#sgdance

[eunicepang]

BP1: Mediatization & Dance

Couldry and Hepp postulate that our reality is shaped by communicative practices that are tightly bound to the role of media; this process is termed mediatization. Our everyday life is heavily dependent on media. I completely relate to their point of how media communicative streams have deep roots in our constructed reality of life. I use Instagram and Telegram upon waking and just before sleeping, spending the first and last 30 minutes of my day on these applications. Throughout the day, I check on what my friends are posting, and have an extended text conversation with them. In this post specifically, I would like to touch on Instagram and its links to the local dance scene. Being a dancer myself, I have seen how the experience of taking an open class at a dance studio has transitioned from being unrelated to media to being heavily influenced by media. I started taking classes in 2013, and saw how Instagram played a pivotal role in a dancer's journey. It used to be quite simple. I would try different genres and styles by signing up for many different classes. We would always end the class with 'video runs', where we would break into smaller groups and perform the choreography while being recorded. The intent behind it is to allow you to watch the recording and pick up mistakes, strengths, and room for growth. People rarely shared these videos online, as the studio was a safe space to explore and try new styles. 

However, in 2021, it is wildly different.

Firstly, we have the pre-class hype, when the instructor of the class posts his/her song choice on Instagram, occasionally including a practice video/sneak peak of the choreography to drum up excitement. Then, we have the 'camping', a colloquial phrase used to describe people waiting to book tickets for the class once the slots are released at 0000, a few days before the class is held, with the classes being sold out in 30 seconds. Ever since the safety distancing protocol was announced, the capacity of the studios have been greatly reduced. People would post on Instagram how they managed to or was not able to secure a slot. This, again, would create a buzz for the class. Then, the actual experience of taking a class is very different as well. It is no longer the mindset of "I am here to learn, explore and make mistakes.", but sounds something more like this, "I am here to look good doing this choreography during the video run, so that I can post it on Instagram and receive compliments". Personally, I am guilty of having this mindset, of only taking classes that I am comfortable in and no longer pushing myself to extend my diversity and versatility. The chase for adoration on social media for one's dance skills can be very pressurising. This is especially valid in the case of the dance instructors. Instagram has become the main point of reference when someone wishes to enroll for a class. They view videos of the instructor's past choreographies, see who usually attends their classes, and whether or not this instructor is "popular" on the social media reality of the local dance scene. This point is particularly important as an instructor is paid by the amount of students attending the class (i.e. a commissions basis). This pushes instructors to create more visually appealing and eye-catching choreographies for the purpose of posting them online, in a bid to increase their social media presence and potential salary. 

Thus, the choices made by instructors and students of a class is very much influenced by the content consumed on Instagram. Students wish to "look good performing" in every class, sacrificing diversification of skills. Instructors pursue clicks and likes, instead of creating choreographies that truly represent their passion for this art form.

What happens on social media affects real world decisions. Here is a link to an article if you would like to read an in-depth, Western view on what I have mentioned above.

[lynethpt]

❤️❤️❤️ Thank you @jacq_yang! ❤️❤️❤️ . Words cannot express how much I love my job. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 . . . . #pain #painmanagement #rehab #rehabscience #sportsrehab #sportsrecovery #manualtherapy #rehabtrainer #iastm #m2tblade #painrelief #painreliefsg #specialist #rehabspecialist #activesg #sgsports #sgfitness #sgpowerlifting #sgdance #sgdancers Reposted from @rehab.rella #pinkoctober #M2TBlade #IASTM #massagetherapist #Physiotherapist #chiropractor #sportstherapist #fitnesstrainer #canada #newnormal (at Singapore) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGLINrunlPk/?igshid=1ns4wibrhjjk8

[fromthe65]

Stretching her hand up to reach the stars, too often she forgets the flowers at her feet.

[hurrikane-alain]

#Hurrikane x @gshock_sg . . . *G-Shock GA 2000* . . . . . . . . . #hurrikanethedancer
#GSHOCKxCarbon #NewGenerationToughness #AbsoluteToughness #ToughestMoveChallenge #haitianexcellence #scape_rfjam #radikalforzejam #recognizestudios #sgdance (at SCAPE) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvbZIxulimI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ho45831zcftu

[alonetime]

Curious to get a sense of what our m1 Singapore Fringe 2019 production, yesterday it rained salt is about? Check out our production trailer! Goodbyes are rarely good. And memories can be tricky things. Azman returns to his island home only to be greeted by new sights and vanishing landmarks. Nothing seems familiar, until it starts to rain. Written by Nabilah Said and choreographed by Norhaizad Adam, yesterday it rained salt combines text, dance and performance to explore the violence of departure and return, the comfort one can find in memory and rituals, and the relationships that men have. Creative Director/Performer: Soultari Amin Farid Playwright: Nabilah Said Choreographer: Norhaizad Adam Performer: KayKay Nizam Producer: Shaifulbahri Mohamad Asst. Producer: Hariz Bakri 19 January 2019 2pm & 4pm Esplanade Annexe Studio Tickets $15 available via SISTIC at: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/cm1sff2019e #bhumicollective #m1sff #hujangaram #yesterdayitrainedsalt #sgarts #sgdance #sgtheatre https://www.instagram.com/p/BsKm5sKBi0f9F_l7gQQ4QOYXrN1Oa2e4SbFFmc0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=c8dt5vx9p083

[dk1x]

#CanvasSG #4YearsAnniversary #SGParty #SGDance #SGIG #HiiragiLife https://www.instagram.com/p/BpH1mnkn8jV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lpsofu7ycpws

