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.

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.

Marrakech

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

Lost in the haphazardness of Marrakech trying very hard to find the entrance into Palais Royal, we chanced upon an elderly couple walking the opposite way. We were tired and I decided to just ask them where the darn entrance was. A few exchanges later we found out that there was no entry into the palace (furious, why is it even a Tourist site) and they suggested other places for us to go.

Soon we were talking about our experiences, as we walked back together the route we came from. A nice English couple they were.

The elderly lady said that her tour guide, the day before, shared a piece of history while showing them around. He shared that Hitler, at his height of his Nazi propaganda, had written to the Sultan of Morrocco to expel Jews out of his country and deport them to Nazi Germany.

The Ruler responded, much to Hitler's humiliation, that there were no Jews here in Morocco except for Moroccans.

The elderly lady said, "if only the world still reacts like this now, it will be better place...". I couldn't agree more.

Disclaimer Note: Although there have been claims refuting the late ruler's treatment towards Moroccan Jews, my concern here is more about the idea, or the possibility, of people helping one another and the emphasis on states/leaders to care for and protect the individuals under their rule.

Even if this piece of history turns out false, it's tale about the love for humanity regardless of faith is worth pondering upon.

Surely, There Are Less Provocative Methods of Expression, No?

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

I returned to Clermont Ferrand last night and was greeted by my group of friends at one of the kitchens. As much as we were eager to share about our recent escapades, a discussion about the recent terrorist attack in Paris became the main subject.

I was touched, somewhat, by my friends intention to talk about the matter. It was interesting for me to know that we all do not necessarily need to agree with one another. And what I appreciated most, was that they really valued and wanted to hear my view.

I told them how this has become such a repetitive task for me, as a Muslim, to denounce such attacks which I personally I feel I don't need to. I shared my view about the cartoons and why I was not offended by it because devout muslims living in this day and age will never know how our beloved Prophet looks like. When I look at these cartoons, I laugh because they were funny but I was not offended because even if it is to poke fun at Muslims, these cartoons don't look like me and I don't think it reflects what Islam truly is.

But a comment made by a Brazilian friend of Arab descent, struck me and I am made to rethink again about it. She said, "Probably those cartoons do not reflect who you are because you are Southeast Asian but for some I think those cartoons reflected features of Arabs (albeit exaggerated) and was mocking them".

Without having to go deeper into what she said, I am made to reflect whether I would have reacted differently if these cartoons was wearing Malay traditional wear (e.g baju kurung and a songkok). How would I have felt? To be mocked like that by people who don't (or maybe refuse) to understand who I am and what my religion/culture stands for.

Yes, those terrorists had no right to take the lives of these human beings for their desire to express (rather plainly) what they think of Islam. But the truth is, in cartoons or otherwise, surely there are ways we can try to express ourselves without such intent to provoke? Or maybe not.

I think we will always be stuck in this conundrum. But I am grateful that through such tragedies, I find discussions with educated and empathetic friends to be comforting and assuring. Probably, our mode of discourse is too traditional for the creative, but we don't provoke. Even if we did, we do it with a tinge of respect and love for humanity.

Two Thousand Fifteen

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com


Truly recent tragedies in the world has somewhat obstructed me from writing a joyful year end message because this backpacking journey around some cities of West Europe has brought me more reflections about life than the pictures I am posing for.

Every city I've been to in this escapade has given me many lessons about our collective human experience, let alone the volumes of history, human's desire to conquer savage lands, acquire materials, exert control only to be "colonise" yet again by the colonised.

But what I found even more intriguing is human's desire to survive regardless harsh circumstances: be it peasants surviving a gruelling dictatorship or kings/queens/noblemen desire to "survive" in history books through overt display of finest statues and monuments.

What is it about this lifetime that makes us so desire to survive? Is death truly the end?

As I continue to indulge in this question about life after death, I encourage my friends, family and students to have a good reflection about their lives and appreciate the goodness that has been bestowed upon us, embrace our faults and continue to develop ourselves in becoming better individuals.

May the year ahead offer us greater prospectives on our lives and understand our role as humans to fellow humans. Restore faith in humanity.

Happy New Year :) 

On I Went To Meet My Southeast Asian Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

It felt like a mini-pilgrimage for me. Taking that 1 hour walk from my hostel to a place where I would meet a statue of a personality I so admire. When I finally came face to face with him at the midway of a street called "Av. De Filipinas", I knew I was face to face with someone I truly admire.

