Not only does it require a high level of co-ordination and focus, it also requires a great deal of energy! Most of the dance revolves around jumping in and out of the bamboo formation according to the beat of the music, which really tests the concentration of the dancers!
Interview with 2 dancers during their break!
Benjamin and Jade from FASS:
How long did you take to learn this dance?
Benjamin: This is only the third time we're meeting to rehearse. And this is the best rehearsal so far! We're still in the process of learning it.
What have you learnt from this experience?
Jade: How to co-ordinate! Even when handling the bamboo poles, you have to be very careful not to hit other people. You have to really focus on what's happening. We've learnt teamwork as well!
Benjamin: In this dance, you must follow the beats very carefully, you must have very good co-ordination.
What are the difficulties you have faced in learning the dance and in these rehearsals?
Benjamin: Remembering the steps and following the beat! As we only have 1 hour for every session, we sometimes forget what we have learnt in the previous lessons.
Here's a video showing part of the dance! Be sure not to miss this at the event!
Although the rehearsal session was only the third of its series, the dancers have already shown their hard work and perseverance in learning, through the highly co-ordinated steps in their practices. It was truly a joy to be able to report on this performance!