National Dance Academy's New Semester 2012

The National Academy of Arts Culture and Heritage (ASWARA) will be starting its new semester in July 2012. The academy is currently inviting students who wish to pursue various professional arts courses in Malaysia. The faulty of dance offers two programmes: diploma and degree - that provide a range of courses to fully prepare students for a career in performing arts by teaching Malay Dance, Chinese Dance, Indian Dance, Ballet, Modern, Improvisation and Choreography as well as several theory subjects.

Each academic year comprises two semesters, each 16 weeks long, and students who register for a full-time programme which takes three years will graduate with a Diploma in Performing Arts or Bachelor of Dance, fully recognized by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Entry qualification is by a placement interview and audition process. Full-time students pay approximately RM6000 for the whole tuition course.

Other diplomas offered are in theatre, music, writing, film and fine arts. Interviews and auditions for the July semester will be carried out in May. For details, call 03-26971777. Those interested can download the application forms from www.aswara.edu.my or collect the application forms with a postal order of RM10. Interested candidates can also send a self-addressed envelope to ASWARA, 464 Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. (The Star)

Project Dance Penang

Project Dance is a movement of dancers seeking to positively impact culture through artistic integrity. Its desire is to see every dancer nurtured to their fullest human potential for their own well being and their contribution to the world. It offers training, education and performance opportunities for dancers worldwide who desire to dance with integrity to inspire. Project dance was born 11 years ago out of a desire to serve the people of New York City directly after the events of September 11.

Each year, thousands of New Yorkers stop to watch the concert held on a temporary stage on the corner of 44th Street and Broadway. This event has also been replicated in other cities around the USA and internationally in Toronto, London, Hong Kong, Manila, Sydney and Brisbane. Project Dance is not a convention or competition but rather a life changing experience for dancers who desire to perform with integrity to inspire.

This year, Project Dance will be held in Malaysia for the first time. The event which will be hosted in Penang from December 9 to 11 is open to all dancers and dance enthusiasts. Master classes, workshops, motivational forums and a free all-day dance concert at Queensbay Mall are among the many exciting activities to be staged. Choreographers and dancers from the USA, South Korea, Nigeria, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia will be taking part in this event.

Dance genres that will be showcased in Project Dance Penang include Argentine tango, ballet, street dance, lyrical jazz, worship dance and Korean traditional dance. There will also be master classes on hip hop, popping, locking, bboy, krump, girlstyle, soul, lyrical jazz, contemporary, tap and theatre dance (Broadway style). For more information, call 012-4129272 or 012-4853272 or check out projectdancepenang.blogspot.com.

Chan Pui Yi's Glee

If there is one thing Chan Pui Yi (pic) loves to do more than anything, it has to be dancing. Play her some good music and Pui Yi would just dance circles around anyone. The 20-year-old girl simply loves to move. Pui Yi started learning classical ballet at age five, but quit when she turned 11. However, that doesn't mean she stopped dancing altogether. "I did hip hop dancing and cheerleading while in secondary school" says Pui Yi who has picked up several dance genres along the years. She is now into street jazz and contemporary dance and can even do burlesque.

This dancer has appeared on several TV commercials and has performed in local musicals such as Always In Wonderland and Prom The Musical. "I love to dance and am part of a dance group called Awesome. We perform at corporate functions and have even joined several dance competitions," says Pui Yi. Although she is occupied with her dance commitments, Pui Yi stresses that she still allocates time for her studies. Pui Yi is currently pursuing a degree in law and adds that she is also interested in obtaining a diploma in dance someday.

"I love studying law, it is something I wanted to study, and I enjoy it. But I also want to go overseas and get a proper diploma in dance," Pui Yi reveals. She is also very keen to establish herself as a dance choreographer and teacher. "I know that it is quite difficult to establish yourself as a dancer here. That is because very few people appreciate dance and there is no demand for it in Malaysia," she says. Nevertheless, Pui Yi feels that there is hope for one to make it as a dancer in Malaysia in the future. "You can still make it here, I know some people who have done well for themselves as choreographers," she adds. (The Star)

Into The Centre Of Dance

Sutra Foundation is presenting Into The Centre, an international dance production celebrating the timeless spirit of both Eastern and Western dance traditions co-produced by Sutra Dance Theatre of Malaysia and Battery Dance Company of New York. The show is under the artistic direction of Ramli Ibrahim and Jonathan Hollander. It will feature a world premiere, revivals and repertory items performed by a cast of dancers from Malaysia and the USA. Four performances will be presented from 22 to 25 September 2011.

