2024 MGS Festival of Arts - Kizuna II

II KIZUNA

MGS FESTIVAL OF ARTS 2024

SATURDAY, 18 MAY 2024

6.30 - 9.00 PM

Specially brought to you by METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS (Drama, Indian Dance, International Dance)

KIZUNA II

that unite us, shaping our lives with strength, support, and a shared BONDS The

PRINCIPAL’S FOREWORD

Welcome to the MGS Festival of Arts, Kizuna.

As we gather tonight, we come together not only to celebrate the artistic talents of our girls but also to embrace the diversity that enriches our community. Kizuna is more than just a concert; it is a testament to the power of interconnectedness and collaboration that transcends age and backgrounds.

At the heart of Kizuna, a unique production characterised by intergenerational learning, lies beautiful synergy between generations. Through the process of learning collaboration and communication, our students, alongside seniors from the community^ have put together a multisensory experience that showcases a unity of spirit and celebrates our dynamism as one arts community.

It has been a meaningful process for our students, staff and instructors to bring Kizuna to life, and a tremendous learning experience for our girls. They learn about what it means to be a part of a collective journey in preparing for this concert. As they nurture strong friendships and ties with fellow performers, they are also energised by a shared zeal and purpose to use their unique talents and gifts in the arts to engender a spirit of hope and positivity in others.

Kizuna

^Seniors from Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Active Ageing Centres, TOUCH Community Services; Active Ageing Centre, En Community Services Society, Covenant Community Methodist Church, Barker Road Methodist Church and members of the public.

MGS PRINCIPAL

MrsValerieWilson

Our girls come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of different perspectives — in the various student-led roles they undertake as a planning committee, and in working together with the seniors, hearing their stories and witnessing the seniors’ resilience and commitment towards learning.

Kizuna is about collective trust and support that allows us to see possibilities, create and grow together as a community. Today’s production is a testament to the co-learning we have seen at MGS. Through the rehearsals and practices, our performers learn to be sensitive to and supportive of one another’s strengths and ‘yet-to-be’s. The essence of Kizuna shines through when we lean into the authenticity and vulnerability in each of us to courageously open the doors of our hearts and minds to forge close relationships and build enduring bonds.

Your presence here tonight is a cherished affirmation of our efforts to spread the spirit of interconnectedness and community in and through the arts. We hope that you will enjoy the concert as much as we have enjoyed making it possible for you.

Thank you and have a beautiful evening ahead.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

REMINISCING

Reminiscing’, a piece choreographed by Mr Dan Kwoh and inspired by the Samsui women, is affectionately known as 红头 ⼱ because of the red headgears worn by these Chinese female immigrants who came to Malaya and Singapore between the 1920s - 1940s. The dance is dedicated to these unsung heroes for their hard work, labour and sacrifices in building Singapore into the country we are today The dynamics of the piece are a representation of the ups and downs throughout the livelihoods of these Samsui Women

Throughout the preparation of this dance, remembering their constant support and care for Singaporeans have made the journey memorable and worthwhile, and encompasses a deep message that many will hold close to their heart.

THE MOON REPRESENTS MY HEART

This piece highligh of the 百纳被, a tra n the past when a or a hundred ersonally collect iends, and then ogether into a qui ieces of cloth used in total and every piece of oth represented a blessing bestowed upon the hild. During the preparation of this item, the ancers managed to engage in ntergenerational Learning, bonding with eniors as they put together their very own 百 纳被. The gentle mood of the dance piece brings out a sense of warmth and familial love, which is an essential aspect of the 百 纳 被 . As such, through the item, MGDance hopes to touch the hearts of the audience and spread awareness of this meaningful part of our history

YOU DESERVE IT ALL!

Our dance, titled “You deserve it ALL!” is set to Bruno Mars’ “Runaway Baby” and “That’s What I Like” The songs express the importance of living in the moment, a sense of spontaneity, and the enjoyment of the simpler pleasures in life, that having a good time does not necessarily require an opulent lifestyle, but instead can be found in simpler activities, which we hope to convey in our dance. The upbeat tunes of “Runaway Baby” entwined with the elegant one of “That’s What I Like” creates a dynamic dance performance, showcasing our refined yet free-spirited selves as dancers.

间 (JIAN)

“Jian” is a contemporary dance piece that explores the passage of time and the pauses between moments. Dancers embody the ebb and flow of time with fluid movement, the urgency of the present to the echoes of the past and the anticipation of the future.

