A glimpse into Contemporary & Lyrical Dance Workshop

Rehearsal videos of Wild Horses


Rehearsal videos of Phenomenal Women


Group picture taken after the workshop. Sweaty but smiley!
more to come...

Capoeira in demand

Capoeira has been gaining popularity in recent times. As such we are even featured in The Star (click on title to go to link) and New Straits Times. Yay!

We are stepping up our efforts to introduce Capoeira to the residents of Sunway and Subang Jaya by having regular Rodas (pronounced 'Hoo-da') within the vicinity of Living Arts. Look out for our performances at 10pm on Friday nights in Dataran Mentari, just in front of the Perodua Showroom below the studio.

Join our on-going classes: Wednesday and Friday at 8.00pm - 9.15pm.

Drop by for a FREE trial class today!
For more details call Terry @ 012 328 6730

Workshops to satisfy the itch in your feet!

Contemporary & Lyrical Dance Workshop
Everybody Can Do It

date : February 23, Saturday
time : 4.00pm - 8.00pm
venue : Living Arts Dance Studio
fee : RM50 (LA students) / RM60 (outsiders)

This is an open workshop jointly conducted by Teresa and Yen Shan. Open for anyone who has acquired some form of dance experience.

In 4 hours, you will learn the necessary techniques to move confidently on a dance floor. At the end of the workshop, you will perform a simple choreography combining both styles. Be inspired to express your souls with our creative teachers.

special feature!
Mini Showcase at 8.00 - 8.30pm. Parents, friends, and dance enthusiasts are invited! Light refreshments will be provided after the mini showcase.

Limited to only 30 students.
Please email, sms or call Teresa at 017 330 7244 to secure your place today.


***

Hafla – Middle Eastern Medley
A Belly Dancing Event For Women Only. Visit http://elwardadance.blogspot.com

date : March 8, Saturday *Please note the change of date to March 15.
time : 8.00pm - 11.00pm
venue : Living Arts Dance Studio
Tickets : RM65
Early bird price (before 15th Feb): RM45

A hafla in celebration of women – ‘Middle Eastern Medley’ will feature performances from instructors Naziehah, Huda, guest artists and students. Various Middle Eastern delicacies will be served buffet-style.

There will be bazaars lining up choices of eclectic and genuine hand-made and home-made goodies. Henna art and make-over by make-up artist to indulge all your feminine desires! Besides dance performances, we will also have:

Other special treats:
1. FREE Henna art
2. Goodie bags
3. Lucky draws
4. ‘Hip’ Games! And many more...

Get your tickets now by e-mailing elwardadance@gmail.com with your name, contact details and no. of tickets. Payment methods are via direct bank-in, Maybank2U, or cash directly to Naziehah. For more information, please e-mail or call Naziehah at 012-9250902.

Are you ready for 2008?

New Year, New Beginnings
Party with a difference. There is a first for everything.

We are celebrating a good start to a new beginning by declaring them. Here are the details:

Date: 13 JANUARY 2008 (Sunday)

Time: 8.00pm onwards

Venue: Living Arts Dance Studio

Food: Potluck style. Bring food that inspires a new beginning. No junks or greasy fast food. You can never go wrong with homemade food cooked with love. (Bring enough for 10-15 pax)

Drink: There will be Wheatgrass Honey & 100 plus & Lots of H2O (no alcohol)

Activities: Sing, Dance, Play Games.

Prepare EITHER a short song, a short dance, a short poem/poetry, a short mime act, a short speech. Your presentation should tell us something about the 'new' you. Can be your new year resolutions, new intentions, new actions, new goals. You can make it original/improvised/copy from somewhere. 100% participation.

Now here is the most important bit, Admission is FREE!

