KOLEJ DISTED-STAMFORD NEWS
14 June 2009

Expressing dreams with creative arts

23 young people showcased their dreams and creativity in a heart-warming and enchanting performance.  

Held at DISTED College on 14 June 2009, the show saw the 10 to 18 years old performers expressing their hopes and aspirations for themselves, families, friends and the environment through symbols and imagery interweaved with graceful choreographic movements. 

The youngsters with different needs and abilities singing their 'Dream A Dream' theme song.

An instrumental performance by the 'Dream A Dream' participants with the guidance of music facilitator Junita Batubara (second from right).

“The performance is the culmination of the Dream a Dream Programme, a creative arts project of the Penang Educational Consultative Council, for young persons from different backgrounds including those with special needs and from the orphanage,” said Dr Tan Liok Ee, BOLD Association for Children with Special Needs chairperson. 

Co-organized by BOLD and DISTED, the project comprised a series of workshops that aimed to promote creative arts and dance as a medium for expression, communication and development for youngsters. 

“The participants had the opportunity to find self-expression through dance and visual imagery, and communicate their visions using creative and multimedia skills.

“The workshops also facilitated social skills development through collaborative work, enhanced self-esteem and empathy for others as well as stimulated interaction, integration and cooperation in an inclusive environment,” Dr Tan said. 

Dr Tan Liok Ee, BOLD Association for Children with Special Needs chairperson (left) addressing the audience of the 'Dream A Dream' workshop presentation.

The young people using creative arts and dance to express and communicate their vision for the environment.

The children finding self-expression through dance.

Facilitators helped the children in choosing kinetic, visual, poetic and narrative concepts, and in using props, costumes, lighting and music for the performance. 

Music facilitator Junita Batubara said: “The children play music with different rhythms and are united in one performance.” 

A victory dance in the drama on forest conservation.

Dancer and choreographer Aida Redza (front, left) facilitating a dance practice.