Engagement Performance @ Law Faculty 19 May

NUS Lion Dance, NUS Ilsa Tari and NUS Blast! gathered together for a short performance at the Law Faculty on 19 May. It was a fun and enjoyable time because the dancers had chance to interact with each other, discussing about the AYG dance steps.

The hirer was very happy with the 3 performances, especially the Lion Dance, as the audience comprising of foreign guests were very taken by the art which they were seeing for the first time. We took pictures with our guests to remembrance and you can tell from the smiling faces that all of our dancers took to the limelight very well!

DR photoshoot 09

Behind the Scenes Special

On a humid Friday night, dance representatives from our 6 dance groups gathered in the CFA Dance Theatre for the Dance Reflections: Body Language photo shoot. While the Group Managers got busy at laying the white butcher sheets on the floor, readying the venue for the shoot, the dancers took great care in putting on their black and gold ensemble.

On a personal note, this was my first time experiencing a photoshoot - it was definitely much more complicated than I thought! We had to make do with kino flos borrowed from kind NUStudios; who helped out with the moving of the lights. The managers even had to physically move standing fans from UCC in case we needed them! Photographer Kuang JingKai took it in his stride and clicked test photos with gusto, preparing for the long night ahead.

After observing the dancers, the managers ruefully realised that the colours were not uniformed enough. The result - dancers had to change into a totally black ensemble there and then! I must say that I really appreciated the dancers for being open-minded and accomodating, we decided and went on with the group photo in all black and a long red cloth.

The individual photos turned out breathtaking - jump shots which captured the essence of movement by the dancers. I'm not showing you the pictures here - You look out for our posters and flyers! :) The continuous jumping made the dancers rather exhausted, but there was the feeling of euphoria when the photos turned out on the photographer's laptop.

We do not get many opportunities to have all 6 dance groups in a setting like this; and thus we made full use of it. The dancers were made to pose next to each other in the group photo; and mind you, the poses were not easy! By the end of the night, Chinese Dance Rep Kai Lin had an aching neck and back, Synergy's Ethlyn was red-eyed and Dance Ensemble's Rachel looked visibly drained. The only man in the team looked the most radiant - NUS Ilsa Tari's Zuraimi (guess why? *grin*)

Student Leaders' Retreat 09

Day 2. 14 May 2009

The student leaders arrived for another new day of the Retreat; first tucking into breakfast while exchanging ideas and experiences with each other. What I noted on the 2nd day was that the students were more relaxed and comfortable to members of different groups, some of them were already discussing potential future collaborations!

The representatives from all the various departments in CFA proceeded to talk about their areas of concern; starting off with Programmes. Assistant Director Karen informed the leaders about the important dates in the academic year; of proposals that had to be submitted for approval and the potential of collaborative efforts.

Marketing Communications manager Dinah then briefed all about the publicity collaterals, marketing and ticketing aspects of organising a concert. Assistant Director Betty of Business Development then showed that despite being a one-woman department, she was more than willing to answer queries pertaining to sponsorships and donations.

Museum representative Asst. Director Nam Leng showed a series of exciting photographs and explored the opportunity of using the Museum as a performance venue. After which, Gevin from Productions went on to elaborate more on the nitty gritty details of technical requirements and administration.

The highlight of the day had to be the group discussion of the whole year work plan. The groups got down and serious about this as they realised how much planning had to go into their work in the coming academic year. There were some groups who planned pages after pages of work (eg. NUS Ilsa Tari), and there were some who chose to draw diagrams on a white board (NUS Blast!). No matter what form of presentation was chosen, the groups sure had a fulfilling time together; I do look forward to see all these planning take shape and take flight!

5 groups were chosen to present their work plans to all - Dance Ensemble, Choir, Ilsa Tari, Blast! and Wind Symphony. I could see the audience nodding their heads in approval, or have their brows knitted in deep thought. The 5 groups provided an insight to their work; impressing the CFA Executive Committee members (Director Christine, CFO Kian Chee and Deputy Director Ju Li) who came down to show their support.

The SLR 09 ended off with a BBQ buffet by the poolside; a wonderful chance for all leaders to sit down for a meal together and to interact with CFA Staff.

Student Leaders' Retreat 09

Day 1. 13 May 09

Originally slated to commence on the 14th at The Chevrons, the NUS CFA Student Leaders' Retreat was changed to start on the 13 May instead; due to the H1N1 virus and its implications.

The leaders arrived in style and received nice door gifts, notes and files from our friendly Group Management Staff. What they did not expect, was that they were cunningly separated to ensure for 2 days, the leaders will work and play together with people they were not familiar with.

CFA's deputy director Ju Li kicked off the day with a light-hearted introduction about the organisation and staff; peppered with interactive questions to the floor. The students commented that they now knew more about CFA other than group management staff, and that it really was very beneficial.

