Happy Holidays!

Here's a big THANK YOU to all my friends, colleagues, students, supporters for a wonderful 2007.

This came in time... indeed a very useful and thoughtful gift.
Thank you lot and I enjoy seeing the fire in your eyes when you dance. Keep that passion burning.

I'd be off for the festive hols and am looking forward to seeing you all in 2008!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

But, What If I Can't Dance...

My keyboard was wet...

The tears were not of pity but stemmed from true admiration for I'd just casted my eyes upon the truest meaning of Dance...

The Joy of Dance!



For all of those who have uttered, "But, I Can't Dance..." pause before you say that again.

Think now with new meaning...hope...inspiration and know that YOU CAN!

Dance - A Trinity of Mind, Spirit and Body

Boy oh boy, it's hard work coming up with a brand new series of sampler classes for future stars and slim-n-fit followers to be. I was doing two-a-day (this is what we say when, in the midst of American Football season when one has to practice intensively in the morning AND in the afternoon) for the past two weeks in preparation for this week's classes...it completely trashed my body and mind. But, my soul's still intact. That, of course, is fed by the enthusiasm from my students.

AND... No matter how thrashed I feel -- just prior to heading down to Dance On Us --it all goes away once the music pumps and I see my loyal comrades smiling and having the time of their lives. THAT is what makes it all worth it. If not for them I'd be a wet, wiped-out bag of bones and flesh.

I received an email from one of them this morning and I thought I'd share it on my blog...

*******

I had a really good workout last evening (and God knows I need it!). Dancing - that’s what I am addicted to.

You see, I’m one of your faithful followers. Over the last six months or so, your classes have become so much more to me than a class to learn how to manipulate my body which can at times refuses to cooperate. I started attending your classes because they are an athletic outlet (I love your blend of dance with physical fitness) and you are a wonderful teacher in addition to being a fantastic dancer (some dancers can’t teach for nuts). I wanted to get into shape physically, less out of vanity and more for my own sanity. When I started, I had no idea that this would evolve into an emotional journey for me and the profound impact it would have on the outlook of my life on the whole.

Through your classes, I found the door to a brand new world, one where I could be anyone I want to be, without guilt or shame; one where I feel a connection with my inner voices and soul. Your repetitive instructions to “listen to the music, don’t think, just feel and your body will follow” may sound simple enough but it isn’t as easy as it seems. It involves evoking almost all our mental and physical faculties simultaneously. It requires one to let go of the many inhibitions we have locked ourselves into, to demolish and/or ignore the rules we keep mentally. We need to break down the walls around us (inside and outside) before we can truly connect with ourselves, the music, the lyrics and our surroundings. We need to learn to listen to our bodies, have a conversation with it while gently coaxing it (or sometimes forcing it) to do things you never imagined to be possible.

In your dance world, I feel free. Free to make mistakes, free to be proud, free to be moved, free to laugh at ourselves. In this space, I have a free-flowing conversation with my body, spirit and mind. It is very private yet extremely liberating. It’s a poignant state of self awareness and consciousness.

The time I started taking your classes coincided with a rehabilitation period of my life. I carried a lot of pain and negative grounding and it is through dance I found a way to release these and re-connect with my inner self again.

You make dance come to life and attainable. What you don't realize is that you have has breathed new energy into my life with your passion and showed me a path to self-heal, all the while having fun and enjoying the new friendships I made through your workshops and classes. For that, I am eternally grateful.

JJ

Realization Revealed

Today I’ve come upon an epiphany. Something happened to me this past week that moved me so disturbingly that I have now reassessed my life direction and reason for being. Curious?
If I get 10 inquiries from legitimate readers I’ll let you in on my life-changing revelation

Women in My Life

This week’s been enlightening.

I’ve had discussions with friends (all women) that have been going through all sorts of life changes. One is still battling with a never-to-have love; the other has decided to return home after thinking she found her life partner (in a foreign country); another is suffering admirably a true passionate love that both have decided will never be; another is battling passion-haunts of glory and long lost marriage obligation of the abyss; and the final woman has found a love of self and partner long past denied. But what wonderfully whole women they are.

Geez... I should consider writing a "What men think" column...

Why I love Diane Lane...

- She's captivating on-screen
- I'm hypnotized by her features and flawless performance
- She's talented and has the X-factor
- Her beauty is understated and I personally think she is truly gorgeous...

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Afternote: And believe it or not, I met someone who looks just like the Asian version of Diane Lane … hmmm! Now, isn’t THAT intriguing?

Healthy Hearty Breakfast

It's my official binge day but it's always good to start a Sunday with a healthy, hearty breakfast... My new found favourite joint. Cedele @ Wheelock!

And... these guys sell gluten free bread!

Let's Groove This Christmas!!!!!!

Hey peeps!

Here's the latest on the cards for dance workshops... a pre-festive holiday weeklong dance and fitness program which starts from Monday Dec 10 - Saturday Dec 15, 2007

This series would include 2 hour sessions of the Awesome 80's Dance, Afro Jazz, Cardio Dance Blast, Dance of the Decades, Soft-N-Sexy and Latin Rhythms. The workshops would give everyone the opportunity to "sample" the various dance genres that I teach and for those that have experienced my workshops before, you'd know that my classes are guaranteed to be loads of fun - not to mention fantastic workouts! (think LBD)

Details:-

Who's teaching?
Me! Bill Calhoun =)

Where:-
Dance On Us (8 Claymore Hill #01-03 - next to the Amerian Club/near Shaw Centre).

Fee:-
Each 2-hour session costs $55. For those who sign up for ALL 6 sessions, a special rate of $300 applies. Registration Deadline: 30 November 2007.

To register/make payment, please contact tilly@danceonus.com or call 6737-4466.

Description of the Dance and Fitness Sampler Series:-

Mon, Dec 10 - The Awesome 80's!
Time: 8.15 - 10.15pm
Jump back to the 80's with hot new routines to classic dance tracks. Learn to Pop and Lock, Freak, Smurf, Hustle and Shake your Groove Thang - burnin' calories while still looking cool.

Tues, Dec 11 - Calhoun's Cardio DanceTime: 8.15 - 10.15pm
Calhoun's Cardio Dance Blast A hot and sweaty dance party with the best hip-hop, reggae and popular music. This non-stop workout will melt away fat and trim abs while boosting your dance skills like never before.

Wed, Dec 12 - Lyrical Jazz (aka Soft & Sexy)Time: 8.15 - 10.15pm
Soft-N-Sexy A lyrical dance-based class utlizing pop music hits from the slow and sexy genre. Slow songs from Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Tata Young, and the Pussy Cat Dolls, to name a few are used with supple, sexy, undulating choreography to lend an entirely different approach to sweaty and sexy. Emphasis is on lengthening of the muscles, balancing, and sustained contractions.

Thurs, Dec 13 - Afro JazzTime: 8.15 - 10.15pm
Afro Jazz Dance Learn actual dances of Africa in this high energy Cardio workout that will get you sweating, while learning dance steps. A great class for all dance and fitness levels.

