8tv Quickie on the 5th of August 2009 at approximately 11.30pm.
Wait for it...!
- S+S team
Dress Rehearsals
Here are a few pictures from dress rehearsals which took place on Tuesday, 21st July 09.
Zapin Berangin - Colours of the Wind
Choreographed by Nabil Abdullah
Faith
Choreographed by Yap Mei Shang
Aku
Choreographed by Dalili Azahari
Snakefood
Choreographed by: Aiza
Walking with Angels
Choreographed by Kerry-Ann Khoo
Passive
Choreographed by Leng Poh Gee
Mirror
Choreographed by Lorna Hoong
Follow/Lead
Choreographed by Vivian Chan
Zapin Berangin - Colours of the Wind
Choreographed by Nabil Abdullah
Faith
Choreographed by Yap Mei Shang
Aku
Choreographed by Dalili Azahari
Snakefood
Choreographed by: Aiza
Kinespherically Modulated
Choreographed by David Lim
Choreographed by David Lim
Walking with Angels
Choreographed by Kerry-Ann Khoo
Passive
Choreographed by Leng Poh Gee
Mirror
Choreographed by Lorna Hoong
Follow/Lead
Choreographed by Vivian Chan
There we go everyone!
Gabriella Robinson
Gabriella Robinson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)