21 April 2008

“Crossings”

9 & 10 May 08
Lee Foundation Theatre, NAFA Campus 3

The NAFA Department of Dance is proud to launch “CROSSINGS”, the first in a new series showcasing the best of its Diploma in Dance students in performance and choreography. “CROSSINGS 2008” incorporates the Diploma Showcase and is also one of the featured performances for NAFA’s 70th Anniversary celebrations.

Ms Caren Carino, Head/Senior Lecturer, NAFA Department of Dance, said: ““CROSSINGS” promises to be yet another significant event in the history of the Academy and the Department of Dance, reflecting both rich traditions as well as an adventurous spirit that will continue to define and drive all who work within this enduring institution. Looking back but moving forward, we cross the boundaries of time and tradition.”

Two works by Artists-in-Residence from the Purchase Conservatory, State University of New York will be presented. The first is “The Dream”, staged by Ted Kivitt. It is an excerpt from Act II of the well known classical ballet “Don Quixote” in which he dreams that he is in the Kingdom of the Dryads. He sees Kitri and thinks that it is his beloved Dulcinea. “Running Style” by Stephanie Tooman is inspired by three calligraphies of Dong Qi Chang, a poet of the Ming Dynasty. The work was developed in collaboration with the students during her three-week residency back in September 2007. Music is provided by Neil Alexander who has been a long time collaborator of Ms. Tooman’s. The evening is further enlivened by three classical solos taken from “Giselle” Act I and II. These well-known excerpts will challenge, as well showcase the talented dancers.

As the curriculum also encourages NAFA students to explore their creativity in terms of choreography, the programme will present two student works. “Little Red Flowers” by Li Xue Xin, uses her parents’ childhood memories as a launchpad to explore issues of conformity. Of particular resonance to her is their experience growing up in the decades of the Cultural Revolution. Leong Jian Hao’s “In the Ashes” is a deeply moving portrayal of how circumstances and society can limit the choices we make in our lives. Both are final year students of the Diploma in Dance programme.

“Ice Nymph” by well-known choreographer and Head of Studies (Creation and Performance) Lim Fei Shen, closes the evening with a re-staging of her work that was performed for the Esplanade Da:ns Festival in October 2007. Commissioned in 1989 for Singapore Dance Theatre, it is inspired by the eponymous poem by Tan Swie Hian. It is a captivating exercise in inter-culturalism and story telling, dealing with universal issues of love and illusion, always fresh and timeless.

Please refer to the Annex for the biodata of Ted Kivitt, Stephanie Tooman, Lim Fei Shen, Li Xue Xin and Leong Jian Hao.

• back

Media Contact

For media interviews or further information, please contact :

Ms Karen Loh
Manager (Media Relations)
Corporate Relations Department
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
DID: 6512 4017
Email: phhloh@nafa.edu.sg