[shaznasim16]

@tmgpsg presents Kampong Pokok (4/8) Shazna will be playing ‘Tia’. Tia is the powerful leader of the kampong, where she upholds peace. But what happens when one has too much power, will they be influence by the temptation? Will Tia be able to hold on to her own humanity, for herself and her people? Catch ‘Tia’ in Kampong Pokok. 12 Oct | 7:30pm 13 Oct | 3:30pm 20 Oct | 7:30pm Standard: $15 Group of 4: $50 Rsvp now: https://goo.gl/forms/hAeYndpC8GDTGaz93 (Link in bio) Videographer & Editor @sh_ran_ #sgtheatre #sgdance #dancetheatre #sgdancetheatre (at Asia/Singapore) https://www.instagram.com/p/BomcsunldRT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vl2ymu97n7h6

[tiffy-yao]

@rubythedancingdog sent me her very 1st dance magazine! It’s super adorable, kids friendly and educative 💕 Let’s do ballet! #rubythedancingdog #ballet #dancemagazine #sgdance (at Asia/Singapore) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn3tQ-vhaB3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1t7t97qax9c4w

[baeyyamkeng]

Was impressed by @singaporedancetheatre ’s masterful performance of Giselle, which tells the heart-breaking and emotional tale of love between a peasant girl and nobleman. Performed for the first time at Esplanade Theatre, Giselle showcased the dancers’ grace, strength and precision. The dancers lit up the stage with their fleet footwork and powerful execution of the classical repertoire. Over the years, the Singapore Dance Theatre has brought dance closer to their diverse audiences, through their wide repertoire of performances and outdoor events. Their Ballet under the Stars continues to be one of Singapore’s most celebrated outdoor dance events since 1995. I would also like to wish Singapore Dance Theatre a very happy 30th anniversary, and all the best in the years to come! Photo credit: Singapore Dance Theatre #singaporedancetheatre #supportSDT #SDT30 #sgdance #ballet

[djfuren]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DJ Furen（辅仁) (@djfuren)

Pulled another Celine Dion! Made another video #allbymyself lol! 😆 Heres a lil something of what went down last #Saturday at the #SoulClapSG party at the @dundergroundclub in the city. #instavid #goprohero5 #imovie #funk #soul #disco #80shiphop #90shiphop #00shiphop #funparty #sgdance #danceparty #sgnightlife #sgevents #djlife #djvideo #orchardroad #nyctosg (at Singapore)

[syazwanrahmad-blog]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Syazwan Rahmad🇸🇬🏳️‍🌈 (@syazwanrahmad)

🎵DOPE - @bts.bighitofficial | Syazwan Rahmad Choreography . Do like, comment & share! . When: Every SUNDAYS What: KPOP Time: 630pm Where: @danzpeople . My KOREAN DANCERS: @stellakoh27 @kathliew @_shinhye_ @yuichi2989 @shinalee91 @i.am.bell3 . 🎥: @melvin_tseng . . . . . . . . #dope #bts #btsdope #btsofficial #choreography #danzpeople #passion #sgdancers #dance #dancers #sgdance #dancelah #kpop #hiphop #asian #singapore #syazwanrahmadclass2018 #syazwanrahmad #sunday #sundayfunday (at Asia/Singapore)

[fromthe65]

"To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise." #StoryTime (at Singapore)

[alonetime]

Team "yesterday it rained salt", which will be presented at the m1 Singapore Fringe Festival in January 2019 was recently spotted in a meeting by our friends at @docket.sg We run on 19 January 2019, 2pm & 4pm at the Esplanade Annexe Studio, as part of Fresh Fringe. Tickets available via SISTIC. Excited for what is to come working with likeminded people! #bhumicollective #yesterdayitrainedsalt #hujangaram #sgarts #sgdance #sgtheatre #m1sff #m1sff2019 https://www.instagram.com/p/BqDxwWyheUGO4nls9F_Yj_YsfVHE0x2DtXzVJc0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=zt3icswjtvvk

[dk1x]

#KOTD #NikeSFAirForce1 Mid "Dessert Moss". Military inspired with premium suede uppers + ripstop nylon across the heel adds durability and black-toned hardware and lettering adds a further touch of attitude. The perfect pair for the dance floor for a dancer (I no longer can move as I used to tho' 😔). 4 years of #CanvasSG 🙏🏻 #SGDance #SGIG #SGKicks #SGSneakerheads #Dk1x #HiiragiLife https://www.instagram.com/p/BpHxyrOnm7B/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=eqn2ht1ynnn0

[syazwanrahmad-blog]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Syazwan Rahmad🇸🇬🏳️‍🌈 (@syazwanrahmad)

Purse First - @bobthedragqueen | Syazwan Rahmad Choreography . Like, Comment & Share! Would love to hear from anyone! 😋 . When: Every SUNDAYS What: Street Jazz Time: 230pm Where: @danzpeople . The HOT Dancers: @sharmoneyx @mimimtym @priscasoh @xtina_christina @peculiar_daisy . Apparels: @adidas_sg @ezbuy.sg . . . . . . . . . . #pursefirst #bobthedragqueen #choreography #danzpeople #passion #streetjazz #sgdancers #dance #dancers #sgdance #sgboy #sgguy #girls #adidassg #ezbuy #asian #singapore #syazwanrahmadclass2017 #syazwanrahmad #sunday #sundayfunday (at DanzPeople Singapore)