The chinese character “间” is shaped like a stage, and the “⽇” in the middle represents the dancers, while the opening at the bottom is the audience. The “⻔” , which means door, also shows how the art of dance is the gateway between dancers and the audience

GATHER

This dance is about empowering girls, and it aims to celebrate the beauty of being a girl, and showcases the power that women and girls have when we come together as one. Our dance starts off showcasing the teamwork and unity within the team Following that, the dance will progress to a more powerful portion. This part displays the strength that girls have when we rally together to support one another instead of tearing each other down

Through our piece, we hope to emphasise the importance of support between women and girls, and to encourage them to have confidence in their value.

SOMEONE TO YOU

"Someone to You" expresses the importance and value of someone close and dear to you. For most of us, after forming a close-knit relationship with someone else, you would want to maintain that relationship and have a positive impact on the person's life to forge stronger bonds. Similarly, in our last official dance, the Sec 4s would like to convey how we have forged strong friendships throughout the years of blood, sweat and tears we shed together and how we have influenced and impacted one another's lives in one way or another Even after we graduate, we wish to remember how much we all meant to one another and how we will hold on to these friendships made, through MGDance, dearly and forevermore

THE SWAG

Prepare to be swept away by the electrifying energy of this dynamic performance! With every beat, the audience will find themselves drawn into the pulsating rhythm, moving in sync with the dancers on stage MGDance has skillfully infused elements of hip hop into our traditional modern contemporary repertoire, resulting in a truly oneof-a-kind spectacle that promises to captivate and inspire. This innovative fusion of styles not only showcases the versatility and creativity of our dancers but also offers a fresh and exhilarating experience for the audience, inviting everyone to witness the magic of movement and music come alive in a whole new way.

WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL

“What Makes You Beautiful” is a mass dance that brings together International Dance with Indian Dance, in an electrifying performance, introducing a fresh dance style to unite all dancers. Set to an uplifting song, it promotes self-confidence and celebrates our individual journeys of selfdiscovery. This dance incorporates dynamic choreography and infectious rhythms, the mass dance captivates hearts and leaves a lasting impression of unity and joy Serving as the grand finale, its vibrant and joyful atmosphere uplifts both performers and audience members alike, concluding the concert with a burst of positivity and energy.

DRAMA SOCIETY

THAT'S TRUE, THAT'S TRUE, THERE'S NO DENYING IT!

Transporting you to the early years of Singapore’s independence, our play mirrors the nation's journey of self-discovery and purpose. Follow a closely-knit family navigating the complexities of nation-building alongside a young woman stepping into adulthood

Drawing inspiration from our rich cultural heritage, we pay homage to the essence of our identity Through the lens of food, we delve into the craftsmanship behind a beloved condiment central to many cuisines In the realm of nation-building, we celebrate the tireless efforts of both known and unsung heroes who turned ideals into tangible progress. Within the fabric of family and friendship, witness the enduring power of love and loyalty forging unbreakable bonds

We are immensely grateful to perform alongside seniors who taught us so much and even brought along props!

THAT'S TRUE, THAT'S TRUE, THERE'S NO DENYING IT!

We are thrilled to take you on a journey back in time to experience the rich tapestry of Singapore's history. Through this original play written by Mr Quah and improvised by the Drama girls who were tasked to embark on extensive research, you will encounter vibrant characters, some of whom were inspired by and reflect the virtues and values of remarkable women like politician Chan Choy Siong and heroine Elizabeth Choy. We hope this immersive experience will resonate with both the seasoned and younger generations alike, offering actresses and audience a deeper appreciation for our cultural heritage.

INDIAN DANCE

THE KAPI DANCE

The dancers begin with graceful movements, portraying the serene beauty of nature. As the dance progresses, they gradually introduce elements depicting the devastating effects of human actions on the environment. With each step, they symbolize the rising sea levels, the floods, and the tsunamis wreaking havoc on the earth Through their movements, they convey the urgency of the situation and the importance of taking action to protect our planet. Their empathy and commitment shine through as they use their art to raise awareness and inspire change.

CHOGADA (DANIYA RASS)

Dandiya is a celebratory dance that is performed at community events that includes everyone to be part of it. Its easy to follow steps and natural swinging movements make it accessible and approachable for many making it a treasured and memorable experience for everyone to bond over culture and dance. When it is performed with bare hands it can also be called "Garbha" as it is performed in concentric circles and clapping of the hands Garbha and Dandiya is danced to express the happiness of celebration for any festival or occasion.