Our dynamic speaker and facilitator from High Achievers took over and conducted half a day of very interesting activities and talks. I witnessed some of the leaders religiously taking notes and some nodding in silence; as they attentively soaked up the essence of leadership and other life skills during the presentations.

The teamwork games were part of the day that the leaders obviously enjoyed, judging based on their responses and high energy. The one about passing a silent message through a long line of student leaders was probably the most memorable - the pictures say it all.

There were a number of group discussions, which helped the leaders understand better about the NUS CFA Vision and Mission much better; of course, some had finished earlier and went on to socialise with peers from different groups.

The mouth-watering food was something that nobody had complaints about; everybody had their fill while having a chat over coffee/tea break. Overheard at the breaks and lunch were student exchanges on concert organising experiences and training anecdotes.

The day ended off with Group Management Assistant Director Mona's presentation about organising events and funding from CFA. The student leaders sat straight up and listened intently to this as the information was very important and useful.

Silence during the Exams and Updates

It has been a very silent month at the CFA studios; with the occasional study group congregating at the conference table.

The examinations have just ended, and we look forward to the hustle bustle at the Studios again! Groups are now preparing for engagements, Asian Youth Games 09 opening dance display, concerts and the Student Leaders' Retreat!

This Friday evening, we look forward to having a much anticipated Dance Reflections: Body Language photo shoot at the Dance Theatre.

NUS Choir and NUSSO are preparing for their big gig at the Singapore Indoor Stadium for Video Games Live! Gamers alert, this is one concert definitely not to be missed!

NUSDE @ Heeren

Last Saturday, the NUS Dance Ensemble participated in the Get Your Sexy Back Moderate Drinking Campaign at the Heeren Building. The feisty dancers performed twice, once at 2pm and another time at 6pm. They moved to a remix of the song Sway, impressing the public who were around.

The GYSB campaign was targeted at youth to promote responsible drinking and to stop the bad habit of binge drinking. That is to say, drinking is fine but please only do it in moderation.

Our dancers looked picture perfect during a photo-taking session in between performances while waiting for their turns. We had so much fun taking the pictures and exclaiming we found the perfect "photo studio"!

Obviously, they did not need 2 beers to look cool!

NUS Piano Ensemble's Touch '09 Concert @ Esplanade - A note from the Photographer

By Witono Halim

Photographing NUSPE Touch 09

This was an interesting assignment, because Esplanade has been one of the mysterious places in Singapore that I had always wanted to explore. As I was guided by one of the crew to enter, there is a beehive-like kind of maze there that I will never find my way the first time without a guide.

First thing I did was to explore the performance area to look for angles and opportunities. I felt at ease because I am working with my friends from NUS Piano Ensemble, and that made it easier for me to get closer to them to get the most natural shots.
You have no idea how this whole place look like by only looking at this photo. I am not going to reveal everything (for security reason) :P.

I took about 500 shots during the rehearsal, knowing that this is the only chance for me to take some really close up shots and get closer with the performers.

Everyone looks so smart and glamorous after they dressed up.

After the shots at rehearsals, I took a nap in the performers’ room and waited for my friend whom I invited for the show. The music is amazing, it was totally different from what I heard while shooting at the rehearsal, and I could pay attention to the melody, and breathe together with the music.

I was explaining to my friend, which guy is my mentor in keyboarding, who are the engaged couple, and how good these people are. Yeah, it was natural that my NUSPE friends seemed a bit nervous having a full house for the night, but overall it was still a great show!

NUSPE Touch 09 success!

CFA Appreciation Nite 09

Last friday evening, CFA Staff, tutors and student leaders of the performing groups committee gathered for a night of appreciation and good food. The annual CFA Appreciation Nite 09 was held at the CFA Studios Auditorium; with groups getting recognition for the hard work put in during the past year.

NUS Centre For the Arts Director Ms. Christine Khor addressed and thanked all for the good work put in the past academic year, adding that being in the Arts is definitely spritually rewarding. It was also announced that the theme for NUS Arts Festival 2010 has been fixed as "Through Asian Lens", as excited whispers were heard all around.

Certificates were then given out to recognise and award groups who have put in much effort in their performances and shows; the leaders came up one by one to receive the awards from Ms. Yeow Ju Li, our Deputy Director.

After the certificates had been given out, all were treated to a sumptuous spread and we had a great time catching up with each other, exchanging ideas about performances or just having a good laugh.

The night ended off with some of the leaders who just could not bear to leave and stood around taking memorable shots. As CFA Staff Mr. Tan Keng Khoon puts it, this was a night that all will remember as a an unforgettable and priceless experience spent with friends, something the student leaders will take away and cherish in time to come.

Anything to say about this? Post a comment or note about your experience of this event!