September 22 - Premiere and Gala Night

September 23 - Presented by Malaysian American Alumni Partnership and Fullbright Alumni Association of Malaysia

September 24 - Public Night

September 25 - Presented as Watsons Corporate Night

Venue: Auditorium DBKL, Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur

Entrance to Into The Centre performances is by invitation only

Enquiries: 603 4021 1092

Email: sutradancetheatre@yahoo.com

Website: sutrafoundation.org.my

The Sutra Foundation was established in 2007 to develop awareness of traditional and contemporary performing and visual arts, upholding the philosophy of nurturing a society that appreciates art, while embracing the nation's cultural diversity. Spearheaded by Ramli Ibrahim, one of the most accomplished artistes of his generation, the foundation is his legacy to Malaysia. The foundation encompasses Sutra Dance Theatre - where new choreography is crafted and performed; Sutra Academy - where future dancers are trained; and Sutra Gallery - where visual artists exhibit their works. All of these activities are concentrated in the premises of Sutra House, the foundation's nerve centre.

MyDance Festival 2011

MyDance Alliance in partnership with Asia Dance Magazine and University of Malaya is presenting the MyDance Festival 2011 which will be held from September 9 to 25. The fourth MyDance Festival brings the exuberance of energy and dance to Kuala Lumpur. During this three-week festival, you can watch spectacular dancing as well as join in the many interesting workshops.

You can experience the mystery of butoh, the magic of classical Indian dance, the physical spectacle of contemporary dance or the beauty of ballroom dance. Challenge yourself with masterclasses by local and international artistes. Or begin your journey into dance with introductory workshops for children and adults, including dance film and photography as well as an academic conference of renowned dance scholars; this festival has something for everyone!

MyDance Festival 2011 "All In One" creates an unforgettable celebration of dance, from traditional to cutting edge, young talents to reputable artistes, showcasing local Malaysians as well as dancers from the Asia Pacific region. Witness the depth, drama and diversity of dance in Malaysia, all in one! For more information check out mydancefestival.net.

Yes You Can, Samantha Tan!

Samantha Tan, 26, was born and raised in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Originally trained as a rhythmic gymnast, she made the late transition to dance at the age of 18 when she took up ballet, jazz and tap. Within a year of dance training, she had won the Encouragement Award at the 8th Solo Classical Ballet Competition 2004 in Kuala Lumpur. In 2006, she went to England to further her dance studies at the famed London Studio Centre where she graduated with a first class Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre dance.

Currently based in London, Tan made her West End debut at the original London cast of High School Musical in 2008 at the Hammersmith Apollo. She has acted in The King And I twice with two different companies - at the Royal Albert Hall in 2009 and at the Curve Leicester theatre early this year. Tan has also performed at the Brit Awards, danced in many stage shows in Britain and appeared in several television commercials. Other than that, this talented lady has even acted in two Harry Potter movies.

Tan has recently been accepted into the three-year Masters in Fine Arts acting programme at the prestigious Actors Studio Drama School in New York. Whilst she is thrilled with the opportunity that has come her way, she is at the same time saddled with the task of trying to raise the money for her lessons in the Big Apple. In order to raise the necessary funds, Tan has set up a blog (refer www.samanthatan.co.uk) and sent out appeals to several Malaysian individuals and companies to seek funds to help finance her studies.

The response to Tan's initiative has been encouraging, with donations totalling US3,700 from all over the world collected so far. Better Malaysia Foundation, which was founded by tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, awarded her a partial scholarship of US20,000 a year, which is more than half the annual tuition fees of US34,000 a year over three years to help defray her studies. With that donation, she needs another US45,000 in fees and an additional US50,000 for cost of living and other expenses in the US over three years.

Countdown To New Year 2011

Ambank Group will be organizing a concert at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on December 31 to usher in the New Year 2011. The countdown concert, titled Ambang 2011 will begin at 8.45 pm. The artistes who will be making an appearance include Datuk David Arumugam (formerly of The Alleycats), Pop Shuvit, M. Nasir, Ramlah Ram, Amy of Search, Pop Idol 2 winner Daniel Lee, The Singing Shop and bhangra group Gold Kartz.

