Choo Ting Dance Studio

Lessons Cancellation & Replacements (on 12 February, Sunday)

2012-02-04T23:29:00.000+08:00

Dear parents/students,

We would like to inform you that on 11 February (Saturday) the Ministry of Education (MOE) has arranged the school replacement for Chinese New Year, which means most of our Ballet students studying in SCJK will not be able to attend the lessons. In favour of majority and the exam preparation, we decided to cancel the following classes: G1 Ballet, G2 Ballet, Primary Ballet, and replacement will be arranged on 12 February (Sunday).

G1 Ballet: 10am-1130am Primary Ballet: 1130am-1245pm G2 Ballet: 145pm-315pm

Thank you very much and we appreciate your kind operation all the time!

Thaipusam & Lesson Replacements

2012-02-01T13:11:00.001+08:00

Dear parents/students,

Please be notified the Pre Ballet & Pre Jazz classes will not be available on 7 February (Tuesday), which is Thaipusam holiday.

The replacements will be made on 10 February (Friday).

Pre Ballet: 6pm-7pm Pre Jazz: 730pm-830pm

Thank you!

Chinese New Year Holiday

2012-01-11T13:57:00.000+08:00

Dear parents/students,

Please be notified that all Ballet/Jazz/Pre School Dance classes will not be available from 21 January (Saturday) to 27 January (Friday), which is Chinese New Year holiday.

All classes will resume from 28 January (Saturday) onwards.

Thank you very much and we appreciate your kind operation all the time! Wish you a prosperous Chinese New Year!

Regards,

Choo Ting

Studio Term Break (16 December 2011- 2 January 2012)

2011-12-17T11:14:00.001+08:00

We will be having term break from 16 December 2011 to 2 January 2012. All classes will resume from 3 January 2012 onwards.

We wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Chinese Ethnic Dance Workshops on 6 Nov 2011 (Level 3)

2011-11-06T16:08:00.004+08:00

Grade 2 & Grade 4 students

Chinese Ethnic Dance Workshops on 6 Nov 2011 (Level 2)

2011-11-06T16:01:00.006+08:00

Level 2 (6-8 years old)

Chinese Ethnic Dance Workshops on 30 Oct 2011 (Level 1)

2011-10-31T09:39:00.009+08:00

Level 1 (4-5 yrs old)

Chinese Ethnic Dance Workshops on 30 Oct 2011 (Level 2)

2011-10-31T09:22:00.015+08:00

Level 2 (6-8 yrs old)

Open Day for New Students Registration (2012)

2011-10-20T11:23:00.003+08:00

Please click on the image for a larger view.

The Nutcracker by Singapore Dance Theatre (20% off discount)

2011-10-19T11:39:00.004+08:00

Dear parents/students,

We are glad to be liaising with ticketing department of Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT, http://www.singaporedancetheatre.com/) and given the group discount of 20% for minimum 20 tickets purchased. Please text/call me at 0197700495 if you’re interested in booking the tickets on one of the dates below.

Thank you!

Date:	8 Dec 2011, 8pm 9 Dec 2011, 8pm 10 Dec 2011, 1pm & 8pm 11 Dec 2011, 1pm & 7pm
Ticket Details:	Cat A - $90 Cat B - $75* Cat C - $50 Cat D - $30
Venue:	Esplanade Theatre

Chinese Ethnic Dance Workshops

2011-09-27T14:46:00.019+08:00

Dai Peacock Dance (Level 1)

Mongolian Dance (Level 3)

Xinjiang Dance (Level 2)

Date: 30 October (Level 1,2), 6 November (Level 3, Level 2)

Time: 12pm-115pm (Level 1), 130-3pm (Level 2, **full), 12pm-130pm (Level 3), 145-315pm (Level 2 on 6 Nov)

Presentation session for parents: last 10-15 mins

Price: RM25 (Level 1), RM30 (Level 2, 3)

Instructor: Ms Deng Lin

Graduated from Guangdong Province Performing Arts College, major in Chinese Ethnic Dance
Professional dancer in Guangdong Ying De Music & Dance Troupe for 7 years
Experienced in Chinese dance education for young kids

Workshop content:

Basic warm up
Arms movements with story telling
Short dance choreography (Dai Peacock Dance-Level 1, Xinjiang Dance-Level 2, Mongolian Dance-Level 3)

Deadline of enrolment: 15 October 2011 (Saturday)

Attire for workshop: leotard, ballet shoes, ballet skirt (optional), socks for Jazz students

STUDIO TERM BREAK (28 August-5 September 2011)

2011-08-24T23:26:00.004+08:00

Dear parents/students,

Please be reminded that the studio is closed from 28 August (Sunday) to 5 September (Monday) 2011. All Ballet/Modern Jazz/Pre School Dance classes will resume from 6 September (Tuesday) onwards.

Selamat Hari Raya, & enjoy the holiday!

Alignments

2011-07-12T13:06:00.002+08:00

A good video to show different alignments. The 'efface' is also known as ' ouvert'.

Wedding performance: Clog Dance- Grade 1 Students

2011-07-07T15:13:00.007+08:00

At a wedding dinner in December 2010, performed by the then-Grade 1 students (they're grade 2 now!). The stage was relatively too small...haha

Splits Club Recruitment

2011-07-02T18:13:00.008+08:00

Requirements : Full front and side splits (both sides) in correct alignments

To watch current Splits Club members-------> Splits Club

Reward: Sansha miniature pointe shoes key ring

STUDIO TERM BREAK (29 MAY-13 JUNE 2011)

2011-05-26T14:03:00.000+08:00

Dear parents/students,

Please be reminded that the studio is closed from 29 May (Sunday) to 13 June (Monday) 2011. All Ballet/Modern Jazz/Pre School Dance classes will resume from 14 June (Tuesday) onwards.

Thank you very much & enjoy the holiday!

Pre Pointe Exercises

2011-05-19T22:37:00.003+08:00

Notes to my higher grade students.

Fitting Pointe Shoes & Breaking-in Pointe Shoes

2011-05-19T22:34:00.001+08:00

Notes to my higher grade students.

CSTD Classical Ballet/Modern Jazz Results 2011

2011-04-17T10:49:00.004+08:00

We are proud to congratulate our students who scored wonderful high marks in the CSTD Classical Ballet and Modern Jazz Examination 2011. We got 100% pass rate this year and the markings of students are majority above 80%!

Honours Plus (95%-100%) : 9% of students

Honours (85%-94%) : 44% of students

Highly Commended (80%-84%) : 40% of students

Commended (75%-80%) : 7% of students

CTDS (Choo Ting Dance Studio) Dance Scholarship

2011-03-23T22:19:00.005+08:00

Yijie & Hau Yi

Congratulations to our Jazz students Liu Hau Yi and Chuah Yi Jie, who are offered CTDS Dance Scholarship to further their dance training in ballet. They will be trained in both Jazz and ballet from Grade 1 onwards. Since 2009, their excellent hard work, talents and exceptional physique have been impressive, and had also scored very high marks (Honours) in CSTD Jazz exam, thus recommended to expand their dance journey to ballet.

Good works everyone!

2011-03-21T21:18:00.003+08:00

Mrs Smith, Ms Chin & students

& me!

We had our exam session on 21 March 2011 successfully. I was told by the examiner, Mrs Smith, that the students really worked very hard and well-behaved (oh, my pre ballet girls...=p).

Thank you everyone, my dearest students, parents, Wan Yee, Crystal, Xin Yu, Liss!

Work harder and look forward to many more to come!

Jazz Solo( by Joanna Le Xuan, Junior Jazz)

2011-03-17T00:53:00.003+08:00

student: Joanna Le Xuan

Turn & Clap (Junior Jazz)

2011-03-17T00:14:00.001+08:00

students: Hauyi, Apple & Yijie

Knee Bops (Junior Jazz)

2011-03-16T23:11:00.002+08:00

students: Hauyi, Apple & Yijie

Junior Jazz Students (taking exam in March)

2011-03-16T22:03:00.008+08:00

All the best! Go go go~

2011-03-13T23:15:00.005+08:00

1 more week only to go for the exam, let's work to the hardest, endure, and enjoy!=)

Pre Ballet students & our pianist Ms Chin Wan Yee

Ballet Solo (by Huiye & Lynnette, G1)

2011-03-13T01:34:00.005+08:00

student: Huiye, Grade 1

student: Lynnette, Grade 1

Grade 1 Students (taking exam in March 2011)-part 2

2011-03-12T17:16:00.005+08:00

Dance Steps (Junior Jazz)

2011-03-09T22:24:00.003+08:00

Students: Hauyi, Apple & Yijie

Pre Ballet Solo (demi character-catching butterflies)

2011-03-08T22:58:00.006+08:00

students: Jo, Huixin, Meitong & Esther

Pre Ballet Students (taking exam in March 2011)

2011-03-08T22:06:00.007+08:00

Ballet Solo (by Shimin, G3)

2011-03-07T21:26:00.003+08:00

Student: Shimin (Grade 3)

Grade 1 Students (taking exam in March 2011)-part 1

2011-03-05T23:49:00.010+08:00

Grade 3 students (taking exam in March 2011)

2011-03-05T17:58:00.008+08:00

Primary students ( taking exam in March 2011)

2011-03-05T17:49:00.007+08:00

Finding the Correct Ballet Stance (by Scott Speck & Evelyn Cisneros)

2011-02-27T23:02:00.003+08:00

summary from http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/finding-the-correct-ballet-stance.html

One of the big goals of ballet is creating the illusion of elegance and poise. A certain confident ease of motion perpetuates this illusion. But that's exactly what it is — an illusion. Deep down, every ballet dancer is just as neurotic as you are.