Do inform me 3 days advance if:
1) You plan to bring friends
2) You know what food to bring
3) You DON'T know what food to bring

Let's come together and have a good time! Call/sms to confirm attendance
Amylin 012 676 0663 or Teresa 017 330 7244

Into Two Thousand Eight, 2008

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IS IT TOO EARLY TO SAY?
I know of many people who would wish for everything new and different because they genuinely want a HAPPY-new-year. But only a few, I dare say, would envision the "new and different" and make necessary changes to make it happen.

I too dream about the "new and different". And I cannot help but retrace my footsteps. Where I have been, What I have done, Who I have been. Here are some snippets and an outline of what we have accomplished throughout our first year. Yes, we are only one year old!

January - Perform for Orientation Night at Taylor's College, PJ & Interviewed by The Star Newspaper

February - Conduct Contemporary Dance workshop at Taylor's College, PJ & Organise Astrology and Feng Shui Talk at LA

March - 1st Public Performance at Asia Cafe & Organise Dance & Capoeira Workshop at LA & Conduct Contemporary Dance Workshop at Sunway University College & Sponsor for Lex Star Bride Night at Summit Hotel, Subang & Malcolm's birthday celebration

April - Provide professional grooming, catwalk and showmanship training for 9 talents in 360 Degrees Beauty Contest, Organise Dance Masterclass by Normann & friends from USA

May - Conduct Holiday Camp at LA & Conduct Dance Workshop at Girl Power Camp in Sunway University College & 2nd Public Performance at Asia Cafe & Interviewed by The Star Newspaper

June - Visit Singapore Arts Festival, Judge for Steal the Limelight, Charity Dance Talent Search at UM & Perform for Sukan Wanita at Stadium Putra

July - Perform for Rotary Club of Kelana Jaya's Installation at Bukit Equesterian & Participate in Tari '07 at ASWARA

August - Participate in the Awakening Global Action in Bali & Conduct Contemporary Dance Workshop in Dance Vogue, Ipoh

September - Perform for the 7th Annual Concert of The Music Professionals at Securities Commission & Perform for Tadika Chee Oi's Biennial Concert at Internationl Youth Center, Bandar Tun Razak & Perform for MCA's Pesta Tanglung Annual Mooncake Festival Celebration in Sunway & Woan Sheu birthday celebration & Judge Talentime Competition at Monash University & Conduct Little Dancer Children Program workshops

October - Perform for Rotary Club's Joint Conference at Sheraton, Subang & Zen's birthday celebration & Interviewed by Nuyou Magazine

November - Organise Living Arts' 1st Anniversary Charity Dance Concert (PATCH) & Perform for HerbaLife at Putrajaya International Convention Centre

December - Conduct Belly Dancing Workshop at LA & Conduct Animal Musical Party at The Music Professionals Academy, Kota D'sara & Public roda (capoeira) at Sunway Pyramid, New entrance & Judge Talentime Competition at Melia Hotel & Organise Wine Appreciation Night for PATCH volunteers at Divino Bistro

Other activities to be conducted by Living Arts:
1) Dance Teacher Intensive Training Course Jan - April 2008
2) Conduct Dance lessons at Sri KDU
3) Charity performances at various venues
4) NEW INTAKE: Capoeira, Contemporary Dance, Hip Hop, Belly Dance, Gymnastics, Little Dancer Children Program

Ever wonder if you can Belly Dance?

Calling all women, regardless of your size and age.

Come and experience for yourself.

Belly dance feels and looks natural for you.

Belly Dance Workshop (mix-levels)

Date: December 15, 2007 (saturday)

Time: 6.00 - 9.00pm (3 hours)

Venue: Living Arts Dance Studio

Dress code: Workout attire/ fitting blouse + long skirt

Fee: RM99 only (plus refreshments)

According to Instructor Naziehah...

What is this?

... You will learn basic belly dancing moves and techniques. How to relax your body and let go of your stress through the graceful movements. Expect to learn great new things about yourself. Be amazed at all wonderful movements that you can do with your body!

Who is this for?

