Be Bold & Brave

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

I was watching a tele-documentary about the first President of Singapore, Allahyarham Encik Yusof Ishak. When talking about any particular person in relation to the Pioneer generation of Singapore, it is difficult not to talk about the political situation of the era and the conflicts this little island had to overcome with our neighbours. Such situations eventually led to the ousting of Singapore from Malaysia which also marked Singapore's beginning as an independent, sovereign nation in 1965.

But behind the struggle for nationhood and identity, most times, what is often left unsaid are the struggles of its people and the dilemma they had to deal with.

I wonder how it was for my late Grandparents from both maternal and paternal sides. Both sides made the move to this little island from the peninsular states of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka (Southern states in Malaysia) respectively to seek for employment opportunities and business prospects during British colonial rule. I wonder how much thought must have gone to decide whether to stay in Singapore or leave to join our extended families in the Malay peninsular during the wake of the separation.

I cannot imagine how it was but I guess there must have been some degree of faith that they had in the leaders of SIngapore to make them stay put in this island-nation. Probably the promise of good education? Stable governance? A better future? Unfortunately my grandparents have departed, even before I was curious enough to ask them these questions.

But whatever the reasons might be, I believe them to be bold and brave to take on that step. Also, I am glad that they held true to our Minangkabau tradition of "Merantau" (leaving one's own homeland to acquire a living and seeking experiences such as education).

I wonder what they would have thought of me now. Nevertheless, I am glad that I got this desire -- to relocate elsewhere to seek knowledge -- from my late grandparents. Maybe its hi-time I document my family roots.

The Goal of the Teacher

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

Sometimes my students would randomly send me messages about their current dance experiences, working with other choreographers. And they would share that they have retained remnants of my "style" within them -- at times noticeable to some who are teaching them.

Although it feels nice to be reminded of this "style" or the many "styles" that exist in the industry for that matter, I for one do not believe in imposing a "style" on anyone. Yes, I do agree that we tend to follow a particular way of moving because we may have been under the guidance of one person for many years or we adopt a particular way because we choose to. But to assume a particular style is like placing a cookie cutter on our bodies -- denying ourselves the free-will to create and explore without restraints.

Thus in my responses to my students I would thank them for remembering me in/through their movements but at the same time I would advise them to open up their minds and allow their bodies to be exposed to infinite styles. I believe as a teacher, for me at least, it is not the style that matters. It is knowing that your students are able to explore and create without restraints. Their versatility to adapt in a fast changing world and making Malay dance relevant today is what I truly believe in.

Lest we forget, the goal of the teacher is to provide the platform for our students to exceed our expectations and be even more than what we can ever be.

The Believer In Love

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

 

Sometimes, in moments of sadness, you are made to think about the person you truly love. And you wish, if only love wasn't really a two-way thing: to be just contented with loving someone without having the person to love you back. If only it was that easy.

You create and recreate moments of a blissful union in your mind. You believe it because that is all that you have to hold on to. You know that you must work hard towards the goal because you hope that one day, like an electrical switch, the desired one will miraculously fall head over heels for you.

Unfortunately though, at times, even the most positive of people crumble. When they do, they crumble hard. *Cue dramatic cries and tissue boxes*

That stark realisation of "what if this union never happens". And the whole cycle of finding the strength to keep on believing begins. Why? because such is the journey of someone who believe in love.

To soldier on, scars and all.

"Return With Your Hands Empty But Your Chest And Mind Filled"

Oleh Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

While learning about the educational structure of Odissi dance in class on Friday, we were taught about the concept of Guru and how it is perceived and understood in the context of the community that was examined. Immediately I was reminded of the man I call Guru and how much I miss my conversations with him.

Even though we are close, I am always very reluctant to approach him because of how much I adore and respect him. However, I mustered my courage to send him a message which took me quite some time to draft.

When he eventually replied, I was overwhelmed with emotions. You know that feeling like you are his student again even after all these years: that sense of familiarity and waIn his reply he said:

"Tentu banyak sekali awak dah menimba ilmu kat sana. Saya harap awak akan berjaya dan segala pahit dan manis mengajar awak dalam hidup. Biar pulang dengan tangan kosong, tapi berisi didada dan berisi difikiran..."

(Truly you must have gained alot of knowledge there. I hope wish you success and let every bittersweet experiences teach you about life. Come home with your hands empty but your chest and mind filled...)

He was the one who taught me the value of NOT expecting praise. Never once has he praised me or any of his students for that matter because he said, "Praises destroy". I found that to be very true. Sometimes in our desire to receive praise for the things we do, we lose sight of the true value of what we do.

Truly, even after many decades of being involved in the arts, he has never been known to be someone who craves for praises for his work. He has exemplified that through how he would listen intently to feedback on his work, how he would re-evaluate opinions and amend his work where he deems fit. So much so, he has never bothered about chasing after any recognition or awards.