Fri, Dec 14 - Latin Rhythms Salsa
Time: 8.15 - 10.15pm
Latin Rhythms Salsa, Mambo, or Cha-cha. These are just a few of the dance moves that you'll learn and use in this "sizzling" south of the border workout. The combinations are "hot", and the rhythms are "Strictly Latin"!

Sat, Dec 15 - Dance of the Decades
Time: 2.30 - 4.30pm
Travel through time with this dance class inspired by the past five decades. Swing into the 40's, twist into the 50's, shake your groove thing in the 70's, Le Freak your way through the 80's, and Running-man into the 90's.

Call Tilly at Tel:6737-4466 or E-mail: tilly@danceonus.com for more information/ registration OR to purchase dance packages/ sessions for your loved ones (let them dance to the tune of happiness this Christmas).

See you on the DANCE FLOOR!

Mussing at One Night Stand

I spent Halloween at One Night Stand, Clarke Quay catching one really talented musician in action. If you’ve got only one night in Singapore you’ve GOT to catch Muss The Man when he jams at One Night Stand.

The guy slams a mean drum and slashes a sizzling guitar. He’s got more showmanship than any performer on the Clarke Quay strip. No shit, this guy and his band are AWESOME. Just go check it out. If you don’t feel the same buzz I got then hit me back on my blog.

A little belated but ... Trick or Treat?

There's Always A First

This tastes good... My first time eating Bak Kut Teh

Cautionary Lust

I was literally dragged to the cinema over the weekend to catch the 'very censored version' of Lust, Caution. After reading so much about the edits of the scenes, and the numerous calls for boycott of the film in Singapore, I was seriously reluctant to watch it.

However, after sitting through the movie (armed with a packet of salted popcorn), I was really glad that I relented, for Lust, Caution is, in my humble western opinion, a dynamic display of directing, sensational cinematic showcase and believable acting delivery. Lust is a sensitive screen study of Chinese culture and emotional turmoil.

A bit of background here... Lust, Caution, a film based on Eileen Chang's novel 色，戒 showcased the sentiments, politics, insecurities of people in China during the Japanese occupation. The film was beautifully constructed and captured the history and culture of Shanghai and Hong Kong during the 1930s - 1940s very well.

I have no idea what the fuss about censorship is all about - does all the sex (or lack of) mean a great deal to the film? I think not, for Lust is overall a budding cinematic gem that comes close to other historical film masterpieces and epics with the likes of Judou, Raise the Red Lantern, Seven Years in Tibet and The Last Emperor.

As I waited for the crowd to disperse, I sat in the dark and pondered... if film critics and members of the public alike feel this movie lacks any integrity due to the de-emphasis on sex then there is something terribly, terribly wrong with their historical appreciation and artistic consideration. Have we come to the point were our sensitivities are limited to images of violence, gore, mayhem and flesh-flashes? If so, then I feel saddened about the future of truly meaningful film.

Be cautious about lust, least you succumb to brain-dead movie mush…

Jazzing Up Health & Fitness Tips

Surprise! Go grab a copy now to have a read or click here to view the cover story.

5, 6, 7, 8 and ...

As some of you know, I'd be starting the Best of Jazz dance workshop series come October 23. One thing I never did realise is the level of positive impact that my workshops have on my students. I'd received emails during the period where I was busy with the President's Star Charity to ask when my workshops would be starting again because my students were getting 'withdrawal symptoms'.

And there I was wondering why... until I received this note from one of my students who'd faithfully followed my workshops from studio to studio...

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Dear Bill,

I remembered how traumatized I was, when I seemed never to get the jazz walk done properly! I told you I’d forgotten how to walk, because I really did freak out, wondering how I could how danced all this while if I didn’t even know how to jazz walk properly…

But you were an absolute angel, constantly encouraging us, reminding us that what we really needed to do was to dance, to feel the music and not analyze too much. You never gave up on any one of us, no matter how awfully we performed that day. I know I have been awful in class, on more occasions than I dare to count!

I felt I only started dancing towards the last 2 weeks before your previous workshop series ended. Finally, I could let myself go, felt the music in my soul and enjoyed myself without worrying if I got my steps right (though I think my timing still sucks!)

I found comfort reading your blog at least once a week – so much inspiration and support from there! You’ve encouraged all of us not just in class but out of it and I have always been proud to be your student.

I have lots more to learn from you and I know you have a lot to teach. Many, many thanks for being such a wonderful teacher (the absolute best!) and I certainly look forward to being in the next Best of Jazz workshop series!

Thanks once again and see you soon.

Lots of love

Closet Dancer

************************

Dear Closet Dancer and all my Dancing Divas reading this entry...

I look forward to seeing all of you on Tuesday, October 23 at Dance On Us!

Later--

Dancing Through The Value Chain

One of my dance students told my group in jest last week that she thinks that I am secretly trying to build a dance empire. So... to affirm her story, I am pleased to announce that I will be starting Master Dance Workshops in mid-October!

The Master Dance workshops would be a fantastic refresher for advanced-level dancers, performers as well as dance instructors. If you have prior technical background in dance such ballet, jazz, chinese, tap, modern, give the ladies at Dance On Us a tinkle to ascertain if these workshops are suitable for you.

More details below:

Click here for more information or call Tilly from Dance On Us at 6737-4466 if you require more clarification.

See you on the dance floor!

On Biomechanics

The dance, just as the performance of the actor, is kinesthetic art, art of the muscle sense. The awareness of tension and relaxation within his own body, the sense of balance that distinguishes the proud stability of the vertical from the risky adventures of thrusting and falling – these are the tools of the dancer.

Rudolf Arnheim

President's Star Charity

After weeks of hard work, tonight's finally arrived - presenting the President's Star Charity 2007!

Tune in to MediaCorp Channel 5 at 7.30 pm tonight and enjoy an evening of musical extravaganza!

Donations can be pledged from 6 pm this evening until October 6, midnight. Click here for more details

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Post note:

A million thanks for your generous support! For those who enjoyed the programme but didn't get a chance to call in, please note that the lines to pledge your donations to the needy are open till October 6, midnight.

We all play a small part to make this world a better place.

Till The Next Song Plays

I ended the "Best of Jazz" Dance Workshop series on the evening of Mid-Autumn's night. In a way, it's symbolic for it's come one full circle. My greatest joy as a coach is to see my students grow, in mind and in spirit. My soul sings when I see them progress. It's the greatest joy that any instructor can get.

Today, I'm going to share with you a note which another one of my dance students sent me... she's basically asking if we are all born to dance. Here's our exchange.

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Dear Bill,

I've been thinking about this all night and need to get it off my chest because I will otherwise go insane(r). This was prompted by your class last night where I saw how challenged I was in terms of co-ordination.

What I'm wondering after all that is - Are dancers born to dance? I'm thinking some people have that grace and the uncanny knack to just be able to move - fluidly and languidly in such an effortless way whereas others (i.e. me) move like an old puttering station wagon (heavily and in a very slothlike/constipated manner).