1. People with no dance background

2. People with some experience & has attended a few classes

3. People who wants to learn new ways of exercising

4. People who wants to add belly dancing moves to their portfolios

5. People who just want to have fun shaking and grooving to ethnic music

To register, please contact Teresa at 017 330 7244

Charity Dance Concert PATCH raised more than Seven Thousand Ringgit

Last Sunday 11.11. was the day we have been waiting for. We have aimed to win the audiences' hearts with our dance skills and flashy smiles in order to raise RM10, 000 for Patrick and Thaneswaran, both suffering from cerebral palsy.

Total collection received before, during and after PATCH is now at RM7, 400. We are still receiving donations from everywhere.

A heartfelt "Thank You" to all performers, volunteers, emcees, donors, sponsors, teachers, and my PATCH team. Thank you for including PATCH in your valuable Sunday. Our voices were heard, our footsteps were printed, our passion were felt. I believe in the Power of Being One. If you can create this in PATCH, you can go out and re-create this experience in your own life.

Special thanks to T3rry, who had unselfishly held the fort for me throughout PATCH. Stay tune for pictures!

Announcement for NEW dance classes

NEW INTAKE FOR DANCE CLASSES
FEES RM300/3 month/12 lessons

Hip Hop (new beginner + teens)
Dec 3rd, Monday at 7.30 - 8.30pm

Jazz Funk (mix-levels)
Dec 3rd, Monday at 8.30 - 9.30pm

Contemporary Dance (little or no experience)
Dec 5th, Wednesday 7.30 - 8.30pm

Contemporary Dance (with some experience)
Dec 6th, Thursday 8.30 - 9.30pm

Please note that capoeira classes have now changed to every Wednesday 7.00pm-8.15pm effective December 2007.

To register, please contact Teresa at 017 330 7244

Good Feng Shui!

PATCH team had an *organic meeting on 3.11.07 to get to know each other and talk about how each unique person can contribute and actions needed from now onwards. PATCH is 6 days away.
*organic = lively, continuously growing, loosely structured

This post is to draw an interesting parallel between the members of PATCH team. Note that ALL (feng) air signs and (shui) water signs are present. There are only one fire sign and one earth sign. There are 6 November babies working together to reach the same vision. How more powerful can that be...*hair standing*. With all the crafty, creative & crazy people around, PATCH is an imminent success. More pics later!

1) Artistic Director
TERESA (Scorpio)

2) Floor Manager
LI-ANN (Scorpio) & JORDAN (Pisces)

3) Registration Team
NICOLE (Gemini), JEN (Scorpio), SEE MUN (Libra)

4) Setup, Runner & Props Team
MALCOLM (Aries), TERRY (Capricorn), ERWIN (Libra), CHOON (Scorpio), KEN (Scorpio)

5) Front-of House Team
GRACE (Scorpio), CK (Pisces), WOAN SHEU (Libra), CHING CHING (??)

6) Layout/Space Design
ZEN (Libra) & JIN (Gemini)

7) Video Recording
RIZAL (Aquarius)

8) Emcee
CHRISTINE (Aquarius) & MAY (Libra)

9) Stage Manager
B.B. (Capricorn)

10) Backstage Coordinator
YEN SHAN (Cancer)

11) Food & Refreshment
YIKE (Gemini)

12) Music Coordinator
ANDREW (??)

PATCH-ing Things Up!

It is now just two weeks before the biggest event LA has organised this year and we're all pissing our pants in anticipation of meeting our two 'celebrities', Patrick and Thanes (scroll down for their pictures). Almost everything is in place, many thanks to our sponsors:-

Freddie from Organic Shop, ss18,
Madam Lian for wheatgrass drinks,
Wendy Boey and Ann Cho for 100 plus canned drinks

...just to name a few.

We have been having lots of support from students and friends who are going out of the way to contribute and help in any way they can. Our very own yoga teacher, Annie Ng has taken the initiative to approach her charitable friends to pool together a substantial sum for PATCH.