Beyond that, he found it opportune as well to remind me of what it means to be a choreographer and a leader. He reminded me time and time again how both roles go hand in hand. He instilled lessons of leadership, where he will draw upon his own experiences, and share with me over long hours of tea tarik at the coffeeshop.

This man, my teacher and my mentor taught me the value of servant leadership. And I miss him dearly. Thank you Abang for replying to my message. Makes this journey abroad bearable and worthwhile. In Sha Allah.

Daring To Dare

Oleh Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

Maya Angelou said “I believe that the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity is daring to dare.”

Today marks my 6th month away from my island home. 1/2 a year has gone and life here has continuously been enriching for me. The Euro/Morrocco trip was truly a blessing in disguise (I only planned to travel around France but somehow landed in exotic ol'Marrakech). Alot of opportunities are beginning to come my way and I can only be so thankful to Allah SWT for giving me such blessings.

Looking forward to next month. Reunited with some friends from Norway. I think the sight of them will add even more cheer to the French team here. Yey! haha!

I miss home definitely. Missed the weddings of one of my cousins and a few students. Now, my heart aches a little more knowing that DIAN Dancers is having another production this coming March as well. But it is okay other opportunities will come, In Sha Allah.

One take away from this journey thus far? Daring to dare. I have opened up my mind to many things, explored other genres of dance and travelled to many lands. The amount of knowledge so far has enriched me to no end. Motivated even more.

Enjoy this video that was recorded at Gourdon in another region of France. The mountain ranges here are spectacular. The nature here in Europe is truly very inspiring and I hope to reflect it in my future works.

Jangan Putus Asa! (Don't Give Up!)

Oleh Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

Sesudah membaca tulisan oleh seorang pereka tari dari Eropah, tentang kehidupan dan keinginan beliau untuk melakukan sesuatu yang dapat mendorong perubahan kepada masyarakat seni, beliau mengongsi tentang reaksi-reaksi dari sesetengah masyarakat yang tidak bersetuju dengan inisiatifnya dan turut membencinya.

Saya, dengan tidak sengaja, teringat kepada beberapa individu-individu yang pernah, satu ketika dahulu, membuat saya berasa teramat kecil dan kurang kebolehan untuk membuat apa-apa.

Walaupun memori-memori itu amat mendukacitakan, saya bersyukur yang ianya terjadi kerana saya menganggap setiap halangan seperti satu cobaan yang akan turut mencabar saya untuk melakukan yang terbaik -- selagi saya percaya yang saya membuat sedemikian demi keikhlasan dan kebaikkan.

Jangan putus asa kerana setiap manusia yang diperkenalkan kepada kita dalam hidup kita ini, mereka membawa bersama mereka satu pengajaran untuk kita. Saya berharap supaya kebolehan untuk selalu bermuhasabah diri dapat diamalkan dan selalu mengingat dan diingatkan untuk bersyukur ke atas setiap pemberian yang dianugerahNya.

Nijinsky Revisited

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

I spend my nights reading about you, Vaslav NIJINSKY. Trying very hard to somehow bring myself into your little realm where you first found your inspiration for the "Rites of Spring" and how you must have felt to be hissed and cursed at by the very public who have once regarded you as a dance god.

Reading accounts after accounts, introduced to various media that still exist of this dance performance that caused a stir within the "civilised" arts world just before the WW1. I am undoubtedly intrigued by the passion and desire to change, to break the hegemony of what was considered beautiful. Vibrating bodies, deformed limbs and constant stamping, these was some of the components that caused the audience to exclaim, "Nijinsky has committed a crime against grace".

After all this reading and multiple documentaries, I am propelled to think further. What must it have felt for Nijinsky's dancers to be dancing that opening night on 29 May 1913 at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées? To be placed in such a stressful situation, when audiences were hissing and cursing at them while them are dancing, practically straining their ears to hear the music.

But despite all the disturbance, the performance went on and was allowed to finish. Today, after a 100 years later, this performance -- once perceived as provocative and primitive -- continues to live on through many different adaptations and interpretations.

Such moments in dance history make me think a little harder about what it means to be a choreographer. Amused, I will never thought I will make any reference to a Western choreographer in my life, let alone be caught reading books about ballet which I detest because of its hegemony in the world -- and particularly in Singapore. But I have changed, especially when I realise that every form of art provides lessons to be learnt.

Truly I am grateful to my many students who believed in me and remained faithful even when it seems the choreography I have given was challenging or my ideas out of the norm. Wholeheartedly, a dancer's belief in his/her choreographer is crucial. Nijinsky's dancers kept on going even when they initially rejected his ideas/concept/techniques. And I am thankful, that my dancers who stayed on and continuously believed in me when my work seems a tad too out of the norm.

Thank you to the many dancers who have graced the stage and completed the productions for your commitment is reflection to your belief and support in my work. I hope such strong commitment continues to be evident throughout my artistic journey.