Second part to this is, even if we aren't born dancers, can we train ourselves to get better at it or will there always be limits as to how much a person can do (the barrier being the shortcomings in one's natural abilities and talents)?

Sorry I'm analysing this ad nauseum. All of this is leading to a bigger question which plays in my head - are we all born with a purpose and if so, what is mine on this planet?

Musings on a wicked Wednesday...

***********************************************

To all my dancing divas reading this:

There are no born dancers. We are all born to move...dance.

I have seen -- time and time again -- individuals that momentarily failed at all sorts of performance art to later become supreme in their trade. It is not so much the plumbing of the body as it is the wiring within the head.

You have all progressed from all kinds of awkwardness to that which you achieved in my workshops.

You don't see it because you are blind to your own progress - its like driving in a car and looking out the side window -- at the landscape/horizon -- and having it appear as if you aren't moving. If however, you were gazing, from the horizon, at the speeding car, you would see the progression. You, like others are the car. I am viewing from the horizon.

I have found that it's got to do with one's lack of self-belief that deters them to achieve and to reach greater heights. It really is no different to any other pursuit. Physically, of course there are certain limitations - inherent flexibility for instance. Aside from that though there is little else that cannot be strengthened.

You see, the mind controls a lot of what goes on while dancing. Turns, tempo, retention of choreography, height when jumping, feelings, reaction, forcefulness and the like are all processes of the mind. Unless you are mentally challenged there are few limitations except those that we set upon ourselves. That's why I go on and on about letting go and allowing the music to get inside and stop the inner-analysis - for the more you think, the less you can do. It really is the truth!

It's a bit like how you deal with challenges at work, in daily life, in inter-personal relationships - apply that to the dance floor and you'd be able to draw parallels - its all about how we view ourselves and our abilities.

See you all, on the dance floor soon.

Later--

Moon Festival

I know, I know ... it's called the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Why do all these paper lanterns burn so easily?!
I am not trying to imitate the monkey god.

This is more predictable

This stuff is really too sweet but I was told it is a must-have for mid-autumn.

Staying on Track - Mind, Body & Soul

I tell my dance students when they are dancing progressions across the studio floor to always be mindful of the direction they are traveling; to listen to the music, get the tempo before taking the first stride.

The next thing that I usually reiterate to my students is NEVER to copy the moves of the person next to them - as copying throws a person off his/her natural rhythm. It's similar to losing one individuality when one copies... You'd never develop your own style/ character.

A dancer (versus a non-dancer) in day-to-day life — should strive to focus and dance along their own path and endeavor not to try to emulate the person next to them, not to mention, get caught up with the habits of those around them.

Keeping to your own path and focusing on your goal is essential for maintaining continuity of music and movement - how one gets there, independently, is what adds the color and spice.

Eat like the Romans Do... But Only in Rome

Just munched on a morning meal of Kaya toast and hard boiled eggs. I’m open…I’m adventurous…I’ll give anything a try.

The coffee was too sweet... really don't understand why locals like this stuff.


The toast was… well, not very eventful. As far as toast goes it was a bit thin; sort of like eating a brown soda cracker, only softer. The kaya was good…I guess. Reminded me of the gooey stuff inside a hard-cased jelly bean but, not as chewy.


And the egg…

Well, it was an egg. Not too much to fuss about. However, I was then told that the best way to eat the egg was to squiggle a bit of this black sauce on the thing. And I sitting there wondering why they had soya sauce on the table.

That’s when I kind of lost it. My conventional western wisdom short circuited. You see, in the west we just leave the perfectly yellow-centered, bouncy pristine white outer skin oblong eggie along. We just shake a dash of salt and pepper and put it into our mouths or suck the whole thing in at once. Sloshing this black sauce on seemed a bit…a bit blasphemous. Here, this perfect colored morsel was now drowned and discolored in a muckiness that resembled black crude oil on one's white dungarees.

Buuuuuuuut, it actually didn’t taste too bad (with the black sauce, that is).

Hmm.

Nevertheless, on my trash day I think I’ll stick to my Mickey-Dees, fat, piping hot flap jacks — swimming in butter and oozing maple syrup—side-swiped with overly cooked, much too rubbery scrambled eggs.

Kaya? Just don't do it.

The Art of Learning

Richard Bach implied in his book ‘Illusions’ that those who impart knowledge are teaching what they need to learn most…

Initially I'd thought, ‘What Hogwash!’.

I’d been proven wrong.

In my workshops, stage direction and choreographic assignments I’d often been praised for my patience, non-judgmental approach and kindness when working with amateurs and professionals. This, apparently, is the gift I’ve been bestowed to motivate and improve participants in ways they are unfamiliar with.

However, I’d realized I’m a stick in the mud when it comes to considering partners within my personal life. I’d always been so fussy about whom I associate with and consider some behavior unworthy of my time to pursue and had often sought only those individuals who share my values, morals and observations.

It just dawned on me, whilst lounging in my hammock that I do need to learn most of which I teach…

I have inadvertently become a student of life.

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“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”

Chinese Proverb

Far Far Away

Nothing beats chilling out away from the crowd after a frantic week. Presenting food visuals from my new-found secret hideaway.

My first time drinking soursop juice - it's really refreshing!
Claypot Toufu with Seafood...
Hotplate Chicken. This is nothing fantastic but being by the water and the sight of the airplanes descending makes up for the mediocre food.

A Picture Perfect World

I got to talking about teamwork with someone last weekend, that a piece of dance, especially group dance, involves a high level of teamwork, no lesser than track and field, playing football and being part of a uniform group.

A whole dance cast operates like a corporation, where everyone, no matter which level of the hierarchy, plays a part.

As some of you may know, I am actively involved in the upcoming President's Star Charity and I was directing and choreographing an item when an untrained artist approached one of production assistants and exclaimed that she thought one particular portion of the choreographed movement was too small and insignificant for her.

The production assistant gave her feedback to the Assistant Director who in turned notified me about the artist's concern. I however, made the decision to keep that part of the choreography.

Incidents of such nature are apparent off-stage as well. There are so many parallels to life and the dance/ stage arena. You see, this person was only looking at the whole item from a secular standpoint - failing to see how her intricate, no less important, movement affected the overall picture… how she complements her fellow performer’s sometimes larger and more dramatic choreography.

Choreography, is similar to life's blue-print. It is a mosaic of unique and varying degrees of movements, characters, tempos, timings and levels. The seeds of conflict and the breakdown of cooperative achievements and the sanctity of total art immersion are jeopardized when selfish considerations are put before the whole. The choreographer, director or composer sees the synergy of individual characters and manipulates the canvas (stage in this case) to present an engaging tapestry of little things that come together beautifully. We all play a part.

The stage is the frame, the choreography is the landscape and performers are part of the picture. Dance really is moving art.