IINSTRUCTORS INSTRUCTORS NSTRUCTORS

INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAN KWOH INSTRUCTORS

Dan Kwoh is an award-winning choreographer, director, and educator, renowned for his dynamic and visually stunning choreography style. He has earned numerous awards, including the Grand Prix Award at the Dance Grand Prix Europe in 2014 and 2015, as well as the Best Choreographer Award at the Dance Grand Prix in Barcelona. Throughout his prolific career as a veteran dance educator spanning over two decades, he has groomed hundreds of dance students, many of whom have pursued further study in dance at professional levels in well-known vocational institutions worldwide such as Falmouth University, Trinity Laban, New Zealand School of Dance, and Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Dan takes great pride in nurturing the next generation of passionate young dancers. Presently, he serves as the owner and director of DANSTUDIO, aspiring to develop it into a space where the next generation of dancers can learn, perform, create, and share their talents.

DOMINIC E QUAH

In 2024, Dominic Quah celebrates his 30th year of teaching. He considers himself fortunate to have consistently worked with students of all ages, including adults. Each age group presents unique needs, strengths, and weaknesses, yet he has been surprised by how teaching one age group provides insights into nurturing another. This year also marks his 15th year of intermittent collaboration with MGS Drama Society. Hearing from former students who attribute their adult confidence to their experiences on the MGS stage brings great consolation to Dominic. It affirms that he is part of something truly meaningful and rewarding in his work.

INSTRUCTORS

GAYATHRI INDIAN DANCE

"Natya Kalamani," Gayathri G. Sharma, is an accomplished dancer, educator, television and theatre actress, and media personality. She also serves the community in dual roles as the Chairperson of LISHA Youth Wing and the LISHA Executive Committee, promoting commerce, arts, and culture within our society. Born and raised in Singapore, she embarked on an unconventional career path driven by her passion for dance. In 1996, she was bestowed with the title of "child prodigy" during her performance for the World Trade Organization. Currently, she serves as the Director of Gayathri Dance Academy, where she has been teaching Bharatanatyam for the past 18 years. .

Under her guidance, numerous students have graduated with a diploma in Bharatanatyam. Emphasising a purist approach to Bharatanatyam, she also incorporates contemporary styles, resulting in widespread appeal within artistic circles and garnering praise from the public. Additionally, she is proficient in other classical dance forms such as Odissi and Kathak. Her aspiration is to continue inspiring and shaping today's youth, fostering a culturally integrated society through crossdisciplinary dance practices.

CCA INFORMATION

INTERNATIONAL DANCE

MG Dance has served as a second home for its members, a place where everyone sheds blood, sweat, and tears together, and where everyone accepts and loves one another despite our differences, whether in our dance backgrounds or skill levels. It's a place where everyone has equal opportunities and experiences to nurture and develop our dance skills alongside others who share a common passion for this performing art.

A typical CCA session consists of warm-up and conditioning, routine class exercises, occasional choreography, and most recently, rehearsals for the upcoming Festival of Arts. MG Dance has allowed us to develop into godly women of excellence with hearts of love, who are responsible, committed, disciplined, resilient, and, last but not least, compassionate and understanding. Dance also trains our physicality as well as artistry, combining strenuous movements with grace and musicality to deliver engaging performances.

From the arduous training sessions to the strong values instilled in us, these have collectively led us to achieve consistently outstanding results in our performances, leaving lasting impressions on our audience. We have been privileged enough to bless others through platforms such as Singapore Youth Festival, hospital performances, and dance workshops. With every opportunity, we are brought closer together as a team, giving us new stories to bond over. Each MG dancer develops a deep sense of belonging in this CCA, truly making it a second home.

DRAMA SOCIETY

“All the world’s a stage, /And all the men and women merely players.” - As You Like It, William Shakespeare.

In MG Drama Society, everyone plays a role: actors, costume designers, scriptwriters, makeup artists, props crew, and set decorators all come together to create a dynamic community that appreciates and hones its craft.

Drama members offer their unique talents and perspectives to the group, guiding, encouraging, and learning from each other throughout their drama journey. Drama is a place where deep friendships are forged through rehearsals and practice sessions, where every opinion is heard and valued. It's a place where everyone can find their voice, both literally and figuratively.

Through collaboration on and offstage, students also learn the importance of communication and teamwork, skills that extend far beyond the stage. Drama serves as an outlet for creativity in acting, scriptwriting, costumes, makeup, props, lights, and sounds, allowing students to weave stories and create a magical world of theatre.

Through numerous production

Festival performances and of Arts, Open House, and step out of their comfort zones.

