HAPPY HEARTS, fulfilled souls and a journey they would never forget – these were what 49 dancers from the Methodist Girls’ School Dance Club (MG Dancers) brought back from Barcelona, Spain on June 19 this year.
The dancers emerged overall champions in the Dance Grand Prix Europe 2013, clinching First Prize in both the Ethnic and Contemporary Dance categories. They had to compete with strong teams from Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Finland and Mexico.
Two items were presented. “Field of Promise” was performed to the song “Una Kaya” by pinipikan, with a Filipino catchphrase “UNA UNA KAYA KAYA” which the audience soon associated the Singapore team with. “Shango” was the second item, during which the audience sang along with the resounding “Hey Ha”.
They had planned to engage the audience – and they succeeded! Our dancers were even reluctant to leave the stage after seeing the audience smile, sing and move along to the dance rhythms.
Our girls learnt new dance styles from their peers from other countries – styles that were uniquely different and left them in awe. They made new friends and brought home many memories and photos.
Devotions were held at the hotel bar because of a lack of space, and even there, the Lord brought them through laughter and tears, and throughout the entire trip, guided them safely and gracefully. Deep reflections were shared which helped to further mould the girls as dancers and as better people.
The 10-day trip also allowed them time to see some well-known Spanish sights, including the Park Güell, Sagrada Família Basilica and the Gothic Quarter. They visited a monastery and did some community service with the children there, as well as learnt street dancing at the Paca Garcia Dance Academy.
And right through the trip, they had the reassuring company of their teachers, Mrs Nicole Phua, Ms Samantha Wee, Ms Lydia Loy and Ms Tsien Jiuan Jiuan, and dance instructor Mr Dan Kwoh. Well done girls! UNA UNA KAYA KAYA!
Pictures by MG Dancers
By Loo Ying Ern