Dec 09: New Directions and Experiences in Tap!

And I thought Nov 09 was a busy month…what a hectic December it’s been!

First, Shueh Miin (who helms Rhythm Tappers @ Malaysia with me) and I were invited to be part of Rhythm In Bronze’s 12th anniversary concert, entitled “Hari Jadi”. RiB, as they are know, are Malaysia’s premiere gamelan ensemble. As these things go, turns out one of the seniors/directors is one of my own tap student! I didn’t realise this until a few months ago when she brought up the idea of tapping to a gamelan piece. Years ago I’d mention to a few senior tappers about doing a collaboration with a Malaysian twist (that time, I was thinking kompang) and now, it came true! I didn’t even realise it until one of my ex-students whose now abroad (Patrick), who manage to catch the show, brought it to my attention

Us as Doves

 It was a challenge indeed! Challenging cuz the artistic direction (it is gamelan afterall!) worked us in ways that we usually don’t as Rhythm Tappers. I mean, we’re like always groovin’ to like jazz, R&B, “black” grooves…And here we were transformed into doves (the piece is called Dovetail). The collaboration pushed up to move in ways that we usually don’t. And as you can see from the pics, it also dressed and presented us in ways out of norm. I personally had to digest (try out) some recommendations by Edwin Sumun before getting to understand the artistic point of view and yet as a Rhythm Tapper, keeping in mind the necessity of getting the TAP point across as well.

Us reacting to visiting Doveland

And when it came to the staging, there were the musical and sound considerations as well. As usual, lots of give and take involved. The artistic direction of the piece, the entire show had to be balanced with the usual limitations of staging, equipment, budget etc etc. The GIVE & TAKE concept, I was reminded is so crucial to the success of any project. Also, I was reminded again at how important it is to be mindful of each others roles: as artist, performer, director etc. How crucial it is to respect and stay WITHIN the boundaries of each others’ defined roles…otherwise there would be chaos and disorder!

Backstage

All in all the show was a great success. At final rehearsals, I started to see how great the show was (mind you, the tap piece was only 1 out of the 12- so I’m referring to the overall). The tap piece (Dovetail) had mostly positive reviews, with a couple of comments understandable due to the out-of-norm presentation of tap and..the usual limitations with staging, sound equipment and resources.

Dovetail's Musicians and Tappers

 Oh yeah, Hari Jadi ran from Dec 3-6 at PJ Live Arts.

With Pearly aka Lai Fong (composer of Dovetail) & Edwin Sumun (Artistic Director of Hari Jadi)

With musical director of Hari Jadi, Susan

Then it was Jojo Struys’ and myself tapping for Hannah Tan’s Xmas concert. I guess Hannah’s back in town! The show was in aid of a children’s home (guests come with a gift for a child). This time Jojo and I worked with not one, but TWO drummers on the djembe! It add such a different dynamic to the whole thing. At one point during the 1st rehearsal, one of the drummers, Jyothi, decided to sit away for Paul (the other drummer) with us tappers sandwiched in between. The “stereo” effect was like nothing I ever felt before.

In rehearsal with Jojo & Paul

Because we were using 2 drummers this time, we had to schedule in an extra rehearsal. Plus, our set with the breaks, entrances and solos were more complicated this time around…it was quite a challenge getting everything right I tell you.

And then Jojo had to go off for a shoot in Borneo until the day before the concert (which was Sun, Dec 20). The official sound-check was on Sun morning – which I couldn’t make cuz of class- so it was all crazy hectic when I arrived at about 1230pm to rehearse. Thank goodness, we managed to squeeze in another sound check later. I mean, this concert was a rather huge deal with the staging, lighting, press attendance etc so we were lucky to get another onstage rehearsal/sound-check that very afternoon (show start time 4pm can you believe??)

To be honest, even during our last soundcheck we still were not HITTING our set 100%…but..I guess it’s always better to have a rough rehearsal then a good show…WHICH WE DID!  The audience was fantastic, our efforts at getting the sound levels right (with the help of the good sound people) and the fact that we peaked during the performance itself really made up for things. The other performers were really supportive and it was even more exciting because of the whole set-up with a great stage, lighting and everything else. Even though the preparation was rather stressful, I was coming out of a very busy period…and…had to rush off to immediately to a dinner, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this gig!

Me & Jojo rockin' Hannah Tan's concert 20 Dec 2009