Exciting Events: DanceWorks 2013

The only anti-drug dance competition in Singapore is back with a more interesting theme for dance groups to express themselves. "Choreograph you life" is very open to interpretation - you can take it literally to narrate your life, or it could even mean you trying to pave the way of your life, hence "choreographing" your life.

Dance Works! is a competition aimed at youths to promote a healthy drug-free lifestyle through dancing. This is National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)'s 15th year of organising this dance event, with the competition standards being raised higher every year.

There are three categories to compete in. Category 1 is for students in primary schools and youths under 13. Category 2 is for students in secondary schools and youths between the ages 13-17. Category 3 is an open category for youths under age 25. There isn't a restricted genre of dance for this particular competition as you are judged by originality, technique and relevance to the anti-drug theme. In fact, some past winners have taken up cultural themes like Chinese and Indian dance and fused it into their choreography. There has yet to be a tap dancing troupe in this competition, which is a shame, really. So if there are any salseros, salseras, swingers or any other dancers who want to compete and show their finesse in their dance, no one is stopping you!

Last year's competition had 95 teams participating, so this year there may be more teams competing. It's definitely going to be tough when you have nearly 100 teams battling it out for a few spots in the semi-finals, and eventually, the finals. But it will be worth it, as the prizes are very attractive: the winners of category 1 wins $3000, category 2 winners walk away with $4000, and category 3 winners will get a whopping $5500!

Registration for the competition closes at Wednesday, 23 January 2013. The competition period is between February to April. Venue TBC.

Meanwhile, you can drop by Live it Loud's Facebook page here.

Guest Appearance: The Genius of “So You Think You Can Dance”

I did not seriously become interested in “So You Think You Can Dance” until season 8. I know. I am a newcomer. I thought the show was silly, that it was just another “American Idol” riff off, but I was so wrong.

I remember, one day, when my mom and my sister were watching the show. They had previously recorded it and were trying to get caught up so they could actually watch the live show. They spent hours in the basement that day, and I could not help but be curious.

As I started watching the show, seeing both the fantastic dancers and the terrible auditions, seeing the unique choreography, costumes, hair, and make-up, I instantly knew that this was not an “American Idol” knock off.

In season 8, I fell in love with Melanie and Marko, just like the rest of the dedicated watchers of the show. In my opinion, they were, by far, the most phenomenal dancers. When they danced together, they constantly lit up the stage.

The first of their dances that truly amazed me was the statue dance. Anybody who even partially watched season 8 knows what I’m talking about. They danced to the song “Turn to Stone” by Ingrid Michaelson, and the whole thing was absolutely beautiful.

For starters, the white on Melanie’s and Marko’s face and body really made them look like statues, and it really added an amazing depth to the wonderful choreography. Because Melanie’s hair was so short, she looked just like one of those Greek statues, and the way the two of them pulled off “awakening” out of the stone and then turning back into stone was incredible. It was the best dance I ever saw on the show.

Another amazing dance with Melanie and Marko was the light bulb dance performed with the song “Skin and Bones” by David Roch. Though this one is not always counted among the greatest performances on the show, it will always be my very favorite.

The costumes and hairstyles were simple, even so far as to be called basic, but it provided for a more intense effect in the areas that mattered more: the choreography and the meaning of the dance. Their gray clothes signified their inner darkness, and, as Melanie was reaching for the light, Marko was pulling her back, keeping her from what she really wanted. And, in the end, they both remained in the darkness.

The piece was full of emotion and symbolism, and I was a little miffed that it did not receive more acclamation than I thought it deserved.

Anyway, now that season 9 is in full swing, you can expect to see more great dances, more great costumes, and more great hairstyles. Although the hype and excellence of season 8 will be a difficult shadow to come out of, I believe there are plenty of capable dancers and choreographers that can surely pull it off with finesse.

By Kassandra Konecny

Though Kassandra Konecny has only begun writing professionally about six months ago, she has been writing creatively for years. Recently, she has worked to become an expert at writing blogs for different beauty schools in Utah.

Exciting Events: Inter-Tertiary Salsa Competition

Ladies and gentlemen, NTU presents to you the Inter-Tertiary Salsa competition 2012! The theme this year will be Sapphire Masquerade, so be sure to dress with flair and carry an air of mystery. Masks will be provided on the day itself, but you may bring your own to add to the mystique.

When: 25th August, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: YMCA International House, 1 Orchard Road, Singapore
Price: $15 for students, $20 for public.
Contact Chloe of En Motion Dance Studio on FB for more info on how to buy the tickets. Please provide your name, mobile number and amount of tickets you would like to buy in your message.

This competition has brought about fierce competition between skilled salseros and salseras at tertiary school level, their choreographies are not to be missed! Along with that, there will be DJs spinning the hottest, spiciest salsa tunes to social dance into the night. Refreshing drinks will also be served.

I'll be going for the event itself, but I doubt that in such a short timespan I'll be able to find a partner and train enough to be at a competitive level. Either way, I'll see you there!