Enriching Minds & Hearts

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

And so I clicked on the folder named "Students' Reflections" and I began re-reading some of the reflections my Malay dancers wrote about some performances that we went to watch together and also some performances that my students were involved in. And it felt good to read these reflections because to a certain extent I realise that my dancers were beginning think about their involvement in the arts scene -- even at a tertiary level / semi-professional level.

I would like to provide here two anecdotes from two dancers that were involved in a big scale production in early 2012. Why do I highlight these reflections? Because, for me, it reminds me again why we artists do what we do: to enrich minds and hearts so that one day they might do the same.

I wonder if these dancers remember what they wrote but I place their anecdotes here with the hopes that the Malay dance community will continue in their undying pursuit to promote the arts to the younger generation. For every experience our students gain, bodily or intellectual, provides us with the motivation to keep on moving forward. In sha Allah.

Student 1:

"Being involved in this production did not only teach me about dancing itself but has opened my eyes to realize how small our Malay community is. It frightens me to know that we are one of those sole voices, struggling to keep our community intact as we persevere to keep our culture alive through arts. Therefore, I am proud to be one of the active arts representatives of one of the major Malay Dance groups to sustain the Malay community’s reputation."

Student 2:

"Also, I have learn to adapt to changes and be alert at all times. When I first learn the stomping, I was struggling at the back of the stage. That’s when I realize you just have to 'go jer, don’t scared.'"

Student 3:

"Just to see those big and beautiful smiles on stage and dancing with all their hearts makes me so happy and making me feel like I want to dance with them on stage. I bet the dancers have been through ups and downs during those intensive rehearsals and practices and such. But I know when the curtain call comes, when all different groups stand together to give the bow to the beautiful audience for coming and taking their time to come and watch them, its like so indescribable. Seeing all the dancers faces and smiles makes it all worth it in the end."

Thank you for making this journey even worthwhile. Missing all of you.

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.