I first came to know about Dr. Jose Rizal during a research about postcolonial independence for an undergraduate essay in Australia a few years back. Back then, being so motivated by postcolonial theories and fuelled by my frustration with the ongoing discourses about what it means to be a Malay in Singapore and the Malaysian-Indonesian feud about who should lay claim to the origins of the song, "Rasa Sayang", I (re)turned to history to find out more about our common nationalistic aspirations and cultural affinities.

Through my research I found out about Jose Rizal and his desire to unite the Malay world. He was not a warrior but he fought through his books and intellect. His words spurred on the independence movement against the Spanish which eventually reach fruition, unfortunately only after his brutal execution, in 1898. The Filipinos were the first in Southeast Asia to get a taste of independence from their colonisers and established a republic.

Today I stand in front of his monument recalling my first encounter with this brilliant man, my Southeast Asian hero. Through him, I know it is possible to create change with words. And interestingly, I am here in the capital of one of the European colonisers standing proudly looking at the monument that was erected in remembrance of this intellectual individual.

30th December marks his 118th death anniversary.

“On this battlefield man has no better weapon than his intelligence, no other force but his heart.” 

― José Rizal

That French Cafe Meet-up

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

In a French café replete with cultural texts and posters of arts events, quietly tucked in the corner of Clermont Ferrand’s heartland, three dance researchers with teacups in hand are completely absorb in lively discussion about CHOREOMUNDUS.

Their laughter and enthusiasm about topics ranging from sharing about life experiences and perspectives on dance anthropology add to the sprightly ambience of the meeting space: the palpable joy one gets from stimulating intellectual discussions.

In attendance are Ipshita Rajesh, Bharatnatyam practitioner and arts education advocate from Mumbai, India; Signa Schiavo-Campo, dance therapy advocate and contemporary dance enthusiast from Milano, Italy; and Amin Farid, the one from that overcrowded Island in Southeast Asia.

Truly it is a special moment for these seekers of knowledge who, although strangers, embrace at first meet with such familiarity and found instant comfort from the transaction of information between each other, learning more about the world: its complexities, its endless possibilities and, most important, its shared humanity.

They realise thereafter, although they might have already known individually, that this shared love for dance and their believe in its power to heal, educate and bring people together does exist away from complicated academic jargon and overwhelming theories which serves only to distract and mask the common man from something that, although admittedly can be complex, should simply be enjoyable.

“The friendship I gained from this programme is truly something that I treasure most.” says the bespectacled lady who is from the senior cohort of the programme. Her two contemporaries nod in agreement and start sharing about the fun times their cohort had performing in Norway during the Orientation week.

“Honestly, I would not have imagine all of this,” shares the Singaporean about the programme, “being here and the possibility of being in an European café talking to my Italian senior about my perspectives on dance. I feel that world has shrunk that I am able to just leave home to meet someone who shares the same experience and engage in such exciting discussions for hours on end”.

The petite lndian lady shares eagerly, “I feel even more calm now knowing that our seniors have gone through similar paths as us”.

Truly, the experience of tearing one’s hair when thrown into the sea of anthropology and the confusing concepts that hinders you from moving forward is not something to be reckoned with: let alone the Eurocentric views and examples that reminds one of a lingering colonised past.

Such is the experience a seeker of knowledge gets from a meeting with like-minded, like-experience people at a café nestled in a quiet street in the heartland of this French town.

Surely one cannot help but wonder of how it will be when eventually individuals, steeped in experiences and influences reaped through CHOREOMUNDUS, will meet one day in a gathering of sorts? A conference, maybe?

Hopefully it will be as lovely as this one.

Poetry (3): March On, Bruises and All...

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

March On, Bruises and All

And so we fall...Time and time again, to the same tune.Oh, the bruises.

I've seen better days, but today that eventful fall...a reminder: victim of circumstance.

But I'm sure, it's clearI'm no pushover.Because every tune must have an end.

So I choose to end it,Without hesitation,On a high note, this time!

I stand up,dust myself off,And march on.

Marching on to a better tune, this time.A tune that I created,Empowering me as I hum it.

Because after that eventful fall,I must stand up and march on,bruises and all.

- Soultari Amin Farid25 November 2014