We truly appreciate creative efforts such as this. Just this evening, some of our friends from Bantus Capoeira have offered to contribute even though they cannot make it for the event.
We hope this giving experience can go on for many years to come.

Let PATCH lead the way and continue to fuel our passion for the arts and for life.

26 days countdown

With less than a month till PATCH, the crew has been frantically finalising details and preparations for the big day. Pimples and wrinkles abound as the tireless band of misfits continuously toiled day and night to make sure everything is in place.

Volunteer PR workers plagued the surrounding townships with endless promotional flyers and calls to attend PATCH. Not to be forgotten, our loyal menagerie of students have been hard at work, attending rehearsals and practice sessions in anticipation of 11.11. Everywhere, you can see students prancing around; aching bodies, beads of sweat amidst smiling faces.

Even the public is getting excited over PATCH. Just this evening, Living Arts Artistic Director 3sa and resident Capoeirista (pro-bono) T3rry met up with a friend who immediately upon hearing about PATCH, agreed to attend. What’s more, he also asked for more flyers to distribute to his clients, colleagues and friends.

With this kind of support, PATCH will be a truly amazing charity event!
Pledge now and join the fun at PATCH, 11.11.07.
Make a difference.

Say what? PATCH! Say what? PATCH!

PATCH stands for “Passion Aiding The Children”. It is the title of Living Arts Dance Studio’s first anniversary dance concert, which is being held as a fund-raising effort for two special children from Taman Megah’s Handicapped and Disabled Children’s Home. It aptly describes the spirit guiding the efforts in organising this anniversary concert, and the passion of the organisers in bringing together performers and volunteers who are excited and driven to help their community and, in particular, the two children in the best way they know how – the celebration of life through the arts.

The first anniversary concert will showcase dance performances by the students and teachers of LA, as well as performances from other dance professionals, teachers and students from 10 other dance schools around the Klang Valley. It is a culmination and acknowledgement of the efforts made by students in the past year in their pursuit of artistic excellence in dance.

It is also a recognition of the fact that arts is life, and that arts can nurture, support and encourage life in many ways. One of those ways is in using the talents and energy of everyone involved to help raise funds that can ensure a higher quality of life for those less fortunate than us.

For brighter future...

Who are PATCH helping?

Patrick Ding, 2 years old. Abandoned by parents.

Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Vision Impairment. Because Patrick cannot see, he responds joyfully to touch, as you can see in the second picture.

He is a new resident at Tmn Megah Handicapped & Diabled Children's Home.

He needs Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy training 3 times a week to maximize and to maintain his physical function and level of independence.

He only consumes a particular milk powder under the Nestle brand: Lactogen 2.

Thanesvaran, 7 years old. Not supported by parents.

Eldest son. Came from low income family. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and

Constipation.

He has been residing at Tmn Megah Handicapped & Diabled Children's Home for 4 years.

He needs Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy training 3 times a week to maximize and to maintain his physical function and level of independence. He only consumes a particular milk powder: Gain Kid Advance.

****

When I went to the bank to open a subsidiary account for PATCH today, they refused my application. Reason: No such privilege for sole proprietors. Only Sdn Bhds are allowed to have such responsibility.

This makes me wonder: How does a small little studio (SLS) like us dream big about creating sustainable outreach programs with the continuous support from public without being affiliated with an NGO or a corporation? *suggestions will be appreciated.

You can't stop us from thinking global and acting local.

When you give from your heart, no matter in what form or quantity, the gift that you give ripples into many other hearts. This is what Mother Teresa truly meant when she says, "Do the smallest acts with the grandest intentions". ¬ Teresa Chian

P - A - T - C - H

1st Anniversary Charity Concert
PATCH - Passion Aiding The Children

Date: 11.11.07 (as suggested by the cute logo)

Time: 5.00-8.00pm

Venue: Living Arts Dance Studio

Objective: Raise RM10,000 to support 2 handicapped children for 12 months

Everyone is invited! Admission by donation (minimum RM10)

More than 100 dancers, 11 dance schools around the Klang Valley are generously supporting and jointly performing in this memorable event.

