The Challenge for Traditional Arts in Singapore

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

Yesterday, we had an insightful and thought-provoking session with my friends in class. We were asked to share definitions of dance - our own or by an academic - and explain about it.

I felt that it was really great to engage with my fellow coursemates intellectually and gained better perspective on how one particular definition is not able to encompass every aspect of what is perceived as dance.

I can't wait to listen to all of us again at the end of this two years: I wonder if our definitions will be any different (mine will!).

Personally, I am actually very happy that in this process of becoming an anthropologist of dance I will be able to debunk the myth that all popular and/or western forms of art are superior to traditional/"ethnic" ones.

"Je souhaite defendre l'idée que la danse traditiônnelle mèrite un statut égal."

(I wish to defend the idea that traditional dance deserves equal status)

Though I have yet to determine what "equal" means, in general I desire for traditional arts groups and artists to be afforded better funding and support in terms of recognition for their works by the government, media and the public. In addition, institutions of education should also provide access to the learning of these art forms and platforms for it to thrive.

And yes by stating this, I am arguing there is a hierarchy within the classification of arts forms which privileges western and/or popular art forms above traditional/ethnic ones.

Yes, we are looking towards a modern and cosmopolitan outlook. But to do it in the expense of "compromising" traditional arts is to discard "aspects of life" that are integral to certain communities: values which recognises the "richness" of our human diversity in a post-colonial environment.

(Some words are in quotation marks because I am a skeptic of the political ideology we call "multiculturalism")

In a less academic jargon I would say, "Hidup jangan boring, please".

Embracing Change Moderately To Attain Success

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

A friend was chatting with me and he said that he has seen a lot of my achievements since my studies abroad some 5 years ago. And he asked whether "one must relocate overseas" in order to attain success.

My answer to him is, "I am grateful that every moment I've lived has been filled with both happy and unhappy moments. Success is not only the achievements I've faced but it is also the moments when I failed. Times when people would belittle your aspirations and doubt your capability.

God has planned out our lives for us and what is meant to be for us has been written. Success in another land does not mean success that is prescribed for all. Find comfort in the most simplest of things: time with your parents; moments up on stage; a day out with someone you love.

Success is to live that very moment happy and ready for any opportunities ahead - however small it may be. What may be deemed as success now for someone, could may be yours in the near future: it will not be identical and it could be in another shape or form. Embrace change (moderately) and allow yourself to live life to fullest.

And always remember that it is only He who opens these doors for you, if He wills. Thus remember Him and be ever grateful for every single great and devastating moment, and ask for the strength and humility to go through every event modestly".

Choreomundus Activities In Norway :) - Video

Created a video to summarise the Intensive week Choreomundus Cohort 3 went through in Trondheim, Norway in late August 2014. Something for us to keep for memories sake.

I created this video with the sincerest of hearts.

Dedication to Malay Dance in Singapore

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com


A dedicate this post to the Malay dance arena of Singapore.

It is interesting when your out of the Malay dance circle: not actively contributing. You see things in a different perspective.

You stop being judgemental. You refuse to engage in politics. You appreciate diversity. You acknowledge that any ounce of effort is worth more than any amount words said but not acted upon.

Ultimately after looking at the world, globalisation and the predominance of popular expression of art, you see that the value of every single effort in promoting the traditional arts, be it within the country or abroad.

We must remember that we have no control over this phenomena. Thus every initiative to encourage youths, to promote and to educate others of the relevance of traditional art forms in this day and age should first and foremost be greeted with a "thank you". Well, it might seem effortless but considering the numbers of those who are STILL practising, any minute effort is a step towards a learned tomorrow.

To all those practising, promoting, encouraging and educating traditional Malay dance in Singapore, Nusantara and the world, I thank you with all my heart and I salute you. 

Inevitable This Business of Death

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com


I guess it is inevitable this "business" of death.

Two foreign souls are joined in mourning despite not knowing the deceased. Why?