INDIAN DANCE

Indian Dance is a vibrant community renowned for infusing our performances with passion and energy. Our primary goal is to introduce students to the captivating world of dance, fostering personal growth within each member. Emphasising inclusivity, we take pride in welcoming dancers from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Our training regimen encompasses a variety of dance styles, including classical and folk, ensuring that our dancers are versatile and well-rounded. Through dedicated practice and a range of enrichment activities, we strive to unlock the full potential of every member. From workshops to community events, our CCA provides a holistic experience that extends beyond the studio walls.

At the heart of Indian Dance lies a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork, supported by our fellow dancers and teachers. It is this

PERFORMERS PERFORMERS PERFORMERS

InternationalDance

PERFORMERS

ALISON LIM YI XUAN

AUDREY SEAH HWEE KEE

CATE CHAN SHU-EN

CHAN ANN, ABIGAIL

CHAN SHI EN, SARAH

CHUA YUN XUAN MEREDITH

DANICA JADE TING LEONG

EDEN JOY LEE

ELENA MADONINI

EMILY LI WEI TONG

EMMA GOH RUI EN

ESTHER TEH SHI YING

EUNICE TAN XUAN EN

GOH EN QI, KATLIN

HO MEI TING, NATALIE

ALEXANDRIA

ISABEL SHAN-YI GOH

ISABELLE CHUA LI-ANNE

JOAN CHEONG JIE ROU

KAECIA OH

KAELYN WONG YUN XI

KATE LYNN CHOW

KATIE GOH

KIMBERLEY CHAN XI

KIMBERLY LOUISE

KIRSTEN FAYE YAP

KONG XIAO QING RACHEL

KYRA LEE EN

LAM ZHI MIN, SUZANNE

LEE HSIN-ERN HANNAH

LEE PEI YU

LIM QIN YI SOPHIE

LIM XIN XUAN FAITH

LIM XUAN XI, CHEYENNE

LIU YUXIU CLAIRE

MOK HOH YUET, KAYLA

LOH LUI-EN, ABIGAil

MEGAN GRACE PANG YIH-EN

MEGAN ONG ZHI XUAN

NAOMI BAEY YING XIN

NATALIE CHUA MIN TZE

NATALIE MAH HUI SHAN

NICOLE QUAH WENQI

NOOH SARAH ASHLEY

OLIVIA TAN

PHUA HUI ZHI HEIDI

RACHELLE TAN SHU JIN

SAMMI TEE YANG XIN

SARA FAITH GRAMCKOW

SARAH CHAN MYN

SARAH LAU SZE ERN

SARAH YAP

SHANNON LEE SHI EN

SIM SHER YON

SOFIE BELLA TAN

SOO YIN ZI

SOPHIE ERIN TAN HUI EN

SOPHIE TAY CHEW LING

STEFFI CHAN YEN YEE

SUMMER CHUA RUI-ANNE

TAN YI LYNN, JOVENE

TESHA MEIRA TEO JINGXIN

TONG JIA XUAN CHARLOTTE

VICTORIA TAN LUCK SUAN

WONG SHYI REI DEBORAH

WONG XUAN YING, SOPHIA

IGL SENIORS

LILY LIM

SALLY LAM

Drama

PERFORMERS

AASHA KUMARAN

ABIGAIL CHLOE HADIKUSUMA

ABIGAIL ZIPING WEE

ADELLE NG LER TONG

AKSHARA MOULI

ASHLYN GANI

AUDREY VALLERIE RIADY

BAJAJ RHEA

BOORLA PREETHISRI

CAILYN YEOH CRUZ

CELESTINE XU YU HUA

CELIA HSIN-LE ENEMARK

CHARIS LIM LE YI

CHARMAINE HAM (FAN XUAN)

