I was absolutely delighted with the performances . "DanceWorks" was an excellent compilation of classical ballet and contemporary dances by renowned choreographers and dancers working in tandem with aspiring young local talents . Featuring our very own Ramli Ibrahim , Choong Wan Chin , Too Cyn Dee , and Cynthia Teh , collaborating with international choreographers and dancers , Zhou Gui Xin and Ellie Lai providing us with an unforgettable evening of dance .
The production of DanceWorks was not only and attempt to create awareness in the performing arts among Malaysians by blending classical and modern and renowned profesionals with budding performers , but it also has the noble objective of raising funds for the Cancerlink Foundation of Malaysia .
Programme
Gentleman on the Roof
Choreographer : Wong Fook Choon
The title of the dance is the Chinese euphemism for a thief . The dance takes the audience along with one such "gentleman" as he lives through the entire gamut of human emotions - joy , pain , bitterness , hope - in the same way that all of us deal with the inevitable conflict of feelings within ourselves .
The dance was beautifully translated by Yap Lee Peng .
Prelude a L’apres - midi d’une faune
Choreographer : Ramli Ibrahim
"One langourous afternoon , a boy/faune looks in a pool and sees his own reflection . He daydreams and confronts his own anima …" This is a point of embarkation of a pas de trois which amalgamates the three different styles - Indian classical dance , western classical ballet and modern dance . Expressed by Umesh Shetty , Too Cyn Dee & Choong Wan Chin .
Synchrony
Choreographer : Zhou Gui Xin
This pas de duex demonstrates how , through time , music and dance , two "protagonists" progressively harmonize , eventually synchronizing not just their dance , but their lives as well . Performed by Zhou Gui Xin and Ellie Lai .
Personally I felt that it wasn’t all together a wonderful piece of work … lacked of concentration and precision . Ellie Lai depicted too much fear on her face when Zhou Gui Xin dangerously lifted her up and spin her around shakily . Thecniquely speaking Ellie Lai had great extension which was clearly shown in her arabesque . Being a dancer myself , I really admire those qualities in her . Her movements were lithe and her lines were spacious and was well sustained . Despite all the flaws and jerkiness , ardent fans of classical ballet brought the roof down with cheers and claps as the duo finished in time to the dying music.
dancE & extension
Choreographed : Choong Wan Chin
"The truest expression of people is its dances and its music . Bodies never lie"
Agnes de Mille
dancE is an attempt to interpret the essence of music and the feel of moods .
It was truly an enthusiastic piece of work , well choreographed with continuous energetic movements on pointe . Dancers were bursting with dynamicsm as they showed off their techniques and styles . I was truly impressed by the grace and the well controled movements of Choong Wan Chin and Too Cyn Dee . Too Cyn Dee had the elevation ( in which I dream of ) . Kuan Lih Yee and Kok Pei Ling had the whole audience whispering and enquiring for their names with their electrifying performances . Both were given solo parts to show of their strength and versatility . I still feel that Umesh Shetty could not express well in calssical ballet although his earlier performance ( Perlude a L’apres-midi d’une faune ) deserved a thumbs-up . The short pas de duex between Umesh and Kok Pei Ling got the entire audience gasping when she tumbled off while holding onto Umesh . Umesh coordinated better with Choong Wan Chin as their movements blend together in time with the rhythm of the music .
Dancers : Kuan Lih Yee , Kok Pei Ling , Too Cyn Dee , Adeline Yeoh , Choong Wan Chin , Umesh Shetty , Ivy Chim , Chua Mei Sien , Cynthia Teh , Tan Mei Mei , Wong Sze Pooi & Sandra Christian .
Terpsichore Choreographer : Cynthia Teh
One of the 9 daughters of Zeus , Terpsichore is the Goddess of Dancing . Her grace , in the way she communicates , inspires others to follow and indulge in her space and "language" .
Wonderfully performed by Lay Ying Peng , Hoh Hui Tzan , Adeline Song , Cynthia Teh & Matthew Loh
Continuous flow of unique movements . I admire the boundless energy of Cynthia Teh as she whole-heartedly transformed herself into the dance and into the music . It was as if she was part of the dance itself . She is a dynamic dancer and expresses her movements with ultimate power . I would say her performances had "Ummph" !!
Eagle
Choreographer and dancer : Zhou Gui Xin
As the sun rises , the magnificent eagle soars towards the blazing circle of light . This dance utilises the characteristic moves in Mongolian dance , and represents freedom courage and hope .
This one is a personal favourite of mine . I was enthralled by the meticulous movements of his arms as he cleverly imitates the movements of the wings of an eagle . The delighted audience brought the roof down with thunderous claps and cheers as he displays his amazing gracefulness in the movements of his arms and body . The lighting and the music was fantastically blend to add special effects to the dance .
The Jook Joint
Choreographer : Too Cyn Dee
The component of ballet , modern , jazz blended together . "The Jook Joint" explores variety aspects of "dance" .
The last performance of the evening stirred up the spirit of the audience when Quincy Jones’ jazz music filled the auditorium . Another exuberant performance by dynamic dancers . I wondered where they get those endless energy to perform ! Once again Choong Wan Chin stole the limelight with her beautiful lines as she dances on pointe in time to the jazz beat … I was again awaken to the powerful movements of Cynthia Teh . It was an exciting piece of work which unselfishly showed-off each dancers’ styles and techniques !
Dancers : Too Cyn Dee , Ivy Chim , Chua Mei Sien , Kuan Lih Yee , Kok Pei Ling , Choong Wan Chin , Cynthia Teh , Adeline Yeoh & Suhaili Kamil