Yaho! I’m back with MORE behind-the-scenes footage! This time, it’s more than the Chingay rehearsals; we poked slightly deeper into things and took a little peek into the usual routine of one of the choreographers for Chingay 2010’s Japanese Association of Singapore item – Koike Keiko Sensei!

She has a dance school called Keiko Dancing Mates, or KDM for short. They are actually Japanese homemakers who have a passion and love for dancing, and decided to join dance to spice up their lives a tad, and through KDM, they had a chance to take part in Chingay!

When we went there, they were fervently practising their cool MTV hipohop moves. It’s amazing how Keiko Sensei can so carefreely yet sharply execute her dance steps. She’s always smiling and cheerfully and willingly cleaning up the moves. I was noticing her as she watched her students dance, she had such a focused look on her face as she watched every single one of her students execute the moves. She’s has the serious yet fun aura. One would totally enjoy Keiko Sensei’s groove and cafefree countenance and also count on her for doing her job to the best it can be done. SUCH PROFESSIONALISM!!!!

I really enjoyed my 2h there watching them dance. The ladies really put their all into nailing the choreography. In that short 2h that we were there, I saw awesome improvement! They really showed what it meant to be focused and improve. That, I really admire. And to make me fall in love with them even more, they were EXTREMELY hospitable and friendly! I really didn’t want to leave their company!

And one of the ladies brought her adorable baby Yusui for the practice, and I had the privilege to carry him! He was soo adorable I felt like pinching his cheeks! Haha in the end he found a new toy – my necklace, and kind of refused to let go of it. How adorable….

In any case, most of the ladies were also part of Chingay. And it made me salute them more – motherhood, dance, Chingay… How do they do it??? Well, they nailed it.

Chingay’s TOMORROW!!!!
I’m STOKED!! Are you???

Myokii

When we went to film the JAS during their practice, the first thing that struck me was their dedication and hard work. When Takahashi Sensei and Keiko Sensei gave their instructions, they attentively listened and practised till they executed the steps the way they were supposed to. They were a bunch of serious people who knew how to have fun. In their attitude of being teachable, they were still able to laugh and have fun mingling with each other and enjoy moments with each other.

It was heartwarming to see Japanese and Singaporean men, women, children and teens come together to rehearse for a Singaporean event. There was even an Australian lady, Wendy, who married a Japanese and stayed in Japan for 20 years, and then migrated to Singapore, and now she’s taking part in her 2nd Chingay. I found it extremely intriguing that someone with such a rich life experience living in diverse cultures is participating in a “foreign” parade.

My favourite parts were the Men doing their fan and hankerchief dance with such vigour and enthusiasm. (: it was nice to see everyone putting in their best effort to make this item work. They gathered to check their steps with each other and Takahashi Sensei.

I found it super cute that the ladies who weren’t part of the dance lent their support by cheering at the HEY HEY HEY HEY! parts. (: I absolutely LOVE the cheering bits. I subsequently found myself cheering along with them. HAHA.

I also particularly liked the Bamboo dance, choreographed by Keiko Sensei, a real cool lady with a kickass attitude that exudes an amazing aura. The kids and dancers who were part of this item were just enjoying themselves with this cool dance. They adhered closely to Keiko Sensei’s cleaning up of their steps. There were these 2 boys who caught my attention because they were so good at the tossing and catching of the bamboo stick! Everyone was really awesome at the tossing and catching of Bamboo sticks, but they kind of caught my eye (:

The song was stuck in my head even after the rehearsals. I absolutely love this cheerful song!! Even after the shoot, for days I found myself humming this song. HAHA. Even until now. (:

Next up, some sneaks into the activities of Keiko Dancing Mates – Keiko Sensei’s dance school!

Myokii

Yaho! It’s time for some Tampines GRC samba!

The Tampines GRC’s umbrella dance never fails to brighten up my night. This contingent is huge! You should see them in their full costume – white and gold. Magnificent. But I shall not spoil the surprise for you – watch them on the actual day!

