The journey on this Silk road was much difficult than any journey I've been on before. Every time when I see a clear road, my eyes get blurred by the flying sand. It hurts every time I open eyes. Unsure when the sand storm will end.
Rather than sitting and getting myself piled up by the dust and sand, I had to find an alternative to keep on walking.
I had no other means. And so I decided to use my intuition to be my guide through the never ending storm. I needn't go far. I had 19 pairs of hands pulling and pushing me to get in track. I had 19 voices to whisper me through the journey. Telling me never to give up....
After 2 months of walking, I fell. I fell deep into this hole. The 19 voices seemed so distant. I feel so sad. I can finally see but I see darkness and a tiny hole at the end. How do I get there? I could not even see the outline of my hands.
A tap on a shoulder and the emergence of an oil lamp gave me the assurance and hope. I wondered who this character was... The mysterious person nudged me up the wall and soon enough I found myself clawing up the wall.
Even before I could shout for help, I saw Wawa and Lina receiving me with their arms and hands. Obviously I am way heavy for this two girls to grip. With the sound of a whistle, Lina called for reinforcements and two lines of ladies made up of Syiqin, Indah, Asyaqinah, Dee, Hani, Shahidah, Adliah and Marina came running. Quickly they gripped each others waist and after some tugging I was out of the hole...
Relieved, I did not know how to react but stared blankly at the faces of my girls...
Suddenly I hear "Cut! Can someone please put some tear drops on him so that he looks convincing! Busu, Izwan! Make him look dirty. Bib and Hafyz can the both of you stop playing with the curler and do something about his hair! Must I do everything here! And girls what DID I SAY ABOUT THE MIRROR!" shouted the Director.
I instantly knew that it was Cipah. Haha
I did my best. I wanted to describe how it felt during the journey towards Pentas 2008: Sutera.
The entry is symbolic in nature. Silk road because of its relations to the Pentas's name this year and also because the Ancient Silk road was never the most friendliest route to link Europe and Asia.
My girls will agree that my vision for my dance piece this year was pretty much blurred during the first few attempts but it got clearer. I wanted this year's piece to be my best piece before I leave for Australia. I don't know whether it was but I knew I put my heart and soul into it.
The 19 pairs of hands and voices represents the 19 dancers up on that stage that day. I did all I could to train and make these girls all rounders. As much as I was their guide they were my intuition. They created the path for me to walk.
The hole was the hollow feeling during the process of choreographing the dance. But someone came to the rescue. My confidant and senior, Ajitwarna. He was the person who gave me a tap and came with a guiding light to give me faith and a nudge out of the hole.
I was not to climb out of the hole alone. My alumni came to the rescue and gave me support. Their undying support for five years. Their help was much needed.
The part about Cipah was just a candid way to end the whole imagery... Cipah the victim again. hehe
I pushed my girls to the extreme this year. I wanted them to work outside their comfort zone. I wanted to prove to all around me that I was able to bring my girls to greater heights. I think the dance speaks for itself. I hope to hear your feedback of the strengths and weaknesses of the pieces.
I had a special moment that night. After the whole show, my dancers, alumni, my closefriends as well as Dian Dancers were around me hearing what I had to say. At that point, I looked around and captured every face that was in that room with me.
I was surrounded by those who meant greatly to me. Before me were my SNT dancers as well as my lovely alumni. On my left were Dian Dancers as well as Hafyz (who symbolically represented my Army days) and Bib (representing Perkumpulan Seni) and on my right were the four people who meant so much to me, My Bestfriend Yazid, My Sister Syiqin, My Brother Izwan and My Dearest Friend Busu.
For a moment there I thought I was going to die. But an itch on my head came the realisation that the circle was not completed without my best friends, family and cousins. And so I am still alive and at the awkward moment was gone. (*stares at Kikie, Zah, Kin and Awal for not coming)
I will like to take this time to firstly congratulate the Artistic Director and Producers for the great show. Secondly to Nadi Kesenian for not screwing my music and the lighting was fantabulous. Good Job! Thirdly to Titisan Temasek for constantly improving yourself under the guidance of Fifie and Abg Anuar. Fourthly, Puspa2. Nira Nyertika lah namanya. Sungguh menawan anda semua berpakaian baju butterfly beraneka warna. A group that deserves credit for taking great lengths to make themselves better. *winks to Fid, Mamat, Hydil, Achiok and gang. And to Panjy Sry Temasek, for realising your worth up on that stage. Even if it took awhile to realise, you guys pulled through.
Sobah said, "I know just now as you were making your speech, you said that you cannot possibly be complimenting on your own subgroup. But let me be the one to compliment on SNT's great improvement and achievement. It was indeed a beautiful piece."
Thank you thank you thank you. Thank you to Yazid, Busu, Izwan, Deen, Danish and Bib for helping out. Thank you Dian Dancers and my Alumni.
Thank you Maimunah, Radziah, Zu, Shidah, Diena, Khaty, Iffah and Wanee for being the best seniors I can ever have.
Thank You Zelah, Sheiqeen, Yasmin, Aishah, Dian, Fad, Nisa, Shuhadah, Atikah, Shafiqah and Nadia for doing your very best and helping your seniors.
Thank You Catherine and Cynthia for your undying support.
Mimin Loves:
Kesenian Si Anak Tari
Mimin's Missing:
Dancing On Audi 1's Stage
Mimin's Praying For:
SNT's Future