We are turning ONE YEAR OLD!

Living Arts’ 1st Anniversary Charity Concert Details

In conjunction with Living Arts’ 1st Anniversary Charity Concert, we are kicking off a year-long adoption campaign for 2-year old Patrick Ding Poh Chuan and 7-year old Thanesvaran from Taman Megah’s Handicapped and Disabled Children’s Home. Patrick is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and vision impairment while Thanesvaran is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and constipation. Both children come from low-class families who are not able to afford their monthly expenses.

Campaign name: PATCH – Passion Aiding The CHildren.
Objective: Raise RM10,000 to support 2 handicapped children for 12 months

Date: 11.11.07 (Sunday)
Showtime: 5.00pm – 8.00pm

Everyone is invited! Admission by donation: Minimum RM10 (drinks provided)

This is Living Arts’ 2nd charity concert. The 1st charity concert was a Christmas Party in December 2006 to raise fund to buy new mattresses, blankets, pillows and bed sheets for 20 orphaned children in Trinity Home, Old Klang Road.

List of participants:- Teachers & students from Living Arts Dance Studio, Celestar Studio of Performing Arts, Acts School of Performing Arts, The Music Professionals Academy of Performing Arts, Rhythm Tappers, Bantus Capoeira, and Tadika Chee Oi.

Exciting Promotions Sept - Dec 2007

THIS IS EXCITING because students started to register for this new promotion a week after it was announced.

YOGA - RM188 for 2 months UNLIMITED
Valid through Sept to Dec 2007 only.

Ongoing promotions
YOGA - Buy 1 Free 1 (1 month)
DANCE - Buy 2 Free 1 (3 months)
YOGA/CAPOEIRA - RM60 (student)

If you have always dreamt of a healthy lifestyle at an affordable rate, this is it! We make lasting impressions and create deeper satisfactions.

Little Dancer Children Program

The 1st ever children dance program that combines 3 art forms! For ages 5 – 12+ years old

a) This program is written to expose students to dance, yoga and capoeira as an art form.

b) This program are conducted in 12 lessons, approximately 3 months excluding holidays, term breaks, unexpected events, annual concerts, performances, etc.

c) Dance classes are held once a week, with an average of 4 lessons per month.

d) Lessons are approximately 50 mins long.

e) The number of students is 5 -15 per class.

f) Values like discipline, teamwork and responsibility are instilled.

g) Two-way communication models are established between teachers & students.

h) This program is based on three objectives: moving, imitating, and creating.

g) The emphasis is about actively engaging students through participation.

h) Various genres of dance & music are introduced at an early stage to encourage students to express themselves in more ways than one. Yoga asanas and Capoeira movements are modified to stimulate the creativity and agility in children.

There will be 2 Free trial classes on September 8th and 15th, from 5.30pm - 6.20pm. Parents and children are invited to come and participate.

There is a Buy 2 Free 1 promotion running in conjunction with these trial classes. Please call & confirm your participation 017-330 7244.

"I think, therefore I am. I participate, therefore I am."

What is capoeira?

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art that combines elements of dance, music, theatre, culture and fighting. In some ways, Capoeira can be categorised as a martial art, a dance, or even an artistic expression of sorts.

Students doing the ‘ginga’. The ample space gives the students plenty of room for expression.

Practitioners and students may choose to develop the art according to their preferences, be it music or the cultural evocations that comes along with it. Capoeira is about learning the art, and making it yours.

Here at Living Arts, the art is taught with a wholesome syllabus that combines a healthy lifestyle with brazilian culture. Music and expression are important elements that are constantly cultivated throughout the class.