My parting note: It would be picture-perfect if humanity would consider daily pursuits of social harmony. How picturesque it would be!

Alignment of Sycopation and Allegro

It's interesting how men and women have the ability to dance to the same tune in different beats. Modern day soothsayers sometimes quip that women dance to syncopation beats - read between the (pun intended) lines while us mere mortal men are more in sync with life's allegro tempo.
Men move to a different melody … their beat a bit abrupt
But, stretch them up long enough and they’re bound to limber up
Ps. They just need more time to warm up!

The Past That Makes Now

What is Life Without Good Food?

It's important to eat well and in moderation but also vital to indulge once in a while...

For what is life without good food?

Think Feta is light? Wait till you try the Buffalo cheese.


This pizza is one of the best I'd ever tasted. But then again, I was famished!


Tip: Try tripping the waiter and get more of that cognac spilt into this delicious lava cake that melts in your mouth.

**********************************************

Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.
Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755 - 1826)
The Physiology of Taste, 1825

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Check these guys out at:-
La Braceria
70 Greenleaf Road
Ban Guan Park
Singapore 279356
Tel: (65) 6465 5918

The Art of Silence

There's something to be said about saying nothing

Do away with internal debating

Just listen to the melody

And let that move your body

On Tango and Dancing Solo

There's always a dance-related anecdote for every situation.

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players (dancers):
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays (dances) many parts,
His acts being seven ages.

- adapted from William Shakespeare's As You Like It

I was having a conversation with someone who's going through a difficult divorce. Here's my take on separation:-

Dance thru separation
Regain your balance of what was lost
All's not gone
For though the pas de deux may have ended
You can still dance the solo unbonded

On Chaos and Creativity

You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star.

Friedrich Nietzsche

It's a Matter of Choice

We all have the same limbs

We can all dance

It is just that a true dancer makes the choice to dance

Vis-à-vis those who decide that they can’t

I Hope You Dance

As some of you already know, I started my Jazz dance workshop series last month and over the course of the last few weeks, I'd received emails from my students - the initial ones were most often moans and groans about how difficult it was but in recent weeks, I have seen a paradigm shift in mindset. One particular email from a dance student touched me so much that I felt the need to share her growth and perspectives:-

Class on Saturday was great eventhough it completely wiped me out. There are aches now in places where I didn't know I could even ache.

After class though, I was grinning for a while when I realized though that dance class is exactly what you say its about. Its not just about learning the godforsaken steps. Its about challenging yourself and your perspectives and perceptions about who you are. Throughout the beginning of class on Saturday, I was thinking "Jesus, there's a reason why I'm the person paying for the tickets instead of performing onstage. This dancing stuff is hard sh_t!".

At the end of class though, I started to think that we are only who we think we can be and that we choose to either stifle ourselves or let go. So what if I'm not prima ballerina material. I just have to be brave enough to try. I may fall over and laugh at myself. I think I can cope with the odd bruise. What's more important is that I don't lose anything when I try. Instead, I may find another side to myself-determination and spirit. Seems like a fair trade off.

Wanted to share that with the teacher himself, Yoda. Thanks for bringing that burst of sunshine to us on Saturdays.

I now need to get me some Tylenol

- Dance Novice


This really, is music to my ears. For dancing really is not just about movement of the body, it is about engaging your mind and soul. Dance Novice. I am very proud of you!

Food Glorious Food!

My first time trying Ayam Penyet (Indonesian Chicken Rice).

I learnt that ”ayam” really means “chicken” in the Malay language and “penyet” literally means “to flatten”. This is an authentic Indonesian dish where the most unique feature is that the chicken is deliberately smashed with a wooden mallet after deep-frying to loosen the meat from the bone.

It is surprisingly delicious!

Random Musings

As you spin or pirouette let your head not follow your body.

For that is where you’ve been or are now. So instead, spot, gaze forward - towards the future, where you envision yourself to be

Nail Me Down

I was gently cajoled into doing some media interviews recently and was reminded of an impressionable PR act which I'd experience in Thailand some months ago.

I was invited to the Grand Opening of the new Imperial Hotel Group’s Nail Studio. I'd arrived late as the traffic at Sukhumvit was so bad the entire area literally became a parking lot. I hopped out of the cab and trundled towards Emporium and into the back door of The Imperial Hotel.

Although I was nearly 45-minutes late, a handsome gentlemen - Khun Prasert, the hotel's in-house PR Executive, immediately recognized me, quickly came forward to greet me and gave me a warm handshake.

He was impressionable, which is really imperative in the field of public relations as it is important for corporates to put forth a face that impresses the public and press alike from the get-go. And the best part was that his approach wasn’t phony. Khun Prasert gave me the impression that he was seriously interested and proud of his job and their latest new nail salon.

I thought about how rare it was to find PR Executives that really understood and lived the virtues of customer satisfaction. No sooner had the thought crossed my mind when an exquisitely dressed and obviously important fixture strode towards me…no, it wasn’t one of the many celebrity-beauties gracing that night’s event.

This woman had beauty, of course, but what made her stand out was her air of sophistication and her proud aura of purpose and authority. She is really Khun Prasert’s mentor, teacher and leader - Khun Janya, who greeted me by name... I was impressed and very charmed.

With perfect English she asked me if she could show me around the Nail Salon. She then ushered me towards the registration desk. Although there were dozens of other obviously more important attendees than this short, mad American-columnist, Khun Janya kept her attention on me the entire time as we strolled from the registration counter to the Nail Studio.

Once we arrived at the Nail Studio, Khun Janya handed me over to another of her able assistants and politely excused herself as she attended to a much more important guest.

Boy-oh-boy, when it came to hitting that emotional cord Khun Janya and her team really struck me in the chord. They made me feel important.

As a result, I trusted them. They were sincere and passionate about their client.

Is important to note this is the PR team that does the campaigns for the entire ‘Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel’. The Nail Salon is just ONE of many products or services the hotel has to offer.

To think this is the way Khun Janya’s team behaves for all of their accounts boggles the mind. But, you feel it. Its not an act. Her team truly impressed me.

THIS is what good PR/ Guest relations is all about!

Anyway, back to the salon…

I asked the team why they chose the maroon, gold and beige hues as the key colors and they explained that their objective was to create an air of sophistication, beauty and relaxation. And in addition, using part of the Imperial Hotel's signature colors was something they thought would be in line with the overall brand identity.

Later, I decided to pose them a more difficult question... which really is what a typical investor or journalist would ask - What is the unique selling proposition that distinguishes Nail Studio from other nail salons?

After a short pause, she recited her positioning statement (memorised, of course), which is ‘We’ve a fashionable international standard salon that will pamper you with the most refined treatments, at a beautiful salon without charging high prices…high class with low prices…’

And they’re right! I have a manicure every-other-week and have tried several salons around Sukhumvit. Nail Studio’s prices are extremely reasonable. Their salon’s ambience, décor and location snips the cuticles out of the competition (pun intended).