The experience of losing a loved one is universal - even when circumstances are different.

That instant moment of recognising grief. That infinitesimal moment when your are connected with the griever. 

Empathy, to be in the shoes of the bereaved. 

“Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars.

I know you a little more through this loss. I am without any grandparents too. 14 years ago, I bid farewell to my sole-living grandparent. I was very close to her. It was hard but it made me stronger.

Mummy said during my degree graduation in Australia, 3 years ago that nenek (grandma) will be very proud of me for being the first in my extended maternal family to attain a degree.

Stay strong, dear friend.

Of Small Worlds and Big Dreams

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com

As I left my room to heat my packed food at the common kitchen, I was greeted by a rotund aged man outside my door. Apparently he is my neighbour's dad. I smiled and I said "Bonjour" and he responded. 

And he continued talking in French - very fast. Poor old me, had to say, "Je parle Francais un petit peu". He was kind enough to speak to me in English soon after and he introduced himself. They were Kazakh and he gave me quite a lengthy explanation where Kazakhstan was - I kept quiet, smiled and nodded intently even when I know where it was located.

He asked me where I was from and what I do. The moment he heard Singapore, he shared - at length - about Kazakhstan's desire to be just like Singapore, a developed Asian country (which I personally would like to argue that it is done in expense of so many things. But that's another story).

And when he heard I was a dancer, it took him sometime to gather his thoughts. A huge laughter ensued and he said, "You are an artist! I have great respect for artists..."

He asked me for my name and gathered from my name soon after I was Muslim and he greeted "Salam Alaikum" and hugged me like one of his own. The rest is history...

Such interesting experiences and how we try to relate to a complete stranger through our experiences, nationality and religion.

Choreomundus (Cohort 3): First Impressions

 

By Soultari Amin Farid

noramin_dd@yahoo.com



And so we eventually met.

The 17 of us from 17 nations.

Congregated in this historical city alongside the bright young minds of other nations and their various schools of thought and disciplines.

Cohort 3 of this Choreomundus programme definitely refuses to conform to what others would regard as “normal”.

Armed with our individual experiences and knowledge of our various cultural art forms, we aim to bridge our cultures – amongst ourselves and other people – with the hopes of forging a comunity that are learned, mobile and geared for a better tomorrow. I came out with that probably because I see ourselves as leaders in our fields and the next generation of dance anthropologists / ethnographers.

So I would like to introduce every single one of them: allow me to describe about these talented people in a few statements.

-----------------------------

From Asia we have:

Ipshita Rajesh – An exponent of the classical Indian art form, Bharatnatyam,  from Mumbai, India, this lady has shown how, despite her petite-self, she is able to command the attention of audiences with her captivating sharp eye movements and her meticulous execution of intricate movements.

Cao Qingli – Hailing from China’s capital city, Beijing, this lady’s effervescent and energetic self injects the team with daily doses of smiles and laughter. Her willingness to share and eagerness to learn has made her an individual whose presence is infectiously positive and motivating.

Brian Jay Ambulo – This proud Filipino has proven that “chocolate boys” are not a force to be reckoned with. Blessed with a repertoire of skills, he has always been the life of the party providing much amusement and entertainment with his talents in singing and stand-up comedy. But he truly he is a real-life Patch Adams. His lifelong desire to work in UNESCO reveals a side to him that is truly passionate about cultural policy and advocacy.

Sekar Sari – The epitome of a Nusantara beauty, TV news presenter and occasional model from the ancient Javanese capital of Yogjakarta, Sekar Sari sweeps guys off their feet probably because they are mesmerized by her exotic looks and the delicateness of her graceful movements.

From Europe we have:

Madli Teller –A belle, both on and off stage, this individual is a natural leader and a selfless individual - ever ready to lend a helping hand. Aside from being vertically-blessed – she towers above most – this Estonian lady has proven that height plays no part in showing the true meaning of quality performances. Honest and enthusiastic Madli has shown what it means to give your whole heart when learning more about the dance from another culture.

