Capoeira Workshop

If any of you attended the Capoeira workshop held at Living Arts last Saturday, you'll begin to understand why the Brazillian martial art is gaining popularity in Malaysia. Good looking, well-muscled male instructors aside, the culture and moves for Capoeira itself is very, very cool, especially the acrobatic sequences.

Elly and Alif: The two youngest participants of the workshop.

We had an awesome turn out of 22 people who participated in the workshop with boundless enthusiasm. The air in the studio was buzzing with excitement and anticipation of what was going to be taught in the workshop. What was amazing was that we had participants from all walks of life attending the workshop from pre-teens to adults.

Instructor Quek demonstrating a move with the help

of Terry, Living Arts' resident Capoeira expert.

Living Arts was fortunate to have Instructor Quek, from the Bantus Capoeira Group in Damansara Jaya, run the first hour of the workshop. To top it off we had Graduado Rafael, from Brazil itself, grace the studio and the students with his vast knowledge and supreme skill of the art form.

Cool back walkover: Syafiq showing his skills

Each instructor focused on different aspects of Capoeira in each session. Instructor Quek brought the ‘wow’ factor to his session by teaching people the cool acrobatic stunts that only caporistas know how to execute so effortlessly, thereby leaving participants and one observer (me) alike with their jaws hanging open, and eyes round with amazement.

Graduado Rafael: What is wrong with this move?

Participants of the workshop should be able to answer the question.

Graduado Rafael, on the other hand, touched on the more technical aspects of Capoeira. Even the most basic of moves, the 'jinga', was broken down. The participants were shown the correct way to position their hands – higher up to protect their faces instead of their chests – while executing the Jinga. He was the epitome of Capoeira coolness with his dread-locks and impressive array of tattoos.

Aik Hong assisting a participant for one

of the acrobatic stunts.

After the workshop, participants were invited to join an hour-long ‘roda’ with the two guest instructors. As ‘rodas’ go, it was lively and fun. The ‘Buka Puasa’ feast started right after the ‘roda’ was done, which, was good and well-timed because the participants were starving after three long hours of physical activity. But you could see that they all enjoyed themselves because of the glow in their faces.

To view more photos for this event do visit the Capoeira Workshop 2008 Album at Photobucket.

New classes! Theatre, anyone?

THEATRE-CURIOUS?
THEATRE-SERIOUS?
CAN'T DECIDE?
There's something for everyone!

Come join our workshops with The Oral Stage Theatre Company

at Living Arts Dance Studio in Sunway Mentari!

SWS100: Play!
Duration: 2 hours per session
Time: Every Saturday, 2.00 – 4.00 pm
Commencement date: September 20th onwards
Rate: RM30/session
One-time registration fee: RM20
Class size: Max 20 per session, ages 16+
PLAY! is a fun-packed, non-stop session of games and exercises for you to let it out, sweat it out, meet new people, and perhaps discover a thing or two about the theatre. Recommended for the theatre-curious.

SWA101: Acting for Beginners
Prerequisite: None
Duration: 10 sessions for 10 weeks; 2½ hours per session
Time: Saturdays @ 11.00 – 1.30 pm
Commencement date: 27th September 2008
Rate: RM320; Get a 10% early bird discount before September 14th!
One-time registration fee: RM20
Class size: Max 20 per module, ages 16+
Facilitator: Kelvin Wong
ACTING FOR BEGINNERS is an introductory course to stage acting. Actors will discover the craft through games and exercises in a fun and focused environment, alongside introductions to improvisation, movement and characterization. This course will wrap up with a mini performance for the public. Recommended for those who are serious about stage acting, but haven't the experience just yet.

SWA111: Introduction to Public Speaking
Prerequisite: None
Duration: 10 sessions for 10 weeks; 2½ hours per session
Time: Mondays @ 8.30 – 10.00 pm
Commencement date: 22nd September 2008
Rate: RM320; Get a 10% early bird discount before September 14th!
One-time registration fee: RM20
Class size: Max 12 per module, ages 16+
Facilitators: Diane Goon

INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING puts participants in the spotlight in a safe and encouraging environment where they discover techniques to effectively convey themselves in public – whether is it a speech, presentation, or a monologue. Participants will also hone skills to the proper and clear enunciation of words, at the same time improve on their visual-verbal accuracy. This course will wrap up with a mini performance for the public. Recommended for those with glossophobia – the fear of speaking in public.