There’s this particular lady I’ve noticed who’s super enthusiastic about the umbrella dance. Every time she dances past me, she’s always mouthing “1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8″, and her expression is always one full of smiles and passion for the festival. Watching her trying hard to follow the steps just makes me feel like grabbing an umbrella and joining in myself.

And the dance leader of this contingent is ever so patient (bystander’s point of view). He’s always helping them with the counts and actions, making sure they have someone to follow lest the participants get lost or something. awesome.

Everytime I interview people regarding Chingay they tell me that it’s “Fun!”, and really, by watching Tampines GRC throughout this Samba party journey, I can see that “FUN” comes from their hearts as everybody swings to the couple dance. (:

Rock on, Tampines GRC!!!!

Myokii

This bunch of elderly folks brought nothing but joy and love into my few hours at the rehearsal. Their colourful hand-made costumes stand out from a mile away. But what was brighter than all that was their smiles and joy. Joining Chingay has been an exciting journey for them. It may be tiring, but this never-say-die bunch of feisty uncles and aunties automatically take 20 years off their age with their optimistic outlook on life and Active Ageing Activities.

When I interviewed them casually (with my broken Mandarin) during the second Chingay Samba Party rehearsal just to get soundbites, I was taken aback by their enthusiasm in Chingay and participation in the Centre’s activities. They had one unanimous voice- they were very grateful to the centre for organizing activities for them, and through that getting to join Chingay. It was extremely heartwarming to hear them tell me so much and so passionately about AME college.

It was really a joy talking and chatting with them. I just have a thing for old people. Watching them wave to the crowd in their flashy costumes with such pride and honour, dancing a few rounds round the field in PA HQ despite their age, it really melts my heart. Watching them even makes me feel younger.

All they way, AME!!!!

Myokii

I’d like to describe them in one word: Excellent. In every aspect. I guess that’s one of the traits the E in “Eurasian” stands for.

Every group has its strengths, and I reckon one of the strengths in the Eurasian Association Contingent has definitely got to be their unity because of their uniqueness. This contingent actually comprises the members of the Eurasian Association and student participants from St Theresa’s Convent and St Joseph’s Institute. It was the first two Samba Party rehearsals and all the participants were still getting a hang of the whole Samba business, the EA participants were still putting in their best, doing what they could. The student participants were doing the actions enthusiastically, including the SJI boys.

The dance leader Sarah Conceicao just exudes this cool aura that screams, “come everyone, follow me, I know what to do.” Watch her work it yo!

If I could summarize the Chingay experience in a line, I’d quote Chingay Dance coordinator of the Eurasian Association Ms Lanette Conceicao’s sincere words [yes, you might've noticed a commonality between her and Sarah, Lanette's Sarah's mum!] : “Very tiring but fun, as always!” I interviewed her as she was dancing the round around the field, and she kindly accepted my interview with a smile that beamed pure enjoyment. Haha my handheld mic was blocking her way as I was desperately wracking my brains thinking of something slightly more intelligent to ask, and I figured that THE question wasn’t coming, so I’d better get my mic out of the way… And rest assured I did.

Watch out for more to come on the Chingay 2010 behind-the-scenes!

Myokii

Yaho! This is Chingay 2010’s New Corner! Actually it’s the Behind-the-Scenes series. C’mon, say “how lucky I get to watch this! It’s behind-the-scenes!”. Good. I’ll be doing posting updates of various groups’ behind-the-scenes, documenting them through the Chingay journey. Watch them as they grow as dancers, as a contingent, and as Singaporeans (:

Chingay 2010 Samba Party Rehearsal
9 January 2010 [the first Samba Party rehearsal]

LIONS, ROAR!

The Lions Club. They never fail to impress me. EVERY SINGLE TIME i see them, they are ALWAYS smiling. No matter how many times they’ve danced round the field and how much they’ve perspired, they’re always happy and smiling, enthusiastically waving their purple handkerchiefs, beaming with pride in their bright vests.