Locating your center

If you were to videotape a world-class ballet dancer in action, and then stop the tape at any given frame, the ideal dancer will always appear graceful and balanced. This remarkable phenomenon applies to other pursuits as well — tai chi, for example, or thumb wrestling.

The key to this appearance is centering. As a potential ballet dancer, the first thing you need to do is find your center — the position in which you can rest in total balance. Here's how the pros do it:

1. Stand at the mirror, facing sideways, with your feet parallel to each other.

2. Engaging your thigh muscles, straighten your knees — but without pushing back into your knee joints.

3. Lift your abdominal muscles upward and back towards your spine.

This is called pulled-up position. Imagine that you are placing your ribcage over your hips. Think of your neck as an upward extension of your spine. Your shoulders are relaxed downward, and your chin is slightly lifted — hence the haughty air.

4. Curve your arms so that they are rounded and just in front of your thighs, and bring your weight forward into the balls of your feet.

You should be able to lift your heels slightly off the floor . At first, you may feel as if you are about to fall forward onto your face. In fact, go ahead and give yourself permission to fall forward a few times. But with practice, this alignment becomes much more natural.

Now that you have found your placement, or center, you are ready for anything. All ballet movements begin from here, allowing the upper and lower sections of your body to work together as one.

2011 CSTD Summer School Singapore

2011-02-24T14:56:00.007+08:00

Dear Students & Parents,

Please ask for a copy of brochure and enrollment form from Choo Ting if interested, thank you!

Photos of 2010 summer school: http://www.cstd-comdance.com/photogallery.htm

_________________________________________________

Date: 30th May- 4th June 2011

Venues of Summer School:

CENTRAL

LEVEL 1: Jitterbugs Studios,* Morning

LEVEL 2: Jitterbugs Studios, Morning

THEATRICAL: Jitterbugs Studios, Morning

LEVEL 3: Singapore Chinese Girls School, Dunearn Road, Afternoon

LEVEL 4: Jitterbugs Studios, Morning

LEVEL 5: Jitterbugs Studios, Afternoon

LEVEL 6: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Bencoolen St, All day (Ballet - Morning, Jazz & Contemporary - Afternoon)

*Cathay Building (opposite Dhoby Ghaut MRT)

EAST

LEVEL 1: Joo Chiat Community Club**, Afternoon

LEVEL 2: Joo Chiat Community Club, Afternoon

LEVEL 3: Joo Chiat Community Club, Morning

**Joo Chiat Road (near Marine Parade)

Chinese New Year Holiday

2011-01-25T13:19:00.004+08:00

Dear Parents/students,

Please be informed that the studio is closed from 30 January ( Sunday) to 7 February (Monday), for Chinese New Year. All classes will resume from 8 February (Tuesday) onwards.

Thank you & enjoy the holiday!

Wish you a successful & prosperous year ahead!

Best regards,

Choo Ting

Wedding Performance (11 Dec '10)

2010-12-30T00:24:00.007+08:00

excited students and a teacher with headache...

the walk-in...

dance performance...

Thank you children for your hard works, thank you Lynn Dee & Wee Chiang for providing us the opportunity, thank you parents for all helps!

Bulletin (term IV)

2010-12-09T11:00:00.004+08:00

*Click on the image for larger view

Open Day for New Students Registration (2011)

2010-11-03T16:08:00.006+08:00

* Please click on the image for larger view!

Open Day Time Table

11am-1120am : Pre School Dance Free Trial 1120am-1230pm: Pre School Dance Enquiry+Registration

1230-pm-1250pm: Pre Ballet Free Trial 100pm-120pm: Pre Jazz Free Trial

1250– 200pm: Pre Ballet & Pre Jazz Enquiry+ Registration

*The available vacancies (max 10 (Pre School Dance)/ max 13 (Pre Ballet & Pre Jazz) are reserved on a first –come, first -served basis.

*Registration fee for a placement is RM20 (RM10 for sibling s of registered students).

Singapore Dance Festival 2010 (8th-17th October)

2010-08-27T15:37:00.006+08:00

Giselle by Mats Ek

From 8th to 17th October, there will be a series of professional dance performance including ballet, contemporary, Flamenco and a series of dance workshops conducted by overseas dance companies. Most of the artists are from overseas, and some of them are BIG STARS in ballet industry (Julie Kent, Daniil Simkin for example...)

Please visit the official website http://www.dansfestival.com/2010/ataglance.html if interested. Do grip the great opportunity to see the best standard of dance in the world! =)

Pre School Dance Yr 1 (Thursday)

2010-08-05T23:28:00.009+08:00

Photos: courtesy of Samaneh Zolfagharian

Children Modern Dance Workshop (1 August 2010) by Tove Lojander

2010-08-01T15:49:00.020+08:00

Children Modern Dance Workshop

2010-07-16T21:24:00.007+08:00

Date: 1^st August 2010 (Sunday)

Time: 11am-1230pm (1.5 hours)

Price: RM25

Instructor: Tove Lojander

· Degree in Dance Pedagogy, Sweden( Ballet, Jazz, Modern dance)

· Degree in Physiotherapy, Finland

· Years of experience in dance teaching in Europe

· Former professional dancer

· Qualified physiotherapist

Workshop content:

· Basic techniques of dance (Modern dance, Ballet, Jazz)

· Modern dance steps/moves incorporating time, space, energy

· Choreography using Modern dance movements (ie story telling with dance)

· Improvisation to encourage students to be creative and passionate in dance

· Dance conditioning

Deadline of enrolment: 28^th July 2010 (Wednesday)

Attire for workshop: leotard and comfortable pants

Successful Charity Performance (19 June 2010)

2010-06-21T16:44:00.033+08:00

We would like to thank all students and parents who performed/attended the charity dinner held by Zhen Fo Zong Association Johor Bahru on 19/6 at Grand Straights View Restaurant. The students have been working hard in the extra rehearsals since January and had finally showed their hard works to nearly 1000 audience. We are proud of their performance since it was their ever first stage experience.

Thank you to all parents who sponsor the costumes and accessories. We collected the total RM1145 sponsorship and RM300 balance has been donated to the organizer.

Mao's Last Dancer

2010-04-29T15:39:00.013+08:00

I watched this movie last week in Singapore, was so much touched by the true story of former classical dancer Li Cunxin, who is dedicated to dance and whose life given by dance.

Please click http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_8015.jsp for the show!

This is the introduction in Golden Village website:

From internationally acclaimed Australian film director Bruce Beresford comes the inspirational true story of a small boys extraordinary journey from poverty to international stardom. From a grueling apprenticeship as a classical dancer in communist China, to the glory of creative freedom in America. But, there is a painful price to be paid for his quest for self expression. Maos Last Dancer captures the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity, the pain of exile, and ultimately the triumph of individual endeavour over ideology. Filmed in China, the US and Australia and with a brilliant performance from Chi Cao as Li Cunxin, Maos Last Dancer is an exhilarating exploration of what it means to be free.

Contemporary Dance Workshop ( 4 July 2010)

2010-04-14T12:20:00.012+08:00

Date: 4 July 2010 (Sunday) Time: 1-3pm

Fees: RM50/person, RM45/person (students/group package of min 5)

Requirement: At least 1 year dance training of Ballet/Modern/Chinese/Jazz

Deadline for enrolment: 30 June 2010

** Instructor: Tove Lojander (Finland,professional dancer/dance teacher/physiotherapist)**

CSTD Examination Results 2010

2010-04-12T10:15:00.006+08:00

We have achieved 100% pass rate this year in CSTD dance examination!

62% students : Honours Plus (95 % above) /Honours (marks 85%-94%)

38% students : Highly Commended ( marks 80%-84%)

Congratulations to all students, and work harder too!

14th CSTD Summer School (Singapore)

2010-04-05T14:12:00.011+08:00

The annual CSTD summer school (Singapore) is open for admission now, students who are currently in Primary level onwards are eligible to enroll. Please kindly contact Choo Ting for enrollment form and brochure if interested.