SWA201: Improvisation for Actors I
Prerequisite: SWA101 or considerable experience in acting
Duration: 10 sessions for 10 weeks; 2½ hours per session
Time: Tuesdays @ 7.30 – 10.00 pm
Commencement date: 23rd September 2008
Rate: RM350; Get a 10% early bird discount before September 14th!
One-time registration fee: RM20
Class size: Max 15 per module, ages 18+
Facilitator: Kelvin Wong

IMPROVISATION FOR ACTORS focuses on narrative improvisation, where actors will explore a range of techniques in creating effective scenes on the spot, both individually and as a team. Actors will also experiment with various ideas and out-of-the-box concepts for performance on stage. This course will wrap up with a mini interactive performance for the public. Recommended for those who would like to sharpen their skills in stage acting, particularly devised and/or improvisational theatre.

SWA211: Audition!
Prerequisite: None
Duration: 10 sessions for 10 weeks; 2½ hours per session
Time: Sundays @ 2.00 – 4.30 pm
Commencement date: 28th September 2008
Rate: RM350; Get a 10% early bird discount before September 14th!
One-time registration fee: RM20
Class size: Max 12 per module, ages 18+
Facilitator: Johann Lim

AUDITION! explores the processes and techniques behind auditions for various creative industries such as TV, commercials, voice and the stage. Participants will be put in safe, interactive, mock audition environments where they can effectively hone the skills to increase their chances at landing the jobs they want.

SWD101: I. M.
Prerequisite: None
Duration: 10 sessions for 10 weeks; 2½ hours per session
Time: Thursdays @ 8.00 – 10.30 pm
Commencement date: 25th September 2008
Rate: RM400; Get a 10% early bird discount before September 14th!
One-time registration fee: RM20
Class size: Max 10 per module, ages 18+
Facilitator: Kelvin Wong

I. M. is a psychodrama module designed for participants to regain self-awareness in a fun, safe, and conducive environment. Using a variety of theatre games and exercises, this module encourages participants to reflect, emote and introspect, leading towards self and group development. This module will close with a mini performance for the public.
*Note that while this psychodrama module strives to be therapeutic, it is NOT to be confused with therapy in any sense.

About the Facilitators

Kelvin Wong got his first taste of theatre in 2004 in Sunway University-College's production of Tony Kushner's THE ILLUSION, directed by Rey Buono. Shortly after, he founded The Oral Stage Theatre Company and has since written and directed EIGHT (2005), ROJAK! (2006), FIFTYNINEMINUTES (2006) and SCREWED (2007). Also in 2007, he directed his first full-length feature, a reprise of Tony Kushner's THE ILLUSION – he also directed Paula Vogel's HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE (2008) shortly after. Kelvin made his directing and performing debut in Singapore's Celebrate Drama! festival with MATCH (2008), his first foray into physical theatre. He was cast in Samuel Beckett's ENDGAME (2006) directed by Gavin Yap, THE BREAKFAST CLUB (2007) directed by André D'Cruz, BANNED! (2007) with Anne James and 8 WAYS TO LIGHTEN THE SCHOOL BAG (2008), directed by Mark Beau de Silva. Kelvin also teaches drama at secondary schools, and will direct the Kuala Lumpur Children's Choir come end 2008. Kelvin is a psychology graduate, and looks forward to continuing his postgraduate studies in theatre.

Johann Lim got involved with the performing arts later than most - having started with Joe Hasham's Acting for Beginners classes in 2006. That started the ball rolling - since then, he has picked up BROKEN BRIDGES THE MUSICAL (2006), directed by Joe Hasham; FIFTYNINEMINUTES (2006), with Kelvin Wong; AH STEVE (2007), directed by Faridah Merican; TARI CANGGUNG HAMIDAH (2007), with Ibrahim Razale; TUNKU THE MUSICAL (2007), directed by Joe Hasham; ROSE ROSE I LOVE YOU (2007), with Low Ngai Yuen; and HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE (2008), directed by Kelvin Wong. He also performs for television and made his debut as a director and a playwright in UNCUT UNTITLED PAPER HOUSE (2008). Johann has a Masters in Software Engineering, is a budding entrepreneur and is very passionate about performing and writing.

Diane Goon's involvement with the performing arts began with a passion for music at a very young age. Initially trained with the piano, she found her true love for the cello at fourteen, which she picked up only seven years later, under the tutelage of cellist Jonathan Golove. Diane is a psychology graduate from University at Buffalo (UB), State University of New York (SUNY) – there, she performed with the UB choir under the baton of world-renowned choir conductor, Prof. Harold Rosenbaum. In addition to UB, Diane has also performed at The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM; under the baton of Michael Christie), The General Assembly of the UN, and Radio City Music Hall (under the baton of Ennio Morricone) in New York. Upon returning to Malaysia, her cello instructor, Jonathan Oh guided her to performing with an 18-piece orchestra for TUNKU THE MUSICAL (2007) at The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac). Following the remarkable experience, she then played for ROSE ROSE I LOVE YOU THE MUSICAL (2007) with a 9-piece band, GREAT THEMES FROM FILM & STAGE (2007) with the KLPac Sinfonietta, and The EUROPA AWARDS (2007) with the AMPAC Orchestra. In 2008, she played for THE SPRING FESTIVAL and The HSBC PIANO FESTIVAL, again, with the KLPac Sinfonietta. Diane's love for theatre sparked upon joining The Oral Stage's creative crew for HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE (2008) as costume designer.