And if it’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s that leadership is REALLY important. The Lions Clubs have an extremely encouraging leadership. This is purely from an outsider’s point of view, but the leaders never seem tired though they may be, and they’re always verbally cheering the rest of the contingent on.

The emcee screams “Lions! ROAR!!!!” and the whole contingent cheers. (:
They may not be like professional Samba dancers, but they really try their very best to get the group choreography. After all this was the very first Samba Party rehearsal. (: But even though it was the first rehearsal, they were extremely cheerful and they were totally enjoying the moments.

Watch out for more on… the Chingay 2010 behind-the-scenes series!!!!

Coming up soon we have… the cool dudes and dudettes from the Eurasian Association!!!

Myokii

Chingay 2010
16 January 2010
People’s Association Headquarters

The name of this record already deserves a Record – “The Largest Simultaneous Display of Original Hand-Painted Art Banners at a Public Building”. Awesome, right? I know. I was awed myself.

It was quite a spectacular sight, though – to have had so many banners draped over the People’s Association’s corridors. Well, the spectacle was so wide that even with a wide-angle lens, I had to stand right at the furthest point of the track in order to catch a nice wide-shot of the unfurling of banners. Even then, the people standing on long tables and benches on the right side of the field facing the building had to be cut off the frame (it was THAT wide.)

But the fun came before and after the actual event – the Samba Party rehearsals! To have about 2000 people gathered in the PA HQ rehearsing for the Samba segment of Chingay. People from all walks of life, young and old. Everyone was enjoying themselves. The participants were asked to gather in the middle of the field to witness the record-setting event – they probably could’ve added another line to the title to make it “The Largest Simultaneous Display of Original Hand-Painted Art Banners at a Public Building Witnessed by more than 2340 People”, why not?

My favourite part was the part where the native Brazilian Samba queen was dancing on a platform, and the energy level just shot up to a maximum. The people were cheering and clapping, even Mr Fan was into the moment, dancing with her. It was the perfect energy pumper to hype up the crowd for the BannerArt event. Awesome. The festival spirit was truly present.

I can’t wait for the actual Samba Party on the 30th of January. If the rehearsals are this fun, I can’t wait for the PARTYYYYYYY~~~~ every single rehearsal I feel like Samba-ing along. But I can’t, cos of the wires and mic and bags, etc etc etc I have to handle. Dang. But I coouldn’t help skipping to the beat whenever I had a small little chance. (:

Till next time!
Myokii

Check out our Chingay 2010 TV Commercial!

When I saw it, I was shocked at how grand and awesome Chingay looked last year – well cos all I’ve been seeing is the rehearsals without frills.
I can’t wait for the actual day!! Yippee!!

Myokii

I’m back with more updates!

The Chingay Mini Parade 2010 was held along Orchard Road, stretching from Ion Orchard all the way to Meritus Mandarin. The crowd was intrigued by the Star Wars characters, the Cosplay dudes, the stilt walkers, the drummers and the cultural dancers. Initially they just followed the parade down Orchard because they were curious. By the time the parade made 4 pitstops along the way and ended up outside Meritus Mandarin, the crowd had already warmed up to the parade.

It was extremely heartwarming to see the crowd just joining in the fun and Samba-ing away freely without fear of criticism whatsoever. The atmosphere was so lively, happy and open that it just drew the bystanders in to party and have fun. My favourite moment was the time when a Japanese tourist joined in the fun – she had absolutely no idea what Chingay was, but she said that it was so fun that she just wanted to join in and dance. And she saw a little girl among the dancers, and started holding her hand and dancing with her. There was this Singaporean lady who just let her hair down and samba-ed so well, and the bystanding shoppers just happily joined in. The sight was just spectacular. Never in my LIFE would I have been able to imagine Singaporeans joining in a public parade. Gee, Singaporeans are not as passive as I perceived.