Date: 31 May- 5 June 2010 (performance on final day)

Venue: Singapore (specific location depends on level attended)

Fees: S$175- S$300

Deadline: 19 April 2010

I understand that the timing is not matched with Malaysia school holiday, so those interested but cannot go, don't be upset because the summer school is available EVERY YEAR! =)

Term II (April-June 2010)

2010-03-25T15:26:00.009+08:00

bulletin (term I 2010) and term II schedule available for download:http://cid-d86a627eab5102c0.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.res/D86A627EAB5102C0!130

Course Fee Reminder (TERM II, April– June 2010)

There will be 11 lessons in Term II , with another replacement class which was cancelled in last term. The deadline of fee payment is 24 April 2010. Cash or cheque (to Choo Ting Dance Studio) are applicable. Administrative fee of RM5 is applicable for late payment. Please refer to the attached schedule for lesson dates.

Please be reminded that refund is not available for any missed class or absence . Students who miss class hold the responsibility to do another class of same level or a level lower for replacement. Please ask Ms Choo Ting for advice if possible.

CSTD Examination 2010

The ever first CSTD exam was successfully held at our studio on 5 March 2010. Mrs Joanne Richards is a very encouraging and cheerful lady, our students have had an enjoyable day with her.
The results will be announced within 1-2 months as soon as they are mailed to us from the organizer. Further information will be given later.
Millions of thanks to all students, parents and staffs from Peace Studio, for your unselfish dedications and generous helps!

Upgraded!

Students who have achieved the standard requirement of the specific level or have taken the CSTD examination will be upgraded from April onwards.

Primary Ballet class and Junior Jazz are extended to 1 hour 15 mins whereas the fee is adjusted accordingly. Please refer to the schedule for any changes of schedule.

Donation & Rehearsal for Charity Dinner Performance

Parents whose children are involved in the charity dinner performance on 19 June 2010 (held by Persatuan Penganut Agama Zhen Fo Zong association Johor Bahru) are reminded to settle the donation with Ms Choo Ting by 30 April 2010.

The extra rehearsal session will be arranged accordingly for following classes:

Junior Jazz : 845pm-900pm (Wednesday)

Primary Ballet: 1100am-1115am (Saturday)

Grade 1 Ballet: 1115am-1130am (Saturday)

Grade 3 Ballet: 230pm-245pm (Saturday)

Punctuality

We would like to remind parents and students to arrive at least 10 minutes earlier before class. The record of lateness is evident during the past few months and has caused inconvenience for other students . Any lateness of or more than 15 minutes will be recorded as absence. Your punctuality and co-operation is very much appreciated.

Dance Conditioning: Why do exercises & stretching?

There are always young students who complain about the dance conditioning and parents who request us to reduce the exercises because of the ‘pain’. Actually with dance conditioning, muscular strength and endurance, as well as flexibility can improve performance, aid in injury prevention, and enhance aesthetic beauty. Students not only benefit from dance conditioning in terms of techniques, but also learn about alignments and how to use their bodies in dancing.

The dance class consists of at least 10 minutes of dance conditioning, the students will slowly adapt to them and gradually be stronger . The ‘pain’, or we shall call ‘ soreness’, is actually guiding them to feel and utilize the muscles correctly.

CSTD Examination 2010

2010-03-09T13:34:00.003+08:00

students Zi Shuang & Shi Min with CSTD examiner Mrs Joanne Richards

The ever first CSTD exam was successfully held at our studio on 5 March 2010. Mrs Joanne Richards is a very encouraging and cheerful lady, our students have had an enjoyable day with her.

The results will be announced within 1-2 months. Further information will be given later.

Millions of thanks to all students, parents and staffs from Peace Studio, for your unselfish dedications and generous helps!

Jazz by Hau Yi & Apple

2010-02-23T11:50:00.002+08:00

Rehearsal with Pre Jazz students Hau Yi & Apple (6 yrs old both).

Hip exercise by Pre Jazz students

2010-02-23T11:44:00.001+08:00

Hip exercise by Pre Jazz students (5-6 yrs old).

Ballet by Lynnette

2010-02-23T11:40:00.003+08:00

Rehearsal with Primary Ballet student Lynnette (7 yrs old).

Polka by Zishuang

2010-02-23T11:36:00.004+08:00

Rehearsal with Ballet grade 2 student Zi Shuang (8 years old).

Studio closed: Chinese New Year

2010-02-09T11:25:00.002+08:00

Dear parents/students,

The studio will be closed on 13th-17th February 2010 for Chinese New Year. Classes will resume from 18th February 2010 onwards.

Wish you a happy, prosperous and WOW WOW ~ year!

regards,
Choo Ting

Chicago The Musical

2010-01-14T12:53:00.005+08:00

more information : click here!

DATE
16 Apr - 9 May 2010
Tue - Fri, 8pm
Sat, 2pm & 8pm
Sun, 2pm & 7pm

VENUE(S)
Esplanade Theatre

LANGUAGE
English

SYNOPSIS
With over a decade of decadence on Broadway and London’s West End, CHICAGO will return to Singapore from 16 April to 9 May 2010, for a strictly limited season at the Esplanade Theatre with an all-star cast including the award-winning Sharon Millerchip (Roxie Hart) and Craig McLachlan (Billy Flynn).

CHICAGO tells the tale of Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer who dreams of heading in Vaudeville, kills her lover, then convinces her husband to come up with the $5000 to hire Chicago’s shrewdest, smooth-talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

CHICAGO has played over 15,000 performances worldwide, has captivated an estimated 17 million people around the world, and has been honoured with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® Award and thousands of standing ovations. So whether you have seen the Academy Award® winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or whether you have seen it before and want to recapture the magic, CHICAGO always delivers with ‘sizzle and timeless class’ - TIME OUT.

Critics’ Quotes
“The most exciting musical of its generation!” - The Times, UK
“The sharpest, slickest show on the block!” - The Times, UK
“Exhilarating! A musical for all ages.” - The New York Times, USA
“Chicago still glitters hypnotically!” - The New York Times, USA
“Still the hottest show in town!”- Independent, UK

Term 1 (January- March 2010) -- A NEW YEAR!

2009-12-10T14:39:00.003+08:00

Dear parents/students,

The bulletin (December 2009) is ready for download, please click http://cid-d86a627eab5102c0.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.Public.

Course Fees of Term 1 (January- March 2010)
There will be 12 lessons in Term 1. The deadline of fees payment is 21 January 2010. Cash or cheque (to Choo Ting Dance Studio) are applicable. Administrative fee of RM5 is applicable for late payment. We apologize that the lesson schedule will only be out in January. Parents please refer to the following dates for the first class in January:
Pre Ballet /Primary Ballet/Grade 2 Ballet : 2 January 2010
Pre-school Dance (year 2 ) : 5 January 2010
Pre Jazz : 6 January 2010
Grade 2 Modern Jazz : 7 January 2010

CSTD External Examination in March 2010
Ballet and Modern Jazz students who have achieved satisfactory level are encouraged to participate the CSTD external examination in March 2010. The external examination is not compulsory, however a very good assessment for the students’ dance training progress. The examiner will be coming from overseas to watch and assess the students. Parents and students are to be reminded that the application form and examination fee must be submitted by 10 January 2010.

Charity Performance in June 2010
We are proud to be invited by Persatuan Penganut Agama Zhen Fo Zong Johor Bahru to perform in their annual charity dinner at Grand Straits Garden Seafood Restaurant ,on 19th June 2010. Ballet and Modern Jazz students are encouraged to participate in the performance to show what they have learnt throughout the year. The rehearsals will be starting in January 2010. Application form and donation must be submitted by 21 January 2010.

Sick? Injured?
We are aware of the absence record of students for the past few terms, and understand that situation caused by the sickness and injuries. However, we strongly encourage the absentees to do replacement (please enquire Ms Choo Ting on which class you could go) to maintain the training and physical ability if possible. Students who wish to participate the CSTD external examination in March 2010 shall avoid any absence from January to March. Please come to the studio for class observation even though you are sick or injured.

Postpone of Parents’ Day
We apologize that the parents’ day for primary ballet and grade 2 ballet classes will be postponed due to absence of particular students. It will be made up and the date will be announced in January 2010.

Pre-school Dance (Year 2)
Please be notified that the existing pre-school dance classes on Tuesday will be combined and shifted to 630-7pm, effective from January 2010. Students who reach 5 years old in 2010 could continue the dance training in either Ballet or Modern Jazz stream. Please enquire Ms Choo Ting for advice.

Pre Jazz
Please be notified that the Pre Jazz will be shifted to 730-830pm (Wednesday).

Class Pictures
Pictures might be taken during the lessons , and be uploaded in our studio blog occasionally. Please visit chooting.blogspot.com, ‘ Students Showcase’ to see our lovely students.

Pre-school Dance (December 2009)

2009-12-07T15:26:00.006+08:00

Pre Ballet (December 2009)

2009-12-07T15:11:00.012+08:00

Primary Ballet (December 2009)

2009-12-07T14:52:00.015+08:00

Men in Tutus (Les Ballets Grandiva)

2009-11-05T13:08:00.002+08:00

Direct from a sell-out tour of Europe and Asia, comes the most spectacular, talented and hilarious all male comedy ballet ever. Hailed by critics as “The greatest exponents of all male comedy ballet in the world today”, international company Les Ballets Grandiva is set to arrive in Singapore in Jan 2010.The largest company of its kind in the world, Grandiva boasts over fifty ballets in its repertoire and twenty of the best international male ballet dancers from thirteen countries whose soloists have performed with Russia's Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets, New York Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, The American Ballet Theatre, the prestigious Royal Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, The Royal Swedish Ballet, Berlin State Opera Ballet, English National Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet to name a few.