Get 25% off the rates of subsequent modules when you sign up for more then one class!

One-on-one classes also available.
Got a group of interested people elsewhere? Our facilitators will come to you!
Ask us how today!

Inquiries? Questions? Registration?
Email us at stageworks@theoralstage.com or
contact Charmayne at 016-3280010 or Jeremy at 017-6695617

A joint collaboration between The Oral Stage and Living Arts Dance Studio.
3rd Floor, 1 – 3, Jalan PJS 8/11,
Dataran Mentari Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya.

http://living-arts.blogspot.com/
http://theoralstage.com/

Or look us up on Facebook!

'Match' in Singapore

The cast of Match: (Clockwise from bottom left) Diane, Kelvin, Erin,

Teresa, Erica, Nicholas Jeremy and Johann.

Woohoo! Talk about an eventful trip to Singapore. Let me begin at the beginning.

We arrived at Singapore by train at an ungodly hour and went straight to The Arts House where we were going to do a full run and get used to the space. The run was awesome even though the play den was frigging darn cold! However, because of a miscommunication, Teresa and Kelvin had to rework some of the more adult scenes to suit audiences aged thirteen. We were a bit shaken and worried at first but later took it all in stride and had a great opening night performance.

(From left to right) Our beloved SM, Diane, Director, Kelvin and

Teresa having a discussion.

This goes to show that doing performances can be a bit tricky at times. If you're lucky, you need only worry about adapting to the performance space. If you're unlucky, you might have to change up the choreography at the last minute. Needless to say, the audience loved our piece.

On Saturday, we were free to do as we pleased so everyone pretty much did their own thing. We did meet up with the organizers that night for a drink and a chat, though. They're very savvy about the performing arts scene in Malaysia and they're great fun to talk to.

Sunday was our last show. We had a group discussion, if you will, before we went out to perform for the last time. The amazing thing I noticed is that when you perform and work a a team, the bonds that are established go much deeper than just friendship. There is respect and trust as well and you will notice that somehow everyone has grown together as a group.

That's the power of theatre, of performing together in an ensemble and working together as a group.

The power of teamwork: Acro-yoga anyone?

Lyrical Jazz & Hip Hop

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Living Arts

Frequently Asked Questions

A guide for absolute beginners & dance enthusiasts

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH DANCE STYLE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

It is a little difficult to tell you immediately which style is more suitable. We need to get to know you a little better as a person before we can make a correct assessment. However, the best thing for you to do is to try out different styles for yourself and figure out what you enjoy. Living Arts lets you come for free trial lessons to help you come to a decision. Also, here is a guide to the different types of dance classes that are available:

HIP HOP

What is Hip Hop?

Hip hop by its widest definition, can include a wide arrange of styles such as breaking, popping, locking and krumping, and even house dance. If you ever hear hip hop tracks on the radio and always feel like getting up to dance to the music but don’t know how, then this class is for you!

What will I learn?

Body coordination and isolation

To discover your own unique flair in this style

Adopt the more aggressive side of your personality

Good channel for showing your attitude

Who should learn?

Teenagers and young adults

When is it?

Monday at 7.30 - 8.30pm

Wednesday at 8.30 - 9.30pm

What do I wear?

Ø A comfortable shirt

Ø Pants that allows you to move freely

Ø Jazz Sneakers/Dance shoes (available at Living Arts)

How much are the fees?

RM300.00 on a per term basis (1 term = 3 months)

STREET JAM

What is Street Jam?

Looking for a class where you won’t just learn one style of dance? Then the street jam class is for you. Over the term, you will learn a new style of dance every month! You will learn every style from hip hop to salsa to line dancing to Latin dance to contemporary to lyrical and jazz dances!

What will I learn?

Have a fun time being exposed to different types of dance.

Totally heightened body coordination as you transit from one type of dance to another

Build your stamina and boost your cardiovascular strength

Fun way to socialize

Who should learn?

Children to teenagers to college students

What do I wear?

Ø A comfortable & fitting top

Ø Jazz/Dancing pants

Ø Jazz sneakers/Dance shoes

When is it?

Saturday at 1.30 - 2.30pm

How much are the fees?

RM80.00 per month for 4 consecutive classes.

CONTEMPORARY DANCE

What is Contemporary Dance?