There was a cute Malay uncle next to me who was so enticed by the whole festivity that he was bobbing up and down according to the rhythm, so I encouraged him to join in, but he shyly said no, and continued bobbing up and down. How cute. (: Oh and the nicest thing was the unspoken collaboration and chemistry between the Orchard Road buskers and the Chingay drummers who were bringing on the Samba beat. The buskers were so livened up by the spirited Mini Chingay Parade that they contributed to the music! The keyboardist lent a tune and the singer played the tambourine while the drummers played along. And together they provided a wonderful joyous piece of music for everyone to dance to.

The People’s Association staff and Chingay organisers, the members of the public, the Chingay dancers, tourists; EVERYONE was dancing together.

If I didn’t have a million cables, a microphone and a camera bag draping over me, I’d have Samba-ed till morning with them. The atmosphere was something else I tell you. I’m not trying to promote anything, but I am confident that Chingay this year will be different from previous years. Somehow, I feel it in my fingers and toes. If a skeptic like me can be moved beyond words, anything can happen.

I’m looking forward to the Full Dress Rehearsal on the 6th of January.

TILL THEN!!!

I’m getting excited about Chingay already, strangely. HAHA.

This is cool.

Myokii

Yaho~! This is Myokii and I’ll be covering the behind-the-scenes of Chingay – the rehearsals, the previews and things that you don’t usually get to see on TV! I’ll be giving some of my thoughts on Chingay 2010 and how it’s coming along so far! So follow me for new and exciting updates! I’ll be showing videos of the events so keep a lookout for them (:

The Chingay 2010 Floats Preview was held at the old People’s Association Headquarters on 19 Jan 2010 and we were given the privilege of filming it. I always had this impression that they were massively heavy and flowery thingamajigs mounted on lorries. But, other than the fact that they WERE mounted lorries, I was wrong about everything else. The floats were actually carved entirely out of STYROFOAM! We were welcomed by a beautifully carved face of an angel, followed by a herd of galloping stallions behind.

All the floats were made in the grounds of the old PA HQ – because of the abundance of available space there. The field was cluttered with Styrofoam shavings though…

OH! We met some of the dancers too! A total of 6 or 7 groups of dancers came down for the preview – all in full costume and makeup. Their dedication to this event never fails to move me. It was a normal tiring school day for some of them – especially the dudes and dudettes from NUS Kent Ridge Hall. And yet they came all smiles in full make up and costume – dressed as adorable bright coloured beetles, Hansel & Gretel-kalike characters to match their float of giant teapots and massive mechanical doughnuts and sweets!


I took a close look at the colourfully lit float, scrutinizing the minute details. Lots of thought and consideration went into the making and design of the float. The main structure was made of Styrofoam, but the candy boxes and doughnut toppings and such were made of well-cut-out cardboard pieces, aligned symmetrically to form pretty patterns. I just felt happy that I wasn’t the one sticking them together. It’d take me years man…

The Malay float had moving animals on it! An ape, a boar and a wolf. Call me a mountain tortoise but I was reduced to nothing more than a 5 year-old kid when I saw the moving animal float. Even one of the PA staff’s 2 year-old son (who’s UBER ADORABLE by the way) appeared more collected than I did. He just stood there and smiled when he was supposed to, as his mother took photos of him and the floats. I was just blown away by the diversity of the floats, and for a moment there I wished I was him! I mean, it really was a magnificent photo opportunity. There were many other pretty floats – the Brazilian Association, the Butterfly Lovers, the SOKA association, etc…

Well, float splendour and glory aside, by the end of the night my lungs were tainted with lorry exhaust smoke- and no, it wasn’t pleasant. An hour after Mark and I left, I could still smell the lorry exhaust in my lungs. 2 and a half hours of living in exhaust smoke is really no joke, I’m telling you. I should’ve brought my mask. Anyway I’m still alive, kicking and breathing, so it’s fine… I hope…

Next up, I’ll be covering the Mini Chingay Parade on the 23 of January.

Till next time!!!

Myokii

Emoxis, a video production company in Singapore, is filming the behind the scenes video of Chingay – Asia’s grandest street and floats parade.