From the thrilling pirouettes of the male dancers (in male and female costumes) with brilliant choreography to the side splitting humour, all presented in $2 million of costumes, Grandiva's smash hit "Men In Tutus" is a show designed for male, female, young and old which is the ultimate send up of both classical and contemporary ballet. The combination of brilliant dancing technique, tongue in cheek and blatant humour with intentional foibles, dancing mishaps and of course hissy fits by men playing both male and female roles creates great entertainment.

Some quotes:

- “Artistically brilliant, absolutely hilarious” - New York Post

- “Made us laugh until the tears flowed” - London Daily Telegraph

- “Brilliant dancers, beautiful choreography, stunning costumes & sets” - New York Observer

DATE

21-24 Jan 2010 Thu-Fri, 8pmSat, 3pm & 8pmSun, 3pm

DURATION

Approx 95 minsIntervalApprox 20 mins

VENUES

Esplanade Theatre

TICKET PRICE

(Exclude Booking Fee)Standard - S$90, S$80, S$70, S$55, S$45

VIP Box Seat - S$90Box B-G - S$90Restricted View - S$45

Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable.

Swan Lake (Singapore Dance Theatre)

2009-11-05T13:01:00.003+08:00

Helmed once again by the company’s Artistic Director, this full-length classical ballet tells the love story of Prince Siegfried and Odette in four breathtakingly beautiful acts.Under the spell of the evil sorcerer Rothbart, Odette is transformed into a swan by day and can only reveal her human form at night. On a hunting trip, Prince Siegfried chances upon Odette at the lake and thus begins a magical journey of a love that transcends both human boundaries and evil spells.

“ …Singapore Dance Theatre made a valiant effort with this production, and as a benchmark, demonstrated that it is indeed capable of competently presenting one of the classics of the ballet repertory.” – Dance Europe Click here to view the trailer.

DATE

17-20 Dec 2009 Thur-Sun, 08:00PM

DURATION

Approx 2 hrs 30 mins

INTERVAL

2 Intervals Approx 20 mins each

VENUES

Esplanade Theatre

TICKET PRICE

(Exclude Booking Fee)Standard - S$110 (VIP Box), S$90, S$70, S$50, S$30

Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable.

Term 4 (October-December 2009)

2009-09-25T21:29:00.002+08:00

Dear Students/Parents,

The Bulletin (September) and Term 4 Schedule (October-December) are ready for download :http://cid-d86a627eab5102c0.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.res/D86A627EAB5102C0!130

Say NO!!! to tight shoes
All parents of ballet and Jazz students are to be reminded to check if the dance shoes are too tight for the little growing feet. We strongly recommend you to order a new pair of shoes by 30th November 2009 if you wish your kids have a pair of comfortable shoes for their upcoming CSTD examination in March/April 2010. Shoes that are ordered by 30th November will be slightly bigger than the actual sizes of your kids’ feet.
Shoes that are too tight for kids are not allowed as they restrict the growth of the feet, and will cause bad habits on standing, pointing, walking, running and all stuffs. Eventually it will lead to bad postures and even misalignments of body! We do not encourage students to take up old worn shoes from somebody for the reason that the shoes might not fit the actual shape of their feet.

Replacement Class for Primary Ballet
There is a special replacement class for Primary Ballet for those who have missed class due to school replacement on particular Saturdays. Please confirm and sms 019-7700495 in advance whether you are coming.
Date : 5th Oct 2009 (Monday) Time : 730-9pm

Temporary New Enrolment Closed
In order to prepare for the upcoming CSTD examination which will be in March/April 2010, all ballet and Jazz classes are closed for new enrolment until April 2010. New enrolments will be available for fresh Pre-ballet and Pre-Jazz classes (5-6 years old ) in January 2010, as well as other progressing beginners grades (Junior Modern Jazz, Primary ballet & Grade 1 ballet) in April 2010.
Pre-school Dance (2) is still open for 3-4 year-olds, please contact us for placement if interested.

Extension of Class (Grade 3 Ballet)
Grade 3 ballet students are to be informed that the lessons in Term 4 will be extended to 1 hour 30 minutes in order to prepare for examination. Please be consistent in your attendance and class performance for better achievement in your learning progress.

Attention to Pre-ballet/Primary Ballet/Grade 2 Students
Due to the reason that Deepavali and Hari Raya Haji are falling on Saturday, there will be two Sundays scheduled as replacement otherwise students’ learning progress and studio curriculum will be very much affected. We apologize for inconveniences caused and very much appreciate your co-operation.
Dates: 25 October & 1 November 2009

Course Fees of Term 4 (October- December)
There will be 11 lessons in Term 4. The deadline of fees payment is 22 October 2009. Cash or cheque (to Choo Ting Dance Studio) are applicable. Administrative fee of RM5 is applicable for late payment. Please refer to the attached schedule for lesson dates.

TERM BREAK NOTIFICATION (22nd-28th August)

2009-08-12T16:28:00.003+08:00

Dear Students/Parents,

Please be notified that 22nd-28th is our studio term break, the following classes will not be conducted:

Pre Ballet/Primary Ballet/Grade 2 Ballet: 22nd August (Saturday, Awal Ramadan Holiday)

Pre School Dance : 25th August (Tuesday)

Pre Jazz : 26th August (Wednesday)

Adult Jazz/Adult Ballet : 27th August (Thursday)

Classes will be resumed on 29th August (Saturday). Thank you!

Children Dance Teaching Workshop (Level 1) 2009

2009-08-05T17:20:00.004+08:00

Date

16, 17 November 2009

Time

10am - 12pm (1 module)
12pm - 1pm: lunch break
1pm – 3pm ( 1 module)

Objectives

To develop a children dance program at pre-school level
To provide basic children dance teaching knowledge
To improve one's knowledge in conducting children dance class
To expand one's ability in dance choreography

Goals

Learn how to conduct dance exercises systematically with correct dance techniques
Use more versatile and creative ways to get children engaged in dance class
Gain simple choreography knowledge
Enrich the school dance program and develop it to a higher level

Who should participate

Pre-school owners who wish to start a dance class in their schools
Pre-school owners who wish to develop their dance class to a more professional level
Pre-school teachers who have some experience in dance and wish to upgrade themselves
Pre-school teachers who have no experience but wish to be trained in dance teaching

Modules
(1 hour 30 mins~ 2 hours each)

Basic dance teaching
- A detailed step-by-step class to train teachers in conducting a dance class according to a newly designed syllabus and music
- Correct and safe dance techniques in terms of posture, alignment, balance, flexibility, strength development etc will be covered and discussed
Basic choreography
- Basic knowledge about dance choreography: structure, formation, style, content, costumes etc
- Trainees will be given a task to choreograph a short piece of dance in groups
Music for dance
- Learn how to choose an appropriate music for young kids, and how to analyze it and use it with movements
- Methods of teaching good musicality will be discussed and covered
Creativity
- Explore ideas on how to engage the children in a dance class, to teach them disciplines and to raise their interest in movements with various creative ways
- Games, challenges and various ideas will be discussed and covered
- Trainees will given a task to design a game using simple movements and music for kids in groups

Fees

RM450/person including a children dance syllabus, sample CD and all materials to be used throughout the workshop
RM405/person for early birds (registered by 30 September 2009)
RM410/person for teachers from same registered school (not applicable for early birds)*refreshment is provided during lunch break

Award

All participants will be awarded an attendance certificate upon completion of workshop

Venue

Peace Studio, 113B Jalan Sutera Tanjung (8/2) Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor (near Sutera Mall)

Term 3 is coming!

2009-06-25T13:45:00.002+08:00

Dear students/parents,

The Bulletin (June) and Term 3 Schedule (July-September) are ready for download :
http://cid-d86a627eab5102c0.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.res/D86A627EAB5102C0!130

Parents’ Day Invitation

The classes below are open for parents and family in the following dates. Maximum 3 family members are allowed. Kids under 4 are not advised to avoid unnecessary disturbance. Video and photo taking are welcome however try not to use flash otherwise the students will be distracted.
Pre Jazz 1 July (Wed)
Pre Ballet 27 June (Sat)
Primary Ballet 4 July (Sat)
Grade 2 Ballet 27 June (Sat)

Mummy & Me (Pre-school Dance)

Let’s have fun together, mummies! Come to run, jump, roll, turn, crawl and sing with the little angels! Learn how to communicate with the young kids with body language! Daddies are invited too for observation and photo taking.
Attire: Comfortable T-shirt and long pants. Please wear pink if you hope to match visually with your little monkey… opps…little angel…^_^
Date : 30 June (Tuesday) Time: 6-630pm

Classical Ballet & Modern Jazz Examination Session

Please note that the external examination will be held in March/April 2010. The exam preparation is commencing intensively immediately. Attendance and commitment are important, not only for examination but also good learning progress.The exam enrolment is to be done in November/December. Further information will be notified as soon as possible.
Adult Jazz students who wish to take Grade 2 Modern Jazz exam in November please inform us by August so that enrolment could be done. The exam venue might be in Singapore however this is to be confirmed.