CHIA MIN EN KAYLA

CHING RU EN

CHLOE LIM

DHANYA D/O GOPALAN

ELLA JASMINE COVE

EVANNIE KHO JIA WEI

FRANSISKA GIOVANI ANGGASTA

GAW CHENG AI, CLAUDIA ELLIS

GENEVIEVE TAN

GOH RUI TING KAYLA

GOH XIN YUN VICTORIA

HAYLEY LIM EE NA

ISABELLA TEOH MAN LIN

JANICE SUGIHARTO

JESSLYN PEARL FEBRIANY

LIANTONO

KATE TAN YEN SIU

KIM YENA

LAM CHING ALICE

LEE WEN-MIN

LEONG MIN QI, GLORIA

LOKE YAAN MING, GRACE

MISHELLA ZAARA NISHANTH

NEH'LA AMROZIA MOHAMED BASIR

NG KAI XUAN

OLIVIA TEO THENG SUAN

OZA TANAYAA TUHINKUMAR

PHOEBE TAN SZE NING

QUINN LIM YUN

SHAFANAH SHIREEN BINTE DAWOOD NOWJATH

SHAIVI ANAND

SOON CHUAN WEN

TAN KAY-ANN, SHANNAH

TAN LE-EN

TAN RUI XI, KYLIE

TEH ANTHEIA

VEANNA JAYNE TAN YAN YUN

VERA CHEE

VERA YEAP NING EN

VOON CAIRU CHLOE

WYANETTA WINDIORA WIDJAJA

YAN ZI ROSE

IGL SENIORS

CHONG BEO FONG

LEE SIEW CHENG

LEE SEW LIN

LEONG KUAN WAH

SUN YUEN AI

IndianDance

PERFORMERS

AKSHAINIE DHANABALAN

ARUN ANANTHITTHA

ARUN ATHVAITHA

JAYACHANDRAN

MAHASHWETHA

LYDIA CHRISSY ANTONY

OOI XIN YU JOYCELYN

PREETHI RAJARATNAM

SHIBHANI SANKAR

SURESHKUMAR HARINI SREE

VALLIYAMMAI KADAPPAN

VYAS MIN HUI

YASHITA RAMAN

IGL SENIORS

CHAN HIAN YIN

LEE SEW LIN

LOH AH KON

AW MOH TAN

WEE SIEW ENG

YAP YOCK CHOON

INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING

Bridging the guiding lights of the past with the hands of the future, enriching lives across generations with shared bonds and experiences.

ves, Methodist Girls’ School (MGS) is actively sed approach which draws on the expertise and experience of youths and the elderly to promote intergenerational understanding and respect, and engender a sense of agency and ownership in both groups that ultimately contributes to strengthening Singapore’s social compact.

By collaborating with organisations dedicated to active ageing, IGL@MGS provides authentic contexts for the intentional development of 21st century competencies through the two-way exchange of learning between community and school Lifelong Deep Learning Global Competencies of Character, Citizenship and Communication are developed as students and seniors engage in meaning-making together to gain perspectives and skills that enable one to live purposefully.

IGL co-learning experiences are designed with intentionality to facilitate the fostering of mutual understanding, empathy and respect between students and seniors through shared stories, collaborative learning and the cocreation of impactful community projects. Platforms for sustained interactions among different age groups foster strong intergenerational bonds and contribute towards the multifaceted MGS education experience for our girls.

These meaningful intergenerational interactions encompass seniors' involvement in the school’s curricular and co-curricular activities as well as events such as the Festival of Arts, where shared interests and time spent together lead to genuine camaraderie between students and seniors, promoting a deeper appreciation for their individual strengths and collective possibilities

The 7 Performing Arts Ensembles in Kizuna I and Kizuna II involve a total of 67 seniors who have dedicated over 80 hours to learn with and rehearse alongside the students for the performances.

To find out more about their experiences, we hope you can scan the QR codes in the programme booklet or follow us on our instagram @mgsfoa kizuna for our photos and interviews with the seniors, and enjoy the me.

REFLECTIONS

I have learnt alot about the variations in the Cantonese pronunciation from Chinese characters Although I learn Chinese, I find that it is still very hard to speak the Cantonese words because it is quite a different language.

Celia Enemark, (Sec 1), Drama Society

You had very good pedagogy in your teaching. You taught us how to memorise the music and beats. From these we were able to grasp the basics of Indian dance

Yap Yock Choon, MWS Wesley Active Ageing Centre - Jalan Berseh

The pupils must be willing to learn. You must have an interest. Sally Lam, Touch Community Services; Active Ageing Centre

Getting to talk to them and getting to learn about their life experiences, perspectives and how it was like during that time reminded me of the chats with my grandparents. Overall, I felt like it was a very enriching and different experience for me as I have never gotten to work with the elderly on projects before.

Isabel Goh, 1S (International Dance)

Scan the QR codes for behind-the-scenes, interviews and our learning:

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to:

Principal, Mrs Valarie Wilson

School Leaders

Board of Management

For your unwavering support to the Visual and Performing Arts CCA Groups

Festival of Arts Planning Committee

Nanyang Sauce Company

For your dedication and commitment in making the event a meaningful opportunity for learning

MWS Wesley Active Ageing Centre – Jalan Berseh TOUCH Community Services; Active Ageing Centre

For your active participation and partnership in intergenerational learning

NUS University Cultural Centre Theatre

Sistic Singapore

For your invaluable assistance in supporting the event

All including staff, students, friends, parents, guardians and members of the public who have contributed to the success of Kizuna II in one way or another.

KIZUNA 2024

To all the friendships made and pleasures shared

MGS Festival of Arts Planning Committee 2024