For starters, although the PR team mentioned their primary target group would be hotel guests the grand opening went almost totally unnoticed by the hotel’s patrons. There were no hoteliers getting their nails done — only celebrities — and there were no hotel guests strolling in and about the Nail Studio shop. One would assume that most of the guests staying at Imperial Queen Hotel would be non-Thai’s. Chances are they would be Western. If this is the case then the press attending the event—mostly Thai—would be apt at conveying the Nail Studio’s message to their Thai-readers not the non-Thai, hotel-staying, primary target group.

I was one of the few, if not only non-Thai journalist at the grand opening.

Now, my next observation.

What's media relations without a good press release right?

A press release headline is supposed to grab the attention of the media. The headline must be something catchy, controversial, bold, flippant, humorous, adventurous, shocking, flamboyant, witty or revealing. Just simply writing: “Nail Studio: Colours of Wonder” is not something that’s going to get the media excited. This headline is more like an advertisement tagline.

In addition, the first paragraph of the release is far from polished (is not done correctly). There are run-on sentences, punctuation, tense, and conjunction errors…a big No-No when it comes to formatting an English written document.

Furthermore, the release and all accompanying literature about Nail Studio was rather vague, and non-defining…more like advertising mumbo-jumbo.

Statements like: “latest acrylic nail accessories from America” should state WHAT accessory brand its referring to, i.e., OPI? Just stating that its from America is like name-dropping and in this case, my motherland!

Or, “You will be pampered with the most particular and refined treatments”, should tell us HOW we are going to be pampered and WHAT refined treatments will be used.

Oddly though, when reading through the Imperial Hotel Group’s large maroon, corporate folder—which housed the press release and other information about the Nail Studio—one reads impeccable, error-free, content-specific text that speaks mountains (says a lot about) about what The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel has to offer.

My advice, find another agency to develop and write the Nail Studio’s printed literature. Or, better-yet, just hire the same team that created the Hotel Group’s corporate folder.

Aside from this little chip I found the overall grand opening a brilliant success. The PR team was spot-on (great at execution and highly professional).

Now, if this remarkable PR team can impart their professionalism upon the ranks at the Nail Studio it’ll be a nail-snipping success.

On Art and Comprehension

Point to ponder

“The moment you think you understand a great work of art, it's dead for you.”

- Oscar Wilde

Man-made or Innate?

Food for thought.

“There is one thing one has to have: either a soul that is cheerful by nature, or a soul made cheerful by work, love, art, and knowledge.”

- Friedrich Nietzsche

The Sky's The Limit

Cartoons and animation flicks have never really been my scene. I am certain many blokes would be able to empathise with me.

I was recently persuaded to watch Ratatouille, which is an animation feature film produced by Pixar about the story of Rémy, a rat (who is also an aspiring chef) living in Paris.

Then lo and behold! I became besotted with the flick! And mind you, very few animations actually strike a chord in me. The only other one that I enjoyed was “Spirit”, which jerked me to tears.

Ratatouille (pronounced Rat-a-too-ee) is seriously one of the best flicks I’ve ever watched. The content is excellent, animation is brilliant and for an animation picture, it's got great choreography (yes, I suffer from occupational hazard). But the most important part is that it is a great story, one that tugs at our heartstrings and teaches us something.

Ratatouille is above all else a rousing story on life's lessons - that no one is too small, too short, too tall, too old or too wee to have dreams, that even a little Parisian rat can be an acclaimed chef.

There are many people whom I'd come across who tell me that they are in fear, in doubt (about their ability) or simply lack the confidence to be the best that they can be. For folks in these situation, I'd suggest that you take a trip down to the nearest cinema to watch this inspirational flick.

The connection between cartoon and content is what sets this little critter movie apart from all the others produced by Pixar and Disney.

Who would have guessed a reel about our little rodents friends could touch all that we aspire to in terms of reaching for hope and happiness?

Go see and tell me how it moves you…

Ps. In the meantime, check out some of my creations here

Lyricism et Tempus

Why is everything about modern living instant?

Eating has become instant (think fast food and take-aways), working has become instant (I communicate with people I work with via e-mails and sms) and even dating has become instant (I last asked a girl out via e-mail and she replied me via sms).

To my horror, I realised that the term "instant" has also made its mark in dance choreography - with phenomenally fast pace even for lyrical choreography. I mean seriously, lyrical, the most sensual of all Jazz dance styles - cannot fall prey to speed. Tempo is key.

Lyrical, in my opinion is not that different from playing the dating game - coyness, sensuality, slow and when necessary a battle of emotions and mind games... think of kite flying, the dance of tug and release between you, the kite and the velocity of the wind...

Lyrical is meant to be slow and beautiful... and the truth is that there are no short cuts to many things in life - losing weight, looking pretty or attaining happiness.

The elements of living life - love, romance, dance, happiness really is an amalgamation of balance, strength, the right tempo and most importantly connecting the body, mind and soul...

Lyrical Jazz, when done properly — is beautiful and languid. The movements literally beg the dancer to sustain, lengthen and stretch the body’s anatomy. It allows for time for the dancer's soul to drink in the melody and use the body to paint visual images that moves with the music. Lyrical epitomises moving art.

Contrary to all things instant, lyrical requires discipline and character - postures and positions are held for a certain time frame, and balancing requires a firm foundation and intuitive connection between mind and body.

There are no short cuts in life and especially not in dance. If you can’t go slow, you are just drifting through the motions without fully appreciating the full glory and passion of dancing.

Mr Tickled

Today my housemate reminded me of an incident that had me laughing so hard our very extremely talkative African Grey Parrot actually shut up for a moment in horror. Mica, our German Sherpard, started whimpering and Ruth, our housekeeper actually asked my housemate in jest if she should call for an ambulance take me to IMH.

We’d all gone to WOMAD (World of Music and Dance) on Saturday and during the interval my housemate and her fiancé skipped up to listen to a Scottish band. Her fiancé, who is a a bit of a klutz, started jumping up and down, having a whale of a time dancing and pounding his head to the rhythm. He gestured for my housemate to come close to join in his "tribal" dance.

Without warning he suddenly slammed his pearly white enamels into my housemates forehead and sent her stumbling several feet backwards. And get this, the impact was so great that it she lost her balance and almost fell. However, he never skipped a beat and carried on pounding to the music. After a few seconds, he grinned at her and apologized, “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry…you okay…I’m so sorry."

For a moment, I thought he must be on some illegal substance to NOT feel the impact of having knocked into someone's head!

Then, I felt so tickled I started to laugh NON STOP. The image just tore me to bits. Can you imagine how funny that sight must have been?

A Leaf Out of Thy Book

I taught a dance workshop some time back, at a popular dance academy in Asia.

I was teaching the choreography of a well-known celebrity MTV dance choreographer, who is currently the rave in the MTV dance arena - which as most of you would know, is not an area that I am active in as most of my accolades come by way of Television variety show choreography and directing. So why did the studio owner invite me to teach MTV dance?