Course Fees of Term 3 (July-September)

There will be 12 lessons in Term 3.The deadline of fees payment is 23 July 2009. Cash or cheque (to Choo Ting Dance Studio) are applicable. Administrative fee of RM5 is applicable for late payment. Please refer to the attached schedule for lesson dates.
attention: Parents are advised to keep the copy of term schedule and refer to it anytime when it comes to holiday or term break. We appreciate for all co-operations. Thank you!

Pre Jazz

2009-06-17T23:28:00.011+08:00

little Jazz dancers: Sam Yi, Le Xuan & Hau Yi

Strike a pose...

and

JUMP!!!

Singapore Dance Theatre: Ballet Under The Stars

2009-06-16T21:59:00.003+08:00

Date: 17 to 19 July, 2009

Time: 7.30pm (Gates open from 5pm for picnic)Pre-show performances from 6.30pm onwards

Venue: Fort Canning Green

Ticket Prices & Discount Schemes

For classical ballet lovers, an excerpt from Act 3 of Sleeping Beauty will be performed as a Pas De Trio (Dance for Three) which will feature a celebration of dance by the precious jewels – namely Gold, Silver and Diamond for the wedding celebration of the Prince and Princess Aurora . Not only that, Raymonda , which was first performed by SDT in its inaugural performance in 1988 will spotlight on a pas de dix (Dance for ten) classical divertissement from Act III.

The contemporary pieces will include Double Contrasts by renowned choreographer Goh Choo San, with music by Francis Poulenc‘s Concerto for Two Piano and Orchestra. Lastly, POP!, an electrifying 20-min display of dance segments which includes solos, duets and corp de ballet, with eye-catching and slyly humorous moves, is a collaborative choreographic creation by SDT’s full cast of dancers with directions headed by its Artistic Director, Janek Schergen.

Consisting of 6 pieces, these will be matched with popular tunes from Annie Lennox, a Grammy award-winning pop musician and vocalist with Keep Young and Beautiful, Tom Jones (grammy-award winner for Best New Artist) with Kiss, Kodo Drummers’s Strobe’s Nanafushi, Shirley Bassey’s History Repeating, used in 007 movie soundtrack, Gustavo Santaolalla, an academy award winner with De Ushuala ala Quiaca and Walking on broken glass.

Good Posture!

2009-06-15T11:50:00.024+08:00

Pre-Ballet students: En Qi & Chin Ly

A good posture is the foremost important element in dance training (Ballet, Jazz, Modern). Once a dance student manages to hold a good posture:correct body alignments, use of muscles, weight placement come naturally, therefore she could move with more ease and freedom.

All Ballet and Jazz students are trained and reminded to stretch and lengthen their body, from bottom spine up to the top of head, with correct use of stomach and back muscles. Gradually, a good posture is rooted firmly and naturally in them, of course, good techniques as well.

However, this is never easy to achieve! That's why a serious and good training must start since the young age. A dance teacher plays vital role in giving instructions, watching and correcting the students in every class , with great patience (don't hunchback. pull-up, feel up, reach the sky...blah blah blah, lots of nags haha!)

To force the students to hold their bodies straight still has to be avoided since it only trains 'robots' instead of beautiful dancers!

Pre-Ballet students trying their best to sit like princesses!

Primary Ballet students practising to stand with good posture...

Plie

2009-06-02T18:25:00.006+08:00

Plie ('bend') is the most important basic technique that one must master perfectly to be a technically strong dancer.

Demi Plie

A half-bending action of the knees over the toes, with the heels remaining firmly on the floor. The back held erect throughout.

Grand Plie

A full bending of the knees over the toes. It is used to develop the strength and control of the whole body.Maximum turnout should be maintained, with the back held erect throughout the movement.

First Position

2009-05-23T21:02:00.008+08:00

Primary Ballet student: Xi Min

First position is the most fundamental standing position of feet : a closed position where the dancer stands with the feet together so that the heels are touching. The legs turned equally outward from the hip joints and the body weight is equally distributed over the two feet.

While doing a demi plie in first position, the knees are opened side way, aligned with the hips and the toes. A nice 'diamond' shape is shown in between the legs. The feet are to stand nicely and firm with ten toes on the floor, without toes rolling in or out.

Singapore Arts Festival (15 May-14 June)

2009-05-15T17:14:00.002+08:00

Dear all,

From 15 May - 14 June, there'll be many great performing arts shows held in in Singapore. Most of the performing companies/artists are invited from overseas, some of the shows are free too...

Please visit http://www.singaporeartsfest.com/ more information.

Pre-school Dance (Tuesday class)

2009-05-07T16:48:00.007+08:00

We started as the lonely 4 babies...

Now, we are a big bunch of little angels!!!!~

NEW: Pre-school Dance & Adult Ballet

2009-04-23T18:04:00.004+08:00

Free trial class commencing on 29 April

Pre-school Dance (3 & 4 yrs old): 6-630pm (Wednesday)

Adult Ballet (20 yrs old onwards, beginners): 730-830pm (Wednesday)

Please call 019 7700495 for further information.

13th Singapore Summer School

2009-04-19T15:41:00.011+08:00

Cancellation of Class and Term 2 Course Fee

2009-03-10T09:48:00.007+08:00

Dear students/parents,

I would like to convey my appreciation and gratefulness for all supports from you since the opening of the studio in January. It has been a fruitful and exciting term in which I also enjoy and learn so much too.

Due to teacher training course scheduled on 11-17 March, I regret to inform you that the lessons during the time will be cancelled. The cancelled lesson will be replaced in term 2 (April-June), which makes up to 12 lessons. Sorry for all inconvenience caused. You could follow up the Term 1 schedule here: TERM 1 (Jan-March) 2009

The course fee of term 2 will be for 11 lessons. The deadline of fee submission is 21 April. Payment shall be in cash or cheque (payable to Choo Ting Dance Studio). An administration fee of RM5 will be charged for late submission.

Please click here for the lesson schedule of term 2: TERM 2 (April-June) 2009

Last but not least, thank you very much for your co-operation all the time.

Yours sincerely,
Choo Ting

Video: How to Pointe through Demi Pointe

2009-03-05T13:26:00.004+08:00

From 5 years old onwards, dance students are trained carefully to pointe through demi pointe. Ankles, metatarsals, toes are stretched one by one, with knees stretched. It is essential in dancing , and if it is well done, many more movements will be easy and smooth.=)

Lisa Howell is a specialised dance physiotherapist. Here she's showing how to correctly pointe the feet slowly. The technique and exercise are to be repeated in years of training, especially if we want to dance en pointe!

Fitting Ballet Shoes

2009-03-05T13:07:00.005+08:00

source: http://www.capeziodance.com/tips/fitting_info/ballet_shoes/index.html

Ballet began as an art form under the reign of Louis XIV. Today, Ballet is the basis for many different forms of dance from lyrical to modern dance. It is also the starting point for all dancers. Ballet teaches form and technique, builds strength and develops poise and grace.
The ballet shoe is the dancer's best tool, providing support and comfort. It also allows the dancer to feel the floor making the fit of the ballet shoe extremely important. To get a correct fit, follow these guidelines:
In fitting ballet shoes, always consider the preference of both the dancer and the teacher. Remember that it is common to have different sized feet, so be sure to perform each step on each foot.
In fitting ballet shoes, always consider the preference of both the dancer and the teacher. Remember that it is common to have different sized feet, so be sure to perform each step on each foot.
1. Make sure the dancer is wearing the tights they use for dance while trying the shoes on.
2. Place the shoe over the toes and gently slide it over the heel.
3. Ask the dancer to stand flat in the shoe. Make sure the toes do not curl. If they do, you must go to the next size/width.
4. Criss-cross the drawstring and pull gently so the shoe conforms to the foot. It must fit like a second skin and must not allow for growing room.
5. Ask the dancer to pointe their foot. The heel should stay on the foot and there should not be any gaping in the width of the shoe.
6. If one shoe fits better than the other does and there is no left or right shoe, try switching the shoes.
7. Experiment with another size/width to be sure the shoe fits properly.
It is important that there is little or no room at the toes. If the toes do not reach the front of the shoe, the dancer cannot articulate the foot to pointe and they cannot feel the floor. Improperly fitted shoes also make it more difficult for the dancer to learn technique. A ballet shoe that is too large may cause the dancer to curl their toes in an effort to keep the shoe on while dancing.

