By Kaili Chiang
Despite the challenges of our current situation, the performing arts at Collingwood are still creating, performing, and showcasing their talents as always. Not only have the performing arts discovered new ways to come together, but they have been given an opportunity to reflect on themselves as artists, and to take time to realize what drives their creativity. Both dance and drama at the school have taken amazing steps for the students to pursue their passions during online learning.
The Collingwood dance program has adapted to the circumstances in a way that truly shows the strength of the creativity in dance. Ms. Tench has led the students in approaching new situations and strengthening new skills through our online platforms this term. For example, students have been reflecting on themselves and finding outlets to show their individuality in different forms. Preparing choreography through online learning has definitely been a challenge, but it has also opened up new doors for student leadership and initiative. Being able to come together as a community despite the distance has led to a new form of dance, and the dance program hopes to share this year’s version of a show in a digital format. Here are some beautiful words on the subject from Ms. Tench:
“Dance at Collingwood, like the rest of the world, took a turn at the end of this school year. Where we would normally be preparing and presenting our Spring Dance Showcase, we paused, took a step back and into ourselves and began to create our art in a new way. Fueled by a hope to continue manifesting dance work, feel one with our community and still truly connect with an audience, we began to develop projects from home, and yet ultimately, also from the heart. Our dance family reflected in the written word, honoured and learned from dance happenings around the world, danced in our homes “together” and built videos to make a new version of a show online. Lessons were around every corner. Teaching and learning dance became a whole new adventure. Reaching out as a performer through the computer screen presented a phenomenal challenge. Though, as true artists, we make. And we discover. It is in the playing and the doing that we find our breath, our solace and then our voice. To dance is to embody our feelings and to attempt to lead others, our audience, to believe in the importance of awakening and acknowledging their own truths. This time of exploration in a new realm has been an awakening. We now notice anew. We absorb on a different plane. We have danced ourselves into new understanding. And we step forward with care. Dancing all the while.”
Meanwhile, the drama program has also found new ways to adjust to these changes. Unfortunately, online learning has meant that the amazing live performances we love to see every year have not been possible. Still, students have found ways to adapt to the new circumstances and to participate in their passion nonetheless. The drama program has found great ways to continue with their creativity and to persevere, taking on new forms of acting and sharing with others. Students have overcome these challenges through the creation of short films and making use of videos. According to the drama teacher, Mr. Wener:
“Online Drama has worked remarkably well. While we all missed producing a live play this term, students continued to have the opportunity to express their creativity online. Acting scenes were filmed and presented online, and students made several short films that were recorded and presented to the class.”
Overall, it’s wonderful to see the commitment of students and teachers alike to the arts within the school, even amidst these uncertain times. The performing arts continue to persevere and share with the greater community, and we look forward to experiencing that connection as online learning comes to a close.
https://vimeo.com/410414091/94a9209254 - Dance including Morven students
https://sites.google.com/view/morvenarts/dance-projects
Despite the challenges of our current situation, the performing arts at Collingwood are still creating, performing, and showcasing their talents as always. Not only have the performing arts discovered new ways to come together, but they have been given an opportunity to reflect on themselves as artists, and to take time to realize what drives their creativity. Both dance and drama at the school have taken amazing steps for the students to pursue their passions during online learning.
The Collingwood dance program has adapted to the circumstances in a way that truly shows the strength of the creativity in dance. Ms. Tench has led the students in approaching new situations and strengthening new skills through our online platforms this term. For example, students have been reflecting on themselves and finding outlets to show their individuality in different forms. Preparing choreography through online learning has definitely been a challenge, but it has also opened up new doors for student leadership and initiative. Being able to come together as a community despite the distance has led to a new form of dance, and the dance program hopes to share this year’s version of a show in a digital format. Here are some beautiful words on the subject from Ms. Tench:
“Dance at Collingwood, like the rest of the world, took a turn at the end of this school year. Where we would normally be preparing and presenting our Spring Dance Showcase, we paused, took a step back and into ourselves and began to create our art in a new way. Fueled by a hope to continue manifesting dance work, feel one with our community and still truly connect with an audience, we began to develop projects from home, and yet ultimately, also from the heart. Our dance family reflected in the written word, honoured and learned from dance happenings around the world, danced in our homes “together” and built videos to make a new version of a show online. Lessons were around every corner. Teaching and learning dance became a whole new adventure. Reaching out as a performer through the computer screen presented a phenomenal challenge. Though, as true artists, we make. And we discover. It is in the playing and the doing that we find our breath, our solace and then our voice. To dance is to embody our feelings and to attempt to lead others, our audience, to believe in the importance of awakening and acknowledging their own truths. This time of exploration in a new realm has been an awakening. We now notice anew. We absorb on a different plane. We have danced ourselves into new understanding. And we step forward with care. Dancing all the while.”
Meanwhile, the drama program has also found new ways to adjust to these changes. Unfortunately, online learning has meant that the amazing live performances we love to see every year have not been possible. Still, students have found ways to adapt to the new circumstances and to participate in their passion nonetheless. The drama program has found great ways to continue with their creativity and to persevere, taking on new forms of acting and sharing with others. Students have overcome these challenges through the creation of short films and making use of videos. According to the drama teacher, Mr. Wener:
“Online Drama has worked remarkably well. While we all missed producing a live play this term, students continued to have the opportunity to express their creativity online. Acting scenes were filmed and presented online, and students made several short films that were recorded and presented to the class.”
Overall, it’s wonderful to see the commitment of students and teachers alike to the arts within the school, even amidst these uncertain times. The performing arts continue to persevere and share with the greater community, and we look forward to experiencing that connection as online learning comes to a close.
https://vimeo.com/410414091/94a9209254 - Dance including Morven students
https://sites.google.com/view/morvenarts/dance-projects