Twinkle Toes Ballet and Music Academy Wins in Asia Pacific Arts Festival in Vietnam
https://thebakerwanderers.com/2019/02/04/twinkle-toes-ballet-and-music-academy/
Asia Pacific Arts Festival (APAF) aims to pursue harmony, peace, and global friendship through cultural exchange programs, workshops, and Performing Arts competitions. APAF has been successfully held for the past 6 years with participants from Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, etc. Their mission of this festival is to encourage youth participants to nurture and cultivate peace and unity through the understanding of the diversity of cultures, races, languages, faiths, traditions, and customs. Our vision is to ultimately attain peace and unity through mutual understanding of each other through the expression of our love for the Arts.
Twinkle Toes won Overall Top Awards at the Asia Pacific Arts Festival. We are So Proud of you for conquering the International Stage and giving honor to the Philippines.
How was the competition during the Asia Pacific Arts Festival?
The Competition was a though one there were a lot of prestigious schools in the Philippines who already won top awards in previous International Competitions that competed. As well as top schools in Asia.
Our students made it to the Top Overall 4 awards that was given in Each Category which included competitors of all ages some who were a lot older than our students. These inlcuded all categories Solo / Duo / Group for 2 whole days.
All TOP awards in Modern / Contemporary and Classical Ballet were from the Philippines which made us really proud.
How was your experience being part of the Asia Pacific Arts Festival?
Chi Chi said: I had a very memorable experience during the event. We had special classes and workshops with different coaches from Malaysia, Philippines and the USA. I really had fun and I learned a lot from them. Also, I’ve met new friends from other countries and we are now friends on Facebook!
What advice can you give to other dancers?
Ms. Chi Chi Tan said: Well, I’m not yet on the professional level to give advice, so I think I can only share my experiences in every competition that I’ve been through. I just focus, pray and think that it’s my last performance each time I perform. I do hope I can inspire other kids like me to dream big and keep reaching for their star.
“Walang imposible sa taong masipag.” That’s my motto in life.
How does it feel to have a trophy in Asia Pacific Arts Festival?
Chi Chi: I was telling my mom that I will not take off my costume because I will wait for the announcement of winners. I was hopeful that time, but I never expected I will bring home some top awards (part of the overall awards). Then, when I got my gold award for my solo, duo and group contemporary performances, I was already happy and contented. When the overall top awardees were called, I was so shocked I got the 3rd Runner up overall for my solo and the 1st Runner Up overall for my duo with Ate Natalie! I was the youngest modern contemporary in the overall winners! I cannot believe it. To compete with other countries, and groups, even older than me wasn’t easy. They were all so good. So, It was the best feeling ever. It was my first time to compete abroad.
How was your experience being part of the Asia Pacific Arts Festival?
I had so much fun! I made new friends and have had a whole new unique experience. Kahit po It was my first time being a part of Asia Pacific Arts Festival I did not feel left out. Everyone is so friendly which made me happy and want to meet them again next time.
What advice can you give to fellow dancers?
As a dancer at a young age, I would like to tell my fellow dancers to pursue their dreams and keep on going even though sometimes we fail. To just keep motivated and don’t stop dreaming. We are still young, we shouldn’t stop here. What if your failure is your stepping stone to success? We will never know unless you try.
What is your most memorable experience at the Asia Pacific Arts Festival?
For me the whole APAF (Asia Pacific Arts Festival) is memorable. I will cherish every single moment in my memories. I am thankful for everyone for making every moment unforgettable.
How does it feel to win a trophy at the Asia Pacific Arts Festival?
I was grateful. I felt extreme happiness when I received 2 gold awards. I did not expect toreceiveeea gold award but here I am, I made it! I am thankful for our mentors who helped us to achieve the awards that we received.
What activities as a team did you enjoy at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam?
The activity that I enjoyed the most during the festival is the team building workshop activity where our team met the delegates from other countries. We spent the time to know each other and made friends from other countries.
How was your experience being part of the Asia Pacific Arts Festival?
We’re grateful for being part of the Asia Pacific Arts Festival. I got to meet new friends with different Nationalities. We had a great bonding experience with the students from our school. We also learned a lot from the workshops, there was Ballet Workshops, Modern Dance, Cultural Dance and also Improvisation with Choreography. It was a wonderful experience learning from great teachers and mentors.
What advice can you give to fellow dancers?
I would advise them to always work hard and believe in themselves. Discipline and Preparation are very important in these types of Competition. You will be more confident if you are well prepared.
Also stay humble even if you reach the top awards. Always be genuinely happy for your fellow dancers even if you didn’t compete. They will also be there for you to cheer you when you are the one on stage. Teamwork is very important we all work together with one goal. We should also look after our fellow dancers and help them out when they need us.
What is your most memorable experience at the Asia Pacific Arts Festival?
It was truly one of the most memorable experiences in my life. This is my 2nd time joining. Last 2018 I won the Overall Dance Champion Award in the Whole Competition. This year aside from my 3 Gold Awards 1 for my Classical Solo, 1 for our Group where I was the main choreographer and 1 for my DUO with Chi Chi Tan. This 2019 I won 2 special awards again part of the 4 Overall Top Awards. 1 was the 1st Runner Up for my Classical Solo I wasn’t expecting this but I’m so happy I received it. I also received 1stRunner Up for the Contemporary Duo entry with Chi Chi Tan. I am so grateful for these awards. It was a really tough competition this year. We had to compete with all ages, including all SOLO / DUOS / GROUPS/ including students who were really older than us.
What activities as a team did you enjoy at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam?
Our team enjoyed the gift-giving activity during the festival where we met new friends from other Nationalities. We all had something in common we all dance. We enjoyed learning a new language greeting in Malaysian. All the classes during the Team Buildingwerere very memorable.