Sewing on Elastic
The elastic should be positioned high in the instep. This ensures a good fit at the heel.
1. Fold down the heel of the shoe until it is flat against the socklining.
2. Place a pencil mark where the fold creases closest to the binding.
3. Stitch only one side of the elastic onto the binding right below the drawstring. Be careful not to sew the elastic over the drawstring.
4. Put the shoe on the dancer and gently pull the elastic strap over the instep where it is the most comfortable.
5. Place a pencil mark where the elastic meets the binding.
6. Stitch the elastic below the drawstring being careful not to sew the elastic over it.
7. Repeat steps one through six for the other shoe.

______________________________________________________________

Please note that these procedures will fit adults more than growing kids (whose feet grow so quickly that the parents have to buy new ballet shoes always!). I will allow 1-2 inches room for kids usually.

Nevertheless, shoes that are too tight for kids are not allowed as they restrict the growth of the feet, and will cause bad habits on standing, pointing, walking, running and all stuffs. Eventually it'll lead to bad postures and even misalignments of body!

Chinese New Year Holiday Notice

2009-01-16T23:02:00.001+08:00

Dear students/parents,

The ballet/Jazz classes remain as usual until 24 Jan (Saturday), the CNY Holiday is 25 Jan- 2 Feb. All classes will resume on 3 Feb (Tuesday) .

Wish you gong xi fa cai , a prosperous ' moo~moo~' year!

Last but not least, thanks so much for your generous support to our new studio since then=)

Happy new year,
Choo Ting

Replacement announcement

2009-01-12T18:32:00.003+08:00

Dear Students/parents,

The grade 1 class of this coming Saturday (17 Jan) will be replaced on the coming Wednesday( 14 Jan), 730pm, due to holiday substitution arranged by Education Ministry.

The other classes are to be remained as usual.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Kindly regards,
Choo Ting

Modern Jazz vs New Jazz??

2009-01-02T15:23:00.014+08:00

On 1st January 2009 (the first day of the year!) I had an enjoyable lyrical Jazz session with passionate ladies who tasted their ever first Jazz experience too. The class consisted of warm-up, stretching, basic techniques, Jazz moves, free enchainment and cool-down. I was happy that most of you showed much courage to stretch up your limbs and move your bodies with me, and most importantly, many smiles on your pretty faces.=)

There were some questions from you after class: Is this New Jazz? Is it what you're teaching here at Peace Studio?

Jazz actually has been very popular in Us, Europe, Australia, Singapore and western countries. It actually started as African-american Jazz, much based on ballet techniques. However, with time being, it slowly blends many modern dance techniques and some hip-hop movements. In addition to new elements of choreographies, Modern Jazz becomes the new term of Jazz Dance. Please refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_dance.

To be frank, I didn't know about New Jazz until recent.=p Ok, I did little research about it online as my homework. New Jazz started in Taiwan , as MTV dance. It corporates mostly hip-hop movements. The local New Jazz teachers are mostly trained in Taiwan or follow Taiwan dance system , if I'm not wrong (pls correct me). Some of you might be interested to search about it in youtube.

My training started in Ballet and modern dance, Advanced Jazz was one of my subjects while in Lasalle College of the Arts (Singapore). The teacher is an American guy from Costa Rica, so the knowledge and training of mine are of the American Jazz stream. After I started teaching, CSTD Modern Jazz syllabus (Australia) caught my attention with its creative movements, scientific & systematic structure and interesting choreographies. In CSTD Modern Jazz system, the students are to be trained in terms of techniques, artistry and all dancing skills. Sometimes I also choreograph short dance pieces to let students experience more, other than just exam works. Ballet techniques are incorporated in the class, however turn-out is not stressed as much as Ballet. Muscles strengthening and stretching are compulsory as they provide students more ability and flexibility to dance better!

Alright, I think I have been nagging enough here. Hopefully this helps you with the question of Modern Jazz and New Jazz.=)

Can adults learn ballet?

2008-12-24T10:36:00.009+08:00

There have been ladies asking me if it is too late to learn ballet after certain of age, especially adults.

Am I too old? Am I too fat? Am I too stiff? Am I too slow?

Why?It is always not too late to learn anything, nobody is perfect too.

Adult ballet offers artistic joys of dancing classical ballet, while developing elements of grace, flexibility, strength and posture. It is also a good choice for those who wish to shape up and get fit, as dancing provides both elements of fitness and artistry.

There's a blog I want to recommend to all ladies who are interested in adult ballet but hesitate...... really admire her courage and consistence in ballet. =)

輕舞胖恐龍 - 成人芭蕾 Adult Ballet

Pre-school Dance (3 & 4 years old)

2008-12-11T13:55:00.004+08:00

Pre-school dance is an enjoyable way for young kids to channel their energy, develop physical skills, stimulate imagination and promote creativity. The aim of this course is to enhance the benefits of creative movements and also introduce dance in a fun way. The class works with a combination of a theme, movements with basic dance techniques, music and story telling. Here, kids are encouraged to bring their favourite dolls/toys, which act as their best friends participating the class and sharing the joys.

CATS Musical at Esplanade Theatre

2008-12-04T11:25:00.010+08:00

source:http://www.sistic.com.sg

The producers who brought you the sell-out season of The Phantom of the Opera return with a superb international production of CATS, starring one of theatre’s finest performers, Delia Hannah! CATS is quite simply a phenomenon. With magnificent music composed by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, including the poignant hit song “Memory”, an imaginative set, inspired choreography and stunning costumes, CATS is a brilliant song and dance spectacular not to be missed as it makes a triumphant return to Singapore. CATS is the best-known and best-loved musical the world has ever known, holding the record of the longest-running musical in West End history having played for 21 years. In addition CATS played 18 years on Broadway and has been presented in over twenty-six countries, in about three hundred cities, in ten languages. CATS first opened in London in May 1981 to rave reviews and went on to win a record-breaking number of awards worldwide including two Olivier Awards for ‘Musical of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Musicals’, and seven Tony Awards.

DATE:10 Apr - 3 May 2009 Tue - Fri, 8pmSat, 2pm & 8pmSun, 2pm & 7pm
DURATION:Approx 2 hrs 45 mins (including 20 mins interval)
VENUE:Esplanade Theatre
TICKET PRICE (Exclude Booking Fee)Tue-Thur & Sun Evening ShowsStandard - S$140, S$120, S$95, S$70, S$160 (VIP Box), S$140 (Box B & G), S$120 (Box B-G), S$40 (Restricted View)Gala (14 Apr), Fri & Sat Evening, Sat & Sun Matinee ShowsStandard - S$150, S$130, S$110, S$85, S$170 (VIP Box), S$150 (Box B & G), S$130 (Box B-G), S$40 (Restricted View)

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One of the greatest musicals I've watched! Best Jazz moves among all, not to mention the costumes and sets. Well, gotta save money and look for discounts...

Better book it fast, anyone. Singaporeans just love musicals and there won't be S$40 tickets left soon...hehehe

The Nutcracker by Singapore Dance Theatre

2008-11-21T16:31:00.010+08:00

source: http://www.singaporedancetheatre.com/performance/2008/nutcracker.asp

12 to 13, 17 to 20 December 2008Esplanade Theatre8 pm

In this enchanting fairytale ballet that is set in a joyous Christmas’s eve occasion, The Nutcracker is a light-hearted tale of adventure and courage featuring Clara and her adventures after she receives a beautifully-crafted nutcracker doll from Dr Drosselmeyer.

At the stroke of midnight, the Nutcracker doll comes alive and comes to her rescue when her room is invaded by an army of rats. The King Rat is defeated by the Nutcracker Doll, and The Nutcracker is transformed into a Prince. The Nutcracker Prince then treats Clara to a magical journey through the Kingdom of Sweets, where she is enchanted with sights of Spain, France, Istanbul, Russia, China and Holland and later greeted by the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

With an alternating cast of 200 dancers dressed in colourful costumes, fascinating projections, an animated backdrop and stage sets for the enthralling scenes of Land of Snow, Kingdom of Sweets, and more, this mega-production promises to be a spectacular Christmas treat for the entire family.

Ticket Prices: $48, $68, $88, $108, $138 (VIP box)

Available at:
All SISTIC outlets; SISTIC Hotline: 6348-5555 and SISTIC website: http://www.sistic.com.sg/, SDT office at 6338-0611 or ticketing@singaporedancetheatre.com as well as at the door on performance nights.

_____________________________________________

This is the new version of The Nutcracker choreographed by SDT's residential choreographer Jeffery Tan. Personally I've watched the original Petipa version, Bejart version, some contemporary version ( I can't remember which one), Royal Ballet version, and about 5 years ago another version of SDT. Love this ballet music forever! The Nutcracker is quite a good choice for ballet lovers, or those never watch ballet before, very much suitable to celebrate a deariest Xmas!

FAQ about dance courses...