I asked her out of curiosity:-

Her: Bill, when it comes to teaching and choreography you’re the man.

*I felt my head inflate for a mere moment there

Me: Thank you

Her: I mean it Bill, some of these instructors have driven away my customers! I need someone to bring in the stayers!

Me: ???

This is the story... (it's story time folks, get your pillows and candy floss)

I’d arrived early and my class wouldn’t start for another 20-minutes and thus I decided to sneak a peek at the other instructors.

In the first studio, I saw students with faces of fear, anxiety and torture as they - drenched in perspiration - tried hopelessly to keep pace with the teacher’s combination. The well-known Jazz dance instructor turned to the class — after slugging them with a flurry of complicated steps, at break-neck pace and reprimanded them for not catching on fast enough.

In another studio I saw the common performance of most syllabus ballet instructors — particularly those affiliated with the Royal Academy of Dance. This teacher was sitting on a stool dictating to a room full of stressed-out teenage ballerinas. The only time she got up from the stool was to prod, poke and push out the legs of a struggling student when she didn’t get a wide enough 1st position ballet turnout.

In the studio where my workshop was to soon occupy stood a funky, young Hip-Hop diva who was demonstrating the proper way to perform a choreographed combination. He performed it again…and again…and again. Not once taking his eyes from the mirror - from himself.

My point is... there may be younger, trendier-dressing, better-looking entertainers out there but like beauty it all fades with time. You’ve got to have more.

A dancer can spin, twirl, jump and put on a kick-ass show. But if they plan to make the transition to teaching they’ve got to have a lot more than idol-heartthrob power or smashing performance pizzazz.

An instructor has to motivate his/her customer/students.

All of these instructors were invited by the studio owner and these were world-class performers and yet they knew nothing about motivational-selling.

From the moment my class started warm-ups until it finished with a cool down I had one thing in mind: Motivating my students. This is an ethos I bring with me every time I enter a class. Why? Because, if I don’t remind myself to consistently motivate my students, they’d never come back. They’d come to take class from me. It’s my responsibility to give them the time of their lives. That’s exactly what’s normally missing in lesson-imparting situations. Motivation is key to good lectures and mentoring.

Motivating my students is far more important than imparting the steps. When they perform badly, encouragement is essential. Rather than to reprimand. When they’re not able to absorb the steps quickly enough, patience and reworking my teaching methods is imperative. I allow no room for judgment and scoldings.

And, I’m not advocating telling lies, i.e., no lying to students, because they are able to sense the nonsense and phony bologna.

And there isn't a manual to follow. Teaching dance is far more personal; incredibly more emotional and ever so much more affecting than any other form of teaching …unless you’re a practicing, professional psychologist. Actually, I personally believe that motivation through dance is very, very close to psychology…or parenting.

In typical academic settings, a text book, note-taking, exams, a lecturer translating the content of the text book, are the tools for imparting. Assignments, deadlines and exams are the motivators.

Teaching dance is so much more.

In a typical dance class people come to escape - They aim for freedom, excitement, release from a day of labor. They'd come revealing their most sacred of assets — their bodies.

Thrust into a situation where all is uncommon, uncontrolled, unexpected — unless they are seasoned, professional dancers — the dance participant is completely vulnerable. They are allowed to express their innermost emotions through the variations of music and moves and are manipulated by the teacher to perform. They swerve their hips, undulate their torsos, smile or scowl to the rhythm, and sweat freely in an explosion of total body and emotional upheaval.

People bare their souls when they dance - it is totally uninhibited.

A motivational dance teacher has the capacity to reach into the student’s inner being and draw them into a maniacal, musical mayhem of movement.

And, they allow it…all for the joy of dancing.

Teaching dance is a potent and powerful tool to be used in the right hands…

A dance teacher is not just a vehicle for imparting steps. A dance teacher can be an emotional, music and movement messiah for the soul.

Only gurus and Yoda-level candidates need apply.

Babes Haven Got To Do With It

I paid a brief visit to a motor show and as with all similar shows around the world there were slinky, sexy, seductresses lying on top, in and around the metal beauties.

There they are, slithering next to the cars handing out pamphlets, and strutting their little bums in tight little panties with tops that either show loads of cleavage or are too tight to hold back creases and protrusions from their.... you know the uh, well you get my meaning right?

And so we ask ourselves that ever prevailing life question: WHAT’S GORGEOUS GALS GOT TO DO WITH MOTORCAR MARKETING?

Not much really. Except for that "association with". Let me elaborate - most guys would think that a nice car makes up for the lack of personality, looks, character, sense of humour and thus, owning a nice piece of motor metal would get him a sexy babe.

And don’t get me wrong as I enjoy looking at beautiful bodies as much as the next guy (yes, contrary to popular belief, I am NOT gay) but, when it comes to buying cars well, that’s just not a catch that’s going to make me part with my cash.

The "beautiful babes + brooom-broooms" blend is cliché and in my humble opinion, downright chauvinistic and sexist.

Besides, its lousy marketing

Before you get cajoled into signing your certificate of entitlement by a buxom babe, ask yourself these questions:
1. Why do you need this car?
2. What do you want from this car model? Isn't the current one good enough?
3. What drives you (pun not intended) to purchase this?

Give me a RAV 4 anytime!

Entertaining

Food For Thought

It's interesting how people view one another as part of a "race". For instance, Asians as a race, Africans as a race, Caucasians as a race, etc.

When I first came to South East Asia, I was really impressed by the natives' ability to point out, at first glance, the various nationalities of other Asians, e.g. Koreans, Chinese (South), Japanese, Malays, etc, without even hearing them speak!

What was even more interesting to me was how people in the arts and entertainment industry could work together, even though they don't speak the same language.

Do you realize that dance and music seem to be one of the few embodiments we all share as humans?

A Hint of Jazz and Razzmatazz

As part of my objective to introduce the heritage of Jazz Dance to Asia, I would be conducting a series of dance workshops, "Best of Jazz" series, using Singapore as my launch pad. The workshop series would commence on Tuesday, 21 August 2007 and Saturday, 25 August 2007 respectively.

The "Best of Jazz" dance workshop series includes a mix of all the various jazz dance styles such as Broadway, Lyrical, Latin, Street and Modern. Workshops would run for five to six weeks and would include special dance styles such as Afro-Jazz as well as dance appreciation workshops once schedules are confirmed.

Click here for more details.

Flying The Coop

Some people tell me that I barely have an American accent when I speak, especially when I am at work in the production arena or training people in choreography and dance.

Perhaps it is because I’d spent the past 17 years of my life in Asia, living in Thailand, Japan and Singapore and I may have unknowingly assimilated into the beautiful Asian landscape. One very positive value which I’d noticed in this part of the world is that it is customary for Asian children to care for their parents in their golden years. My Asian friends tell me that this really is very “Confucius”, a value which I find admirable. In the US, children see their parents once a year, mainly to celebrate the festivities. See the disparity?