If you’ve watched So You Think You Can Dance, you will have an idea how Contemporary Dance looks like. If you don’t then…Contemporary Dance is a free form of dance where dancers will acquire a very versatile technique. You are given the chance to express yourself through swinging, kicking, rolling, jumping, sliding and movement exploration games. There are no rules!

What will I learn?

Burn lots of calories!

Increase your flexibility

Fix your body alignment

To increase your stamina and strength as a dancer

Who should learn?

Teens and adults of age

What do I wear?

Ø Soft ballet shoes/socks

Ø Ballet Leotard

Ø Baby Tee/Fitting Top

Ø Jazz/Dance pants

When is it?

Wednesday at 7.00 - 8.30pm

Thursday at 8.00 - 9.30pm

How much is it?

RM300.00 on a per term basis (1 term = 3 months)

LYRICAL DANCE

What is Lyrical Dance?

Lyrical dance is a fusion of ballet and jazz dance techniques. Lyrical dance challenges dancers to find the meaning and emotion of the music through dancing. This dance style also allows you to tell a story using dance.

What will I learn?

To express your emotions in movement

Boost your confidence and enhance your self-image

To put meaning to music using dance and movement

Challenge the body to be versatile in both technique and emotion

Who should learn?

Teenagers and adults with a little bit of a dance background in ballet or rhythmic gymnastics, jazz, salsa, etc…

What do I wear?

Ø Ballet Leotards

Ø Jazz pants

Ø Baby Tee/Fitting Top

Ø Jazz/ballet soft shoes

(Available at Living Arts)

When is it?

Monday 8.30 - 9.30pm.

How much are the fees?

RM300.00 on a per term basis (1 term = 3 months)

CAPOEIRA

What is Capoeira?

Capoeira is a unique Brazilian art form which combines elements of Dance Music, Martial Arts and Culture. Learning to play Capoeira is both challenging and fun. It is a great way to meet people by doing something energetic AND culturally enriching!

What will I learn?

Gain endurance, flexibility, agility and strength in your overall fitness

Learn how to sing in Portuguese and play traditional musical instruments.

Improve your overall body coordination.

Who should learn?

Anybody looking for a challenge and is curious about the Brazilian culture

What do I wear?

Ø T-shirt

Ø Comfortable/stretchable pants

Ø No footwear required

When is it?

Wednesday at 8.00 - 9.15pm

Friday at 8.00 - 9.15pm

How much are the fees?

There are 2 payment options for Capoeira.

Option 1: RM120.00 for 1 month of UNLIMITED classes.

Option 2: RM80.00 for 1 month of 4 consecutive classes.

BELLY DANCING

What is Belly Dancing?

Belly dancing has been termed exotic, sensual and beautiful and is one of the oldest social dances. It is known to be less strenuous on the body and definitely more entertaining compared with lifting weights or sitting on a bike.

What will I learn?

To strengthen your core muscle

Increase flexibility

Build leg and arm strength

Burn as many calories as jogging and have fun while doing it

Who should learn?

Teens to senior adults who want to embrace their inner Goddess

What do I wear?

Ø Fitting top

Ø Long/flowy skirt

Ø Scarf with beads

Ø No footwear required

When is it?

Thursday 7.00 - 8.00pm

Saturday 4.30 - 5.30pm

How much are the fees?

RM120.00 per month for 4 consecutive lessons

YOGA

Vinyasa Yoga. Partner Yoga. Acro Yoga.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is allowing practice that links various physical postures as well as breathing and meditation techniques to integrate the body, mind and breath. Yoga can provide relief from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Think of yoga as a natural chill pill, free of side effects.

CAUTION: Do not eat heavy food 2 hours before class. Do not wear jewellery during the class. Please NOTIFY the teacher if you have any health conditions and PLEASE switch off your hand phones.

What will I learn?

To coordinate breathing with movements to keep the body energised

To restore your core strength, balance & mindfulness

To balance the masculine and feminine energy in each individual

To be able to use the exercises as a tool to guide and heal your everyday life

To link physical postures, breathing and meditation techniques to integrate the body mind and breathe.

Who should learn?

12 year olds to adults

What do I wear?

Ø Fitting tops that are sweat absorbent

Ø Comfortable pants

Ø No footwear required

When is it?

Monday 7.00 - 8.00pm

Thursday 7.00 - 8.00pm

Friday 7.00 - 8.00pm and 8.00 - 9.00pm

Saturday 3.00 - 4.00pm

How much are the fees?

Living Arts offers two packages for yoga.

Package 1: 2 months of UNLIMITED yoga classes @ RM188

Package 2: 1 month of 5 consecutive yoga classes @ RM100

Do I have to buy a yoga mat?

For hygiene purposes, students are advised to bring or buy your own yoga mats from Living Arts. Yoga mats are priced at RM60 - RM80 and it comes with a cool carry bag!