Photo: Damien Teo
They only managed their full rehearsal on the day of their performance, but that did not stop Republic Polytechnic’s Capoeira Interest Group (IG) from stealing the show at this year’s World Drum Night III.
Performing at the community arts festival for the first time, the Capoeira IG combined with drummers from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to put up a pulsating performance in front of a sold-out crowd.
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial arts form that has incorporated dance movements and instruments. A total of 13 students, including three Year 1s, performed at the World Drum Night on Oct 31.
The choreographers of Capoeira’s dance item said they had limited time to prepare for the performance as they were informed about their involvement a week before the actual event. The group also had their annual belt grading test on the day of World Drum Night which resulted in even lesser practice time.
“Although it was hard to find a day where all of the members can commit together, I am still very proud of them,” said choreographer and second-year Sonic Arts student Firzanah Abdul Rahman. “Especially considering the fact that we have the juniors with us, and this was one of their first big shows, they did a great job.”
Third-year Renewable Energy Engineering student Shahrul Ikhmal felt Capoeira’s collaboration with the ITE drummers was “unique”. “It brings out the flexibility and liveliness of their dance movements,” said the 20-year-old who was among the audience of 1,040 at The Republic Cultural Centre.
Besides the collaboration between Capoeira IG and the ITE drummers, drummers from Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic also collaborated with an external percussion group, Nadi Singapura, in another performance.
Maisarah Dhaniyah Noorsham Affandi, 18, a second-year Mass Communication student, enjoyed the diverse elements witnessed in various performances. She said: “It was interesting to see how they incorporate Asian vibes and drums into the whole show, although they may be from different ethnic groups and culture.”