Many of my adult Asian friends still live with their parents, again something which is rare in the West… and I personally believe that all children should leave their nests at some point to rough it out on their own.

In the States, we use a phrase called “Flying the Coop”, which literally refers to the time when the young leaves their nests, take flight and spread their wings to stand on their own two feet.

Enough of rhetorics…

The point that I am attempting to drive home is that after spending so many years in Asia, having seen the dance industry evolve and grow, I believe that the time has come for Asian dancers to “fly the coop”.

As seen in the recent Channel 5’s dance reality programme, The Dance Floor and the South West District Dance Journey, young budding Asian dancers are embracing, emulating, imitating and executing with perfection, western dance styles. It’s incredible how quickly local dancers, in particular Singaporeans, have adopted dance forms that are not indigenous to their culture and perform it with flare, panache and professionalism rivaling those dancers in the USA…I kid you not.

I was chatting with my friend Lionel Araya, of LA Dance Connection the other day and we came to the conclusion that Asians are better suited to perform and execute modern Hip Hop, Locking and Popping dance styles, partly due to their stature and the way that their bodies are structured.

We concurred that it is now time for Asian dancers to graduate and stop replicating the moves from the West. Eastern style dancing is beautiful in its own form and it’s time for Asian dancers, be it Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Balinese, to create their own hybrid of modern popular dance and take it to the next level.

TV viewership numbers and positive feedback for the Asian Dance segment overwhelmed all other weekly dance segments during MediaCorp’s The Dance Floor.

When I sitting on the judging panel of the recent South West District Dance Journey, I was very impressed by the creative ingenuity of the young dancers in Singapore and the intelligent choreographic fusion of East and West. It was remarkable, something we rarely see in the West.

Perhaps, the time has come, to leave the nest…fly the coop…class is over.

Show the world what you’re made of. Make the world sit up and see you DANCE.

Dance Like No One's Watching

Interestingly, I was having a chat with one of my former students, who is a bit of a philosopher and we both agreed that there are life’s lessons in dance.

Let me tell you more. I was in Bangkok on a work trip and met up with an old buddy of mine, Adrian (Adie), the man behind this awesome online travel site http://www.thailandhop.com/ and its domestic site: http://www.earthhop.co.th/

Adie, being a hospitable Briton living in Thailand, invites me over for a barbeque, something which we used to do when we were colleagues back at our APEC CEO production gig back in 2003. I love cooking; it’s therapeutic and extremely relaxing. All the housekeepers out there must be cringing now but seriously, cooking is fun and ever since my dad taught me how to cook, I’d been hooked.

In between running back and forth from the kitchen to the barbeque pit I was having a blast playing with Adie’s little girl, Emily. She’s so adorable and smart as a wick. One can tell how intelligent she is in the manner which she lifts her eyebrow or tilts her head when you try talking baby-speak with her.

“Give me sentences with correct syntax, structure and meaning or I’ll spit at you” she seemed to respond while looking at adults make complete fools of themselves. Well, she is a wonderful kid and I am not saying that because she’s my friend’s baby.

So, Emily starts walking around the house looking all important and Moo, Adie's wife puts on some pop music by Tata Young and suddenly, on cue, this little giggly 18-month old dancing diva starts shaking her hips and bobbing her head. I must point out that she’s not cracking any pirouettes or front batman kicks but, she’d sure be in line for my Tuesday evening's soft and sexy lyrical class. Emily is awesome.

Does this scene sound familiar? Struck a chord somewhere? Remember the Ally McBeal's Dancing Baby in the late 90s? That's the image that I was trying to illustrate.

Infants/ Toddlers are by nature fascinated with music. And what’s the first action they start doing once they can stand on their own?

DANCE!!!

You don’t see them spouting off complicated algorithms or debate ethics, when they start babbling their first sounds. You don’t see them sketching airplanes or skyscrapers when they’re able to wiggle their fingers.

You don’t see them rifling through the financial section of the morning paper when they can see clearly. Babies are not predisposed to be bankers, politicians, economists, rocket scientists or architects.

They are born to dance, just as we are.

The next time, you think that you may have two left feet, think again. Look back to the times when you swayed to the music that caught the rhythm of your soul.

Adie later turned to me and asked, “Bill, do you think she’s too young to start taking dance or creative movement classes”?

"Never too young and never to old to start learning", was my response. Which is the same reply I give to people when they ask me whether they’re too old to start or continue dancing.

Dance on!

Waxing Lyrical

"We are all dancers...the difference lies in the quality of our training"

Some of you have emailed me before asking about the definition of lyrical Jazz.

Lyrical is a fusion of the best in ballet, modern and jazz set to slower tempo music. Think long, beautiful poses and languid movement. Lyrical jazz is an excellent training platform for control, extension and balance in execution of poses, turns and jumps.

Check out my upcoming workshops commencing Tues, Aug 21 here

La Vie En Rose

It took me a good three minutes to grasp the pronunciation of La Vie en Rose (us Americans have little to do with the French and I have honestly forgotten much about this foreign tongue that I'd once learnt in high school).

And so, when someone suggested that we go catch La Vie en Rose, the latest movie to hit town, I replied in the positive, not knowing what the movie was about. What I experienced changed my perception of cinematic performances by an actress forever.

Up until now I’d thought the US was the resounding force behind acting excellence and academy award-winning performances…hogwash!

La Vie en Rose, in my humble opinion, was not a movie that made the best chronological sense. For instance, I found the script disjointed, continuity in chaos and historical reference incongruous. Case in point, I couldn't make out the exact sequence of Édith Piaf's life, when she had her child and when she started suffering from her morphine and alcohol addiction.

However, Marion Cotillard’s performance of Édith Piaf was one of the most extraordinary performances I had ever witnessed. Before lavishing in Marion’s engagement I’d only relished in performances from divas like Meryl Streep, Hilary Shwank, Jody Foster, Angela Basset or Diana Ross (my favorite actresses in Hollywood award-winning performances).

That has all changed.

What Marion has done for the 20th Century is a peek back to theatrical brilliances of Bettie Davis, Elizabeth Taylor and Vivian Lee. Few of you may know these female divas. It matters not. Marion Cotillard is your portal back in time.

You NEED TO SEE Ms Cotillard’s performance.

Why? Check this out.



The acting stops entirely. What Marion does is not mere acting. It is pure and simply the total immersion of a contemporary mortal into that of a presence who existed long ago. Set your preconcepts aside and just go and watch how deep an individual is willing to go to capture the full passion of life…Marion Cotillard does this - she grabs you and yanks you through a cinematic escapade that will have you tilting your head in doubt the next time you watch local productions.

La Vie en Rose has delivered next year’s Oscar winner. Mark my words. If Marion doesn’t stomp away with an academy award I’ll eat my dance shorts.

Beyond The Stage Door

As I travelled out of Singapore yesterday, I saw some sleep deprived people at the Changi International Airport, all set and ready to catch the very first flight out to some regional country for turnaround meetings. Which set me thinking in retrospect - again.