Onur Istek -  The one individual whose presence was clearly anticipated even before he was physically present. A man whose appreciation and reverence for the cultural traditions of his Turkish community is embedded within the skillful execution of his dance repertoires. One of those individuals I am unable to imagine without his moustache – a key charming and attractive facial feature.

Ana Stojanovic – This Serbian beauty shows classiness in her performances that is both sophisticated and eye-catching. Off stage, she exudes a personality that is honest and forthcoming: truly an exemplar of someone who shows what it means to be comfortable being themselves and flaunting their God-given  talent(s).

Roula Lymniati – A  polyglot entertainer by profession, gibberish included, this bubbly lady plucks the guitar as skillful as Santana. Quick thinker and always ready with a joke or a two to enthuse and entertain her friends, this Greek lady’s talent for story-telling has captivated, engaged and even convinced the most skeptical of audiences, such as myself.

Janos Kovacs – This Romanian chap of Hungarian descent transforms instantaneously on stage into an outstanding  performer that is way beyond his age. His proficient execution of a series of complex footwork reveals a dancer who is both technical and detailed.  A dedicated performer, this gentleman commands the stage well with his passionate presence and charming pesona.

From Africa we have:

Tsehaye Haidemariam – This Eritrean truth-seeker shed lights on areas or issues that might not be easily understood on the surface. Armed with knowledge in philosophy, Tsehaye sees the politics behind everyday paradigms, habitus and knowledge that in turn has encouraged all those around him to view issues in non-commonplace perspectives.

Kafui Tay – Clearly this educator speaks about his cultural traditions with much delight in his eyes and enthusiasm in his speeches. Whenever he is performing the dances of various tribes in Ghana, this dancer is deeply immersed in his showcase literally allowing spectators to witness the spectacle wherein his soul mergers with the hypnotic rhythms of his percussive music.

Michael Nsibambi – A Ugandan social entrepreneur and artist who has helped street kids to find hope and a new beginning through the medium of performing arts. With a prolific portfolio, it is no coincidence that he is someone who is charismatic and motivating. This is evident through his compering skills that provided a unique blend of storytelling – bringing the house down during our recent performances with his humor and “out of this world” expressions

From the Americas we have:

Olivia Burnham -  Hailing from Rhode Island, the smallest state in the United States of America, Olivia has a big heart for the performing traditions of other cultures. Her years of ballet training and subsequent “encounter” with modern jazz and Latin American dances have fuelled that undying desire to observe and learn from others.  She is thorough and respectful when learning other cultural dance techniques. The determination and dedication to learn are two truly endearing traits of hers.

Lucien Peter – Dubbed the “youngest” within the team, Lucien’s vast experiences and knowledge in the performing arts especially the Caribbean traditions of Guadeloupe is inspiring. A technical and meticulous individual in his academic inquiry and dance execution, Lucien is exemplary particularly because he is someone who strikes a balance between academic work and dance practice.

Luiza Beloti Abi Saab – Despite being one of the youngest in the course, Luiza has had experience in analyzing dance. This contemporary dancer from Londrina, Brazil, has done research about the Gaga dance of Israel. Also as an advocate of contemporary works, Luiza sees value in understanding the politics inherent between popular/commercial and traditional arts and seeks to bridge the “cultural divide”.

Juan Felipe – He might seem like any normal Latin American bloke but he is not a force to be reckoned with. A researcher in the Engineering field and a Peruvian exponent of Capoeira, this suave gentleman is skillful in both academia and “performance sports” / martial arts. One thing is for sure he has certainly shown how artists can get certainly along very well with Engineers. Oh also he has a fantastic voice hidden somewhere in this machismo-we-know-as Juan Felipe.

Well that's us! I wanted to document this so that I can remember how we first met and my impression of them. Probably it will change at the end of the year or two but I think first impressions are long-lasting. And it looks like they have made it to my list of life-long friends. 

Amin Ya Raball Alamin. Alhamdullilah.