2008-11-18T17:51:00.005+08:00

What is ballet? Why learn ballet?
Ballet is a classical dance form originated from Europe, it started as a court dance but eventually developed into a performing arts in theatre. It’s the most important dance training in the world, as ballet gives the most scientific, strictest ，systematic, and well-rounded training. （ie Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker）

What is modern Jazz? Why learn Jazz?
Modern Jazz is the most popular and entertaining Jazz form nowadays. It blends classical Jazz, broadway, modern, ballet and hip-hop together. Students learn not only dance with techniques but also with their unique personal styles. Learning modern Jazz provides dance training with strict routine and fun. Usually ballet training is added in class. (ie High School Musical, Cats, Hairspray)

Benefits of learning dance?
Dance improves 1) body posture 2) body co-ordination and flexibility 3) musicality 4) confidence with oneself 5) relationships with others 6) self-disciplines 7) could be a good life-long hobby

What are RAD and CSTD?
RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) is dance examination board from England, and CSTD (Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing) from Australia. They both are international recognized dance examination systems. The grading and marking system are very much similar. The students who wish to pass the exam must learn the syllabus and show good performance. Their professional certificates help students in pursuing a career in dance or dance teaching.

Do you send students for exams?
Students who achieve at least 80% of attendance and perform excellent in classes will be encouraged to take external exams. Those who don’t fulfill the requirement might progress to the next grade according by teacher’s opinions.

Kids learn ballet will walk with turn-out?
Turn-out is the most important part in the training. However we never teach students to walk turn-out in their everyday life. They are encouraged to walk in good posture and natural parallel legs.

Will their legs get thick?
Students will gain strong and lean muscles with correct and strict dance training. Teacher will give correct instructions to students. Students who work correctly and hard will no gain extra bulk muscles around their legs.

Studio Address and Information

2008-11-15T14:50:00.020+08:00

I'm opening classes of ballet and modern Jazz at Skudai, Johor Bahru. Kids from 3 years old onwards are eligible for enrollment. CSTD and RAD syllabi will be conducted, with combination of free enchainment and body conditioning (muscles strengthening & stretching).There will be classes for adults also.

Address:

Peace Studio

113B Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2 Taman Sutera Utama81300 Skudai Johor (Johor Bahru, Bukit Indah, Nusa Bestari)

tel: 07 554 9478/019 7700495

Please call for enquiries and a free trial class. They also have a very nice website:http://www.ompeace.com.my/

芭蕾舞有關内側肌的迷思...?

2008-11-09T23:23:00.004+08:00

芭蕾舞是一門需要教師嚴格督導，無法獨自閉門造車的藝術。在初學的漫長養成期中，教師的良莠決定了學生基礎技術的穩固與否，也決定其對芭蕾技術理論的體會程度。在身體認知方面，芭蕾教師所具備的生理解剖學知識及相關資訊，更是深深地影響著學生對芭蕾舞，甚至其他舞蹈形式的理論與技術的認知與發展，因此關係重大。台灣沒有專業的芭蕾舞學校，只有坊間的舞蹈社、中小學裡的舞蹈班、和大專院校裡的舞蹈科系，在這些訓練機構中，芭蕾舞只是必學的舞蹈技巧之一；但對每個學舞的學生而言，芭蕾舞確實是很重要的基礎養成訓練。因此，任何來自教師的錯誤訊息都將對學生造成誤導，進而影響其學習成效。台灣芭蕾舞教學裡最常見的，也是最明顯的盲點便是對「內側肌」的認知與使用的誤解；而造成此種誤解的最主要原因在於芭蕾教師們對生理解剖學知識的普遍缺乏，和人云亦云、不求甚解的思考模式。首先，我們必須知道「內側肌」何之所以受到如此多的關注，是由於芭蕾舞技術對「外開」（法文的En dehors或英文的Turn-out）的嚴格要求。這個動作關係著芭蕾舞美學「肢體向外呈放射性延伸才是美」的訴求，也是芭蕾舞五個基本腳位置的技術理論基礎。「外開」的最高理想是「身」、「心」都向外展開延伸，但「心」是否達到外開的理想，大部份得靠天賦與個人感受體會，「身」的外開才是訓練的重點，不但因為它顯而易見，更因為它是技術學習成敗的關鍵。「身」的「外開」又分為上半身與下半身，其中下半身比上半身困難。上半身的「外開」包括頭頸的上延、胸腔的擴張、和手臂的外展，由於生理構造的關係，比較容易達到要求；困難的部分在於下半身的腿部。如何正確地使用腿部肌肉，以達到「外開」的目的和要求，便是「內側肌」被誤解與誤用的緣起。正確的腿部「外開」應該「由上而下」：靠肌力把腿部由髖關節處向外扭轉，而不是「由下而上」：藉腳底與地面的磨擦力固定雙腳尖朝外的目的。這道理大部份學過芭蕾舞的人都被告知過，不清楚的是到底是用哪裡的肌肉？如何使用？關於這個問題，一般人的思考邏輯是：既然腿部的「外開」是顯露腿的內側部分，那當然是用「內側肌」了。再者，既要外開，又得延伸腿部，那當然是「延長腿部內側肌」了。乍聽之下似乎有理，其實呢？完全錯誤。這觀念的誤謬來自於對於人體的肌肉名稱、位置、和運動方式的不瞭解。首先，人體解剖學裡並沒有「內側肌」一詞，最接近的也只有「股內側肌」（Vastu medialis），或「內收長肌」（Adductor longus）、「內收短肌」（Adductor brevis）、與「內收大肌」（Adductor magnus）。但這些肌肉都位於膝關節上方，並未包括小腿部分，與一般所指的「腿部內側肌肉」有些出入。因此，由解剖學的角度來看，「內側肌」也只能解釋成是一種俗稱，一種人體概括性的部位肌肉概念。
其次，就肌肉運動方式而言，企圖去「延長」內側肌則錯得更離譜。因為肌肉跟本不可能隨意延伸，只能收縮。這個錯誤很可能是來自對所謂「隨意肌」這個名稱所產生的誤解。人體肌肉由其受意志控制與否大致可分為「隨意肌」與「不隨意肌」兩大類：一般日常動作（包括舞蹈動作）由於可由意志控制，用到的是「隨意肌」；內臟的收縮蠕動由於無法由意志控制，所以屬「不隨意肌」。顧名思義，既然是「隨意」，那當然可以要長就長，要短就短，要用哪裡的肌肉就用哪裡的肌肉了。其實不然：「隨意肌」雖然是「隨意」，它們卻無法百分之百依照意志做動作，比方說，它們就無法隨意延長，只能收縮及放鬆：由緊張縮短的狀態回到放鬆時的長度。若欲達到延伸肌肉，使之比其休息時更長的要求，必須靠外力來完成。這裡所指的外力包括地心引力和身體其他部分的肌肉及關節移動造成的拉力。也許有人會問：既然肌肉的運動方式只限於收縮（變短）與放鬆（回到原來長度），無法隨意伸長，那人體又如何在這種限制下，完成那麼多精細巧妙的動作？答案是肌肉與肌肉間的「抗拮」與「協調」。所謂「抗拮」是指位於動作相反方向的肌肉，為了達到特定的動作，當主作用肌或主作用肌群（Prime mover muscles）收縮時，反方向的肌肉或肌群（稱抗拮肌或抗拮肌群 Antagonist muscles）就必須放鬆；反之，當反方向的肌肉收縮時，正方向的肌肉就必須放鬆。此種一緊一鬆，一收一放的過程，需要中樞神經傳出清析的訊號，更需要末稍神經，及佈滿末稍神經的隨意肌之間的緊密配合，方能使動作精準而有效率，這便是「協調」的重要性。例如，股四頭肌（Quadriceps）和大腿後肌（Hamstrings）在膝蓋關節伸張與屈曲上為相互抗拮：欲伸張膝蓋則股四頭肌收縮，大腿後肌放鬆；反之，要屈曲膝蓋關節則大腿後肌收縮，股四頭肌放鬆。否則，股四頭肌與大腿後肌正反兩方同時用力的結果是：兩邊肌肉群相互對抗，相互拉扯，彼此抵消，動彈不得。這種處於彼此抗拮，又必須相互協調的運動方式，是人體肌肉運作的一大特色，也是欲瞭解身體局部肌肉運動方向時必須注意的要點。在瞭解肌肉運動方式之後，再來檢視芭蕾舞腿部的外開所使用的肌肉群。正確的外開位置應在髖關節，而不是膝關節或踝關節。由於肌肉只能收縮，因此負責把大腿內側在髖關節處向外翻轉的，一定不是「內側肌」；而是與之相抗拮的，腿部外側與後側的肌肉。因為當外轉肌肉群經由收縮而把股骨（大腿骨）向外扭轉時，與之抗拮的股骨內側肌肉群必須放鬆；也就是說，在大腿外開的過程中，由於「抗拮」原理，大腿內側肌肉群能夠幫得上忙的，就是不要收縮，以免造成反效果。因此，欲達到最有效的外開，不應把注意力集中在「內側肌」，而是與之相抗拮的，分佈在大腿前、外側，和臀部的肌肉群。負責外轉股骨的主作用肌為「六條深層外轉肌」（Six deep lateral rotator muscles）。這六條肌肉的起始位在薦骨下方三分之二處、坐骨後側、及股骨頸後面；終止位則在股骨的大轉子及其後方。而股骨外轉的「協同肌」（Synergist muscles 指協助主作用肌完成動作的輔助肌）則包括了位於股骨前方外側，股四頭肌之一的「股外側肌」（Vastus lateralis）、由髖骨斜行而下至髕骨（膝關骨）內側的縫匠肌（Sartorius）、及臀部表層的臀大肌（Gluteus maximus）、臀部次深層的「臀中肌」（Gluteus medius muscles）、以及股骨後方的外側股二頭肌（Biceps femoris）。另外，在腿部由側面外展情況下向身體中心線內移（Adduction）過程中，內側短肌（Adductor brevis muscle）和內收大肌（Adductor magnus muscle）也有協同外轉股骨的功能。這是唯有兩條位於股骨內側的而又有助於外開的「內側肌」，但其作用也僅止於腿部在內移（併腿）的過程中。