Many of you have watched 'The Dance Floor' but most of you wouldn't know about what went on behind the scenes of Singapore's first dance reality programme that was recently aired on Channel 5.

No, it’s not your sleazy story sub-basement slander of secrets the tabloids rant about…it’s the real human interest stories/ behind-the-scenes tales of sweat, toil and PASSION.

Get this, nearly all of the top ten dance competitors shuffled rigorous day jobs and late night dance rehearsals. Some competitors were performing to perfection on stage, in front of the camera and retching their guts out backstage during the commercial breaks — on one occasion it was food poisoning the other time it was just pure, old-fashion flu due to being rundown with a hectic schedule of work and rehearsal.

There were no guaranteed corporate endorsement dance deals like you see in the US. There were no professional gig guarantees. There were no training subsidies or product sponsorships...there wasn’t even a second, third or commendation award for anyone aside from the winner.

'The Dance Floor' participants sweat, took leave, sprained hands and ankles, vomited, got only tidbits of sleep, struggled and stressed with weekly choreographic challenges and most assuredly battled personal dilemmas all for the name of DANCE! That’s the purest form of dedication there is.

So, before all of those nay-sayers dismiss the efforts, talent and commitment of Singaporean dancers. Before judgments be cast upon those who 'dabbled in fun' instead of the practicality of the corporate world. Before comparisons be cast between American and local aspirants, pause should be given in honor of those whom have journeyed so far, for so little in the name of LIFE, PASSION and the PURSUIT of a dream of dance.

We must ask ourselves — as we drone in our mundane and mediocre dailies — when was the last time we sacrificed so much for so little, in the pursuit of a passion, which is dance?

Sleep on it...

Dance Workshops in Singapore

Hi Folks,

As promised, I will be conducting dance workshops (ongoing sessions) starting from the month of August. Details below:

Tuesday Workshops:
Commencement Date: Tuesday, August 21
Classes on - Aug 28, Sept 4, Sept 11, Sept 18, Sept 25

1.5 hours x 6 sessions
Time: 8.00 pm - 9.30 pm
Course Fee: S$270

or

Saturday Workshops:
Commencement Date: Saturday, August 25
Classes on - Sept 1, Sept 8, Sept 15, Sept 22

1.5 hours x 5 sessions
Time: 3.00 pm - 4.30 pm
Course Fee: S$225

Workshops' Venue :
8 Claymore Hill, Claymore Point, #01-03/04
Singapore 229572
Phone: 6737 4466

Course Fees
Total Course Fee for students under the category of GOLD Membership = S$270 or S$225 (depending on the total number of sessions)
Courses are at S$60 per session for non members.

Payment
Preferred Mode of Payment - Cheque (Crossed cheque to be made payable to Stage Door Pte Ltd) to be mailed to:

Stage Door Pte Ltd
141 Cecil Street, #06-02
Tung Ann Association Building
Singapore 069541

*Please write your full name and contact number (cell phone and e-mail address) at the back of the cheque. To also indicate your preferred day of attendance, i.e., Tuesdays or Saturdays.

In addition to the regular workshops, I am also offering classes in special dance styles such as Afro-Jazz, Performance Dance. Students under my membership scheme may opt to join these classes at a small fee of S$10 (minimum), in addition to the normal member class fee.

New Students
One of my key objectives in Singapore is to encourage people who appreciate dance but are new to the art to experience the fun in dancing. Therefore, if you are keen to experience my workshops, please feel free to join in at a single session rate of S$60 (you can pay the balance should you choose to continue).

Please feel free to drop me at email at billcalhoun@billcalhoun.com should you require additional information.

See you on the dance floor!

Additional Information

Hi Dancing Divas,

Some of you have asked me about the types of dance that I'd be teaching in my upcoming workshops. So here it goes...

Tuesday Workshops
Weeks 1 - 3
Jazz - (Funky Street Style)

Weeks 4 - 6
Lyrical Jazz (also known to some of you as "soft & sexy")

Saturday Workshops
Weeks 1 - 3
Jazz (Latin Style)

Weeks 4 - 6
Jazz (Movie/MTV or Broadway dance styles)

I figured this would be the best way to give you a well-rounded approach to dance...the same way we do it back home...in the USA

Payment

I'd noted that some students prefer to make cash payment of S$270 (for Tuesday Workshops x 6 sessions) and of S$225 (for Saturday workshops x 5 sessions).

If that is the case, please head on down to the venue (Dance on Us) at 8 Claymore Hill, Claymore Point at least half an hour earlier:-
- 7:30 PM on Tuesday, August 21
- 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 25

I would like to get the administrative bits out of the way and start the workshops on time.


Gold Membership
Membership is really by invite only to my previous students, those that have followed my workshops and classes from the various dance studios in the region.

For this workshop series, new students would have to pay the full amount, which is S$60/workshop.

I Think, Therefore I Dance

I had a recent debate with someone recently and the motion was, "Can every dancer teach dance?" And my answer was a firm NO.

Let's start from the fundamentals...

Most dance instructors were or are dancers and because of their experience and knowledge, they started to teach dance. Most who stay in the game long enough would know that all forms of dance go right down to basic dance techniques, with origins from ballet, classical, etc.

Not all dancers can teach. Let me tell you why. For one, many dancers are good at execution but not all dancers have the ability to impart the right knowledge, skills and insights while commanding a class full of potential performers and push them to the best of their capabilities.

For one, I see many dance teachers trying to fill every count of eight with choreography and that itself in my humble opinion is not quite right. Because, going back to the basics, dance on its own really is an expression and in itself tells a story. Most importantly, dance is supposed to express what music cannot in a physical form.

Based on the simple understanding of the rhetorics behind dance, teachers should abide by the simple motto of giving, impart what they know and in turn, they will receive the gift of knowledge, from their own students. Trust me, for I've been there.

The next time, when someone tells you to kick higher, increase your speed in turns, slow down and think. Think about perfection, about getting the right pull-ups, the correct isolations, controlled movements before trying to perfect that pirouette.

Like what I say in class sometimes - turning is easier than standing up. If a technically trained dancer cannot even stand, or plié properly, how can he/ she perform a turn?

Remember, it is not about how high you kick. It is about the process of getting the right kick.

Break a leg peeps!


Ps. I am starting workshops in Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop in August. E-mail me at billcalhoun@billcalhoun.com for updates or watch this space for more details.

Passion for Movement

All artistes should read this book. It's a classic and it talks about understanding the unlimited idea of freedom. In short, the story makes you realize that you have to be true to yourself. The source of happiness comes from persevering to achieve your own dream.

The Bandwagon

Hi Everybody!!!

After much persuasion, I’d finally jumped onto the blogging bandwagon and I must say that I am extremely excited about the prospect of being able to share my perspectives, views, thoughts through my blog.

Stay with me, as I discover the joys of the blogosphere and as we progress, I look forward to using this little personal e-space as a platform for the cross-share of our common passion for the performing arts.

Cheerios,

Bill Calhoun