Cultural performances have been planned as well. Dancers from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be performing the 1Malaysia and other Malay traditional dances. CN Dancez will be doing Chinese folk dances while Vehaara Arts will be putting up Indian contemporary dances. Not to be sidelined, the Mah Meri orang asli will be showcasing their aborigine dances. The DBKL Orchestra will be in attendance to provide the musical accompaniment.

Many VIPs will be attending this gala event. Amongst them is philanthropist Tan Sri Azman Hashim, the chairman of Ambank Group. Tan Sri Azman, who has a keen interest in music is expected to go up on stage to croon a song or two to entertain the crowd and also lead the countdown to the new year. The Ambang 2011 concert will be telecast live over TV2 from 10.15 pm to 1.15 am. Have a Happy & Prosperous New Year 2011!

ASWARA Open House

The National Academy of Arts, Culture & Heritage or Akademi Seni, Budaya & Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA) will be having an open house titled Jamu 2010 at its campus at 464 Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur on October 3. At this event, workshops for traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dances plus hip hop & jazz will be conducted. The workshops will be held from 10.00 am to noon and from 2.00 to 3.30 pm.

The workshops are suitable for beginners and advanced learners. Fees are RM25 for adults and RM15 for students for a day pass. Dance performances will also be held from noon to 2.00 pm and from 4.00 to 6.30 pm. These performances will showcase traditional Malaysian dances and and contemporary choreography respectively. For more information please contact Jeffri at 019-2319179. To know more about ASWARA check out www.aswara.edu.my.

ASWARA was set up in 1994 with the objective of producing creative performers, nurturing artistic talent and developing leaders in the arts. ASWARA which comes under the auspices of the Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts & Heritage is the only institution of higher learning offering formal training in the performing arts, which is fully supported by the government. It provides, teaching, learning, research and consultancy services in the fields of arts, culture and heritage.

Martha Stewart Captivated By Malaysia

Martha Stewart, well-known American lifestyle guru, author, publisher and host of the popular TV talk show "The Martha Stewart Show" recently visited Malaysia at the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism. Accompanying her on her first trip to Malaysia were her niece Sophie Herbert and good friend Memrie Lewis. While in Malaysia, Stewart tweeted about her experiences to her two million fans via Twitter. Stewart took the opportunity to try the local cuisine, visited many places of interest and watched how local handicrafts like pewter and songket were made. She had tea with Her Royal Highness, Queen Tuanku Nur Zahirah and brunch with Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of the Prime Minister.

In Kuala Lumpur, Stewart toured the Petronas Twin Towers, Islamic Arts Museum and Kuala Lumpur Bird Park where she had fun playing with the birds. She took a helicopter ride north of the city and was amazed by the sight of miles and miles of padi fields. Stewart also witnessed the "Colours of 1Malaysia" celebrations held at Dataran Merdeka on May 22. "Colours of 1Malaysia" is a collection of street performances which was first launched in 1999 by the Ministry of Tourism to highlight Malaysia's cultural heritage through music, song and dances. The finale of the evening was the Tarian Cuti Cuti Malaysia, a dance specially choreographed by the Ministry which was performed by the 5000 odd dancers.

Stewart had a walkabout in Melaka which she mentioned had a colourful history since the fifteenth century. She also visited the resort island of Pangkor Laut, Perak where she waxed lyrical about the beautiful beach at Emerald Bay. Sabah which lies on the island of Borneo was also on her itinerary. Stewart described Sabah as "the home of orang utans, tarsiers, slow lorises, elephants, wild boars, proboscis monkeys, 622 species of birds and more". Among the places she went to were the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary and Pulau Gaya where she watched a giant clam rehabilitation project. It's a pity she did not make a trip to Sipadan which is rated as one of the top five diving spots in the world.

I am surprised that Stewart did not visit the Agnes Keith House in Sandakan. Agnes Keith (1901-1982), was an American adventurer and author who was noted for her autobiographical accounts of North Borneo (now Sabah) before, during and after the Second World War. The three books about North Borneo written by Keith: Land Below the Wind, Three Came Home and White Man Returns, gives a vivid depiction of life in the region during those turbulent times. Agnes and her husband Harry left North Borneo in 1952. The house she and her husband lived in has been restored and turned into a museum. It contains displays about them as well as life in Sandakan during the first half of the twentieth century.

