Meet the dancers: Ariel, Rachel, and Jeina
For Ariel, Rachel, and Jeina, dance isn't just a hobby; it's a passion that runs deep.
Ariel is under School of Business Management, in Sports & Wellness Management.
Ariel's Journey: Balancing School and Dance
Ariel is the epitome of how passion can drive one to extraordinary heights. Despite the demanding schedule of balancing school and dance, gives 100% to everything she does. Growing up with a heavy emphasis on discipline, joining the dance crew opened her to a world of emotions. Ariel learnt to be kinder not only to herself but also to everyone around her. She commented on how the crew has helped her better regulate her emotions, allowing her to be more expressive and compassionate.
Rachel is pursuing Biomedical Engineering under School of Engineering.
Rachel's Unexpected Path: From Ballet to Crew
Rachel’s dance path took a surprising turn. She began ballet at the age of five, not by choice but at the insistence of her mother. Dance was not her cup of tea until she joined a CCA (Co-Curricular Activity) dance crew in secondary school. Rachel mentioned that the dance crew felt more like a family rather than a CCA. It allowed her to form deeper bonds and have fun every week. Rachel acknowledges that without her involvement in the crew, she might have remained a more self-centered and introverted person. The trip to Germany was a turning point, breaking open the door to a world of new experiences and connections.
Jeina is a student in the School of Health Sciences, majoring in Social Work.
Jeina's Path to Freedom: From Primary School to Crew
Jeina’s dance journey has its roots in her early years. She mentioned that dancing alone was lonely. However, the crew provided the sense of belonging she had been looking for. At first, she was introverted, but with each passing day, she became more comfortable sharing her thoughts and emotions with her crewmates. Joining the crew opened her eyes to the diversity of people and perspectives, broadening her horizons in ways she had never imagined.
The competition experience: A dream come true
We asked how they felt when the news broke out that they would be participating in an international dance competition. Their initial reactions were a blend of excitement, shock, and determination.
For Jeina, it marked her first-ever overseas trip without her family. The sheer scale of the event left her in awe, and at first, the opportunity felt almost too good to be true.
When Rachel, who was experiencing an overseas dance competition for the very first time, heard the news, she was ecstatic. In her own words, she “die die wanted to go.” Even in the face of probable setbacks, her excitement was persistent! However, she had to persuade her parents, and deal with the fear of missing school assignments. Ultimately, she managed to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
As for Ariel, she was initially surprised by the news but soon found herself at a crossroads. The competition required significant financial resources, clashed with school hours, and posed the risk of sacrifices. However, Ariel possessed a ‘do first, think later’ mentality. She could not resist the allure of the competition as she saw it as a life-changing opportunity. Her desire to compete was impulsive but was eventually worthwhile!
Behind-the-Scenes: The Gruelling Preparation
They began their preparation two months before the competition was due. This meant weeks of intense training and rehearsals, with weekends becoming synonymous with dance as they practiced from 6:30 pm until 9:30pm, often stretching late into the night.
On a typical weekend, their Saturdays and Sundays were entirely devoted to practice sessions from 10am to 1pm. This gruelling schedule left little time for them to have family time and personal activities. As the saying goes, ‘Nothing worth having comes easy,’ and their dedication and hard work were truly put to the test during this rigorous preparation period.
The Secret Sauce: A dance to heart
What set Ariel, Rachel, and Jeina’s performance apart was the profound message embedded in their dance moves. Their secret sauce was simple yet powerful:
“They danced not to show off but to convey a message.”
With the song “Heartlines” as their canvas, they portrayed a lead dancer struggling through her life’s challenges. The story of the performance progressed from self-doubt to self-discovery. A heart-shaped light illuminated the stage during the finale, symbolising the waking of courage and determination.
A lyric from their chosen song, “Just keep following the heartlines on your hands,” highlighted the key message: Follow your heart, not others’ expectations.
In a world where many people are guided by logic and reason (head), their dance resonated by encouraging people to listen to their emotions and desires (heart). It served as a reminder to forge one’s own path and resist succumbing to external pressures.
Cultural Exchange: Learning and Sharing
Other than just focusing on competing with other teams, Ariel, Rachel, and Jeina experienced a profound cultural exchange too! They mentioned building a strong bond with a German team, where they exchanged dance movements and learned from each other. One of them shared how they were kindly welcomed by the German team when they first met with a warm hug! Furthermore, valuable insights into the differences between Singaporean and German dance approaches were also shared.
Advice for Aspiring Dancers
Jeina: “Simply go for it! Often, our own mindset is the biggest impediment. We are concerned about ‘what ifs’ and therefore doubt our ability. However, keep in mind that completing a difficult piece is feasible. It may appear daunting, but seeing others succeed indicates you can, too. It’s all about finding that sweet spot and pushing through.”
Rachel: “Believe in yourself because you are more capable than you realise. Some dancers question whether it’s worthwhile or feel like a burden to their team. However, each person in the crew has their unique strengths and weaknesses. We collaborate and assist one another to improve. It is critical to support those who are struggling so that they learn that with hard work and determination, amazing things are bound to happen!”
Ariel: “If it was easy, everyone would do it. Good things often require hard work and dedication. Acknowledge that accomplishing your goals may take time. It is like how you will not be able to go from an ‘F’ to an ‘A1’ overnight. Accept failure as a stepping stone to your desired destination. If you happen to be struggling, fret not, because it means you are on the right path. It is feasible to balance studies with dance. I studied extensively, but I also danced frequently. I have no regrets.”
As we bid farewell to this inspiring journey, we are pleased to announce that Ariel, Rachel, and Jeina triumphantly returned as champions, seizing first place in that international dance competition! Their story is not just about the destination, but in fact, it is about the incredible journey that led them to this triumphant moment, inspiring others to follow their heartlines!
Co-Authored by Ang Wei Jun
Austin Ho 
Ian Ferguson