Music session after a typical class. Students are encouraged to sing and play instruments

Anyone can practise Capoeira. Contrary to public misconception, it is not something only young, strong men can learn. Capoeira is a 'street dance' created for women, children, the old and the young. Kids as young as 5 years of age and the elderly over 50 years can indulge themselves in this art. You need only to be young at heart.

If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you be?

Drop by our on-going class everyday Saturday 10.00am-11.30am. Free Trial.

Contributed by Ligeiro

A Night to Remember

The Event: Rotary Club of Kelana Jaya Installation Night on July 7

A collaborative dance performance by Living Arts Dance Studio, Celestar Studio of Performing Arts, Reaper's Rhythm, and many friends from other studios. We were dancing to Song Medley - Michael Jackson, So Excited - Janet Jackson, Listen - Beyonce Knowles, Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake.

We burn the floor even before the party started!

More student's testimonial

LA's first Holiday Workshop in November 20-22, 2006 for students aged 7 onwards to adults

The writeup below is contributed by Miss Elsie Liew and her cousin, Miss Michelle Toh, who are our current Contemporary Dance students. They are the pioneer batch, and have been learning from Teacher Teresa since LA started. P/S: I am proud of u girls, too!

Contributed by Miss Elsie Liew, Bandar Sunway

Where do I get to know about LA? Thanks to my sister, Li Yeng, who joined LA’s first holiday workshop with my cousin sister, Michelle Toh. They came back and started to practice and to my surprise my sister can DANCE! She has no background or close to dance. I still remember whenever Pussycat Dolls – Button plays, I will refer it to both of Michelle and Li Yeng and it makes me want to dance.

So, one day I took the initiative to find out everything I needed to know and 3 of us joined the contemporary dance in December 2006. I’m proud to say that I was Teresa’s first batch of students.

Why LA? I remember asking Teresa why there are no mirrors in the studio like others do. She told me that she do not want her students to compete with each other by looking at the mirror. She wants all her students to feel and dance confidently. What she said was very true as all of us have our own style. Another thing I love about LA is the wide and spacious studio. In the past, I have visited several dance studios that are comparatively smaller and had lower ceilings which restrict our movements. In LA, students are put in small groups (less than 10) so they can concentrate better and the teacher can focus on everyone.

Teresa is friendly and very, very and I repeat very patient to have a student who forgets her steps in each and every class – ME. But eventually, she told me that I am improving in the 2nd semester. And from the 2nd semester onwards, I can remember most of the steps (although I still forget it, hehehe). For the past 6 months, I learnt what is contemporary – it differs from other dance and there is no specific form to it. And best of all, I got a patient teacher Teresa for a slow learner like me. Last but not least, I am proud to be part of LA’s family. BRAVO to everyone!

Contributed by Miss Michelle Toh, Bandar Sunway

I got to know LA through a leaflet, and that particular leaflet is about the December holiday workshop. Coincidently, I was on holiday so I gave it a try. During those 3 days, I went home drenched with sweat and a body full of aches. Besides that, it was all fun. I knew that LA is the studio that I would like to go to. So, I signed up for contemporary dance because I like the gracefulness of the dance.

I chose LA because they do not have mirrors (hooray!). With me being plump, I don’t get to see myself in the mirror and become self-conscience of my body shape. Without mirrors, I can fully concentrate on my movements. The high ceilings and open windows also allowed me to dance comfortably because I do not huff and puff after class as I have fresh air circulating in my lungs rather than air-cond.

Now that I have been with LA for 3 semesters doing contemporary dance, I have more confidence in myself. Thanks to teacher Teresa, who is often patient in guiding me. Being in contemporary dance, I do not only learn the steps. I also learnt how to correct my body posture, alignment and improve my creativity. Sometimes we are given a game where we are required to explore movements together with the music. These games enhance my creativity.

It is so fun being in dance class and that makes me look forward to dancing every day. Being part of LA’s family makes me very proud. As long as I can dance, I would always be a part of LA.