由於這些外轉肌肉群有些被覆蓋於其他肌肉的下方（如「六條深層外轉肌」及「臀中肌」），外表不易分辨察覺，更無法觸摸得到。

在芭蕾教學上，既使教師具備了正確的知識，也常有無法讓學生確實知道其位置，進而正確使用它們的困擾。一般常用的提示詞是「屁股夾緊」。此一用法雖然大約正確地指出了外轉肌肉群的位置，但也常導致學生因夾緊臀部而使動作變得僵硬，下半身失去靈活的缺點。比較恰當的說法是「以兩條腿為軸，薦骨為使力點，把臀部像兩扇門一樣向外打開」。此種意像不但可以清楚地指出外轉肌肉群的正確位置，也可以避免因夾緊臀部而導致動作僵硬的後果。當然，教師們可視學生年齡、經驗而找出更適合學生程度、更易被理解的比喻在課堂上使用。總之，「外開」是芭蕾舞技術最根本的基礎，也是芭蕾舞美學的一種境界，而正確地「外開」用的，絕對不是「內側肌」，而是與之相抗拮的「後外側肌肉群」。一個優秀芭蕾舞的教師必須具備正確的人體解剖學知識，才能有效地訓練出技術規範的學生；而台灣的芭蕾舞教師們也唯有透過瞭解肌肉特性與正確「外開」肌肉群的位置，才能共同來化解、去除流傳廣泛久遠，有關「內側肌」的誤謬與迷思，使台灣的芭蕾舞教育更加科學，更加有效率。

作者：陳德海參考文獻：
舞蹈應用生理解剖學郭志輝著五南圖書出版公司

Why learn dance?

2008-11-07T17:01:00.004+08:00

I started to learn ballet since 5 years old, at a ballet studio which appeared to be the only one in Johor Bahru. I still remember my teachers taught me how to pointe my feet, how to run on my toes, how to keep my fat belly in and to stand really really straight, like a ' princess'. But I never thought myself as a princess, at times the classes were confusing for me because I was Chinese educated. In the kindergarten, I was always chosen to be the one dancing in the first row. Well I guess the ballet training sort of helped a little bit so that I stood out in a bunch of kids.

During my teens, I was lucky enough to join the school dance club, which provided me several opportunities to dance on stage. The passion and interest of being a dancer started to grow in me.

After finishing the secondary school education, in conflict of my mom's expectation, I turned down the engineering course of the university, instead, went studying dance full time at Lasalle College of the Arts, with a dance scholarship. At first, I had a huge hard time physically and emotionally. The ballet lecturers were telling me the foundation of my ballet techniques was not good enough. In addition to the restriction of my body structure, I had to work really really hard to overcome all boundaries. At the peak of my crazy schedule, I took 4 technique classes (6 hours) everyday, with combination of theory classes and night rehearsals with a local contemporary dance company.

Fortunately the teachers and guest lecturers had been giving me encouragement and compliments on my progress and improvement. My friends who featured me in their choreographies also allowed me a great flexibility to show personal characteristics and artistry . After performing in several productions, I eventually realised the real joyfulness of dancing is not just techniques or exam, IT IS TO DANCE, TO PERFORM, TO SHOW OFF YOURSELF!

In between of these years, many obstacles and difficulties have come across: back-stabbing among dancers, politics among dance teachers, break-ups with boyfriends, chronic ankle injuries, financial constraints, physiquel fatigue, emotion break down, unfamiliarity with the outside world...However, I still keep myself carrying on, even after a couple of breaks. The wonderful memories of dancing is still always in my mind, no matter how. Even though I no longer dance full time, it is a great happiness to see my students sharing the same joyfulness as I did.

Now, as a teacher, I sincerely hope all my students experience the joy of dancing. Gain good techniques, expressive performing skills, high confidence, excellent musicality, and most importantly, FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELVES!

Classical Ballet

2008-11-07T15:18:00.002+08:00

Classical ballet is the most formal of the ballet styles, as it adheres to to traditional ballet techniques. Various traditional styles of ballet in the world: Russian, Italian, French, Italian, Danish, English.

The most unique features of classical ballet are turn-out, extension of the feet, pointe work, pulled-up body posture and elegance. Students receive proper training on turn-out from the hips, and will achieve greater turn-out even 180 degree after years of training. Extensions of legs, ankles, spine, arms are repeatedly stressed in everyday class, students gain strong lean muscles and beautiful body posture since the day one of their training.

The structure of class is always : warm-up, barre work, stretching, center, turns, jumps, enchainments and body conditioning. However this is up to the styles of teaching/school accordingly.

Pointe work is usually introduced to students who achieve a high standard of techniques, and have at least 3-5 years of serious ballet training. It is dangerous to put students who have unsatisfactory technical skills and poor strength, en pointe.

The most famous romantic/classical ballets are La Sylphide, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, La Bayadere etc. However, nowadays there are also many modern and contemporary ballets which mold classical ballet techniques into more modernized choreographies.

The Pre-grades: Preliminary & Junior Jazz Awards

2008-11-07T11:21:00.003+08:00

Preliminary 1 & 2 (5-6 yrs old)

In Preliminary, kids are introduced to simple Jazz steps such as skip, bounces, knee-bops. They will learn how to incorporate their moves with rhythms of music, and show personal expressions throughout their dancing.

Kids are encouraged to enjoy dance in the very beginning of their learning journey, since this is the most important spirit of Jazz!

Junior Jazz Awards (7 -8yrs old)

Here kids start to learn more complicated and demanding techniques such as turn,big jumps. They also have to present a solo dance during the examination, in where they are expected to show great unique personal styles. In this grade, they are exposed to basic ballet techniques too in preparation for their progress towards higher grades.

Modern Jazz

2008-11-07T10:45:00.002+08:00

CSTD Modern Jazz is a whole new Jazz dance education system introduced in 2004, catering kids to adults. It not only introduces basic Jazz techniques but also incorporates many Jazz moves of styles, ie ballet, broadway, contemporary, hip hop. It emphasizes strong techniques and unique personal styles, whereas students are encouraged to express their own individual interpretations always.

From the beginning grades onwards, students are to be taught basic ballet techniques also, in preparation to cope with higher demand of Jazz moves. They will be guided to do a series of muscle strengthening and stretching exercises which help them dance with greater ability.

This new system particularly suits today's young kids and adults, especially most of the music are the hittest pop songs.

The four E's...

2008-11-06T23:23:00.002+08:00

Dance is a graceful disciplined art, but it is also Expression, Education, Encouragement and Enjoyment. With us, your child will experience the "four E's"...

Expression...

We believe that when a child learns to dance they must also express something of themselves. We aim to develop the personality in your children and teach them how to present themselves, as well as musical expression. Besides ballet steps they will learn how to tell a familiar story in dance and to express their own culture as well as that of others through dance.

Education...

We want your children to understand what they are doing and why and how their body is working to achieve this. From day one they will learn that every step and position has a name and these can be joined together in many different ways.

Encouragement...

Whether in class, in the examination room or on the stage, we believe in the importance of encouraging your children to give to the best of their own ability, and assessment is based on their own personal achievement. Every child is an individual and what may be easy for one may be milestone for another. We recognise this and give praise where it is due and constructive criticism where it is needed.
Enjoyment...

Children should enjoy learning to dance beyond just moving to the music. While there are many different exercises that must be practiced first, these are varied so that each week the class will be a little different. A child who is stimulated will learn more readily and perform better. We want your child to leave class with a sense of achievement and come back next week ready to achieve more.

The Pre-grades: Pre-ballet & Primary Ballet

2008-11-06T22:20:00.005+08:00

Pre-ballet (5-6 yrs old)

This is to prepare students for ballet techniques following in the Grades. Children also learn to mime, which developes into self-expression.

It is an introduction to the examination room in the form of a Performance Test, and to build confidence in the child.

Primary Ballet (7-8 yrs old)

Here children learn to listen to and to recognise different rhythms in music, which will develop into musicality in their dancing. It ives them the ability to feel the movement and to dance with freedom and enjoyment.