All About Aswara

The National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (formerly known as the National Arts Academy) or Akademi Seni, Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan (Aswara) was set up in 1994 with the objective of producing creative performers, nurturing artistic talent and developing leaders in the arts. Aswara which comes under the auspices of the Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage is the only institution of higher learning offering formal training in the performing arts, which is fully supported by the government. It provides teaching, learning, research and consultancy services in the fields of arts, culture and heritage.

Aswara offers three-year degree or diploma programmes in theatre, dance, fine arts, film & video, music and writing at its campus in Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. The dance faculty has been credited with producing some of the country's well known contemporary dancers and choreographers. Joseph Gonzales, one of Malaysia's leading dance educationists and choreographers is the dean of the dance faculty. Gonzales studied dance and theatre at the London Studio Centre and Bush Davies School in England. He played the part of Simon of Legree in the West End musical "The King And I" and was the first Malaysian to perform in West End.

Events such as dance performances, dialogues and workshops in contemporary, traditional, hip hop and jazz are organized regularly by teachers and students of the dance faculty. A free dance performance and workshop by the students was held recently on April 29 to commemorate World Dance Day (also known as International Dance Day). To cater to the growing number of students in Aswara, a new academic building (artist's impression shown above) is currently being built near the present campus. The next intake for new students is in July 2010. To know more about Aswara, check out their website at www.aswara.edu.my.

Related Post

> World Dance Day Celebrations

World Dance Day Celebrations

Every year on the 29th of April, World Dance Day, also known as International Dance Day is celebrated all over the world by the international community of dancers. Initiated in 1982 and co-ordinated by the International Dance Council (CID), World Dance Day is not linked to any particular form of dance. The date was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), a French ballet master considered to be the creator of modern ballet. On this day, special events are held to celebrate the occasion. They include special performances, open-door classes, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, etc. The official purpose of these events is to attract the attention of the wider public to the art of dance.

The International Dance Council (Conseil International de la Danse - CID) is the official umbrella organization for all forms of dance in all countries of the world. It is a non-government, non-profit organization founded in 1973 within the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where it is based. CID treats all forms of dance on an equal basis. It does not promote a particular view of dance, recognizing its universal character as an art form, as a means of education and as a research subject. Its purpose is to act as a worldwide forum bringing together international, national and local organizations as well as select individuals active in dance. Membership includes more than 400 institutions and over 3000 individuals in 150 countries.

In Malaysia, World Dance Day 2010 was celebrated at various locations around the country. In Kuala Lumpur, the National Academy of Arts, Culture & Heritage or Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan (Aswara) held an open-day event at its campus in Jalan Tun Ismail. The students of Aswara performed traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian, jazz and hip hop dances and also conducted free workshops. At the Black Box (theatre) @ MAP in Solaris Dutamas, the audience were treated to a performance by some of the country's top contemporary dancers. Among the outstanding performers was January Low (pic), an Indian classical dancer and protege of renowned Odissi and Bharata Natyam dancer, Ramli Ibrahim.

ACTS School Of Performing Arts Charity Dance Workshop 2008

ACTS School Of Performing Arts of 73 Jalan Setia Bakti, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur which teaches ballet, jazz, contemporary, salsa and line dancing will be organizing a charity dance workshop from November 21 - 23. The event will kick off with a gala dinner at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) at Jalan Strachan, Sentul Park, Sentul. Raja Datuk Seri Eleena Azlan Shah, the president of the Malaysian Children's Aid Society (MACAS) will be the guest of honour at the dinner. Proceeds from the workshop will be donated to MACAS.

A professional dance troupe called Ad Deum comprising seven dancers from Houston, Texas USA will be teaching dance techniques of various popular genres such as contemporary, jazz and ballet. Angeline Yew, the principal of ACTS said that the workshop would showcase some of her dancers alongside the American dancers. She further said that the workshop is for those who are passionate about dancing and it does not matter if they do not have a background in dancing.

Ad Deum with its base in Houston, Texas, USA was founded in 2000 and is a professional contemporary/modern based dance company. The company consists of dance artists who have found a new home in Houston from all across the United States and other countries of the world. The pursuit of artistic excellence is what attracts dancers to this dance company. Ad Deum have toured North America, Europe, Asia and Australia and have received rave reviews of their performances worldwide.

As an incentive, ACTS is giving freebies for its students who register for the workshop in the form of free classes for two weeks and free tickets to watch the Ad Deum dancers. For more information please contact Angeline (012-6579924) Jo (016-3117335) or Ms Liew (016-2024250).

Warmest Regards,

Dance Aficionado
Dancesport Malaysia