Yaho! I’m back with more Chingay 2010 behind-the-scenes goodies!!!!! Here’s the rehearsal of the Japanese Association of Singapore! Enjoy the video. We had much fun filming and editing this video (:

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