Cultivating Creativity Through the Arts: French Educational Values Shine Internationally

Harmony in Motion: Dance and Music Take Center Stage at the International French School (Singapore)

Cultural and creative activities play a crucial role in French education, offering students unique opportunities for exploration, discovery, and personal development. Integrated into the school curriculum, these activities allow students to express their creativity, develop their artistic sensitivity, and open themselves to the world around them. Within the AEFE network (Agency for French Education Abroad), French schools abroad benefit from additional advantages, providing students with a rewarding and immersive educational experience.

In March, the International French School of Singapore (IFS) had the privilege of hosting two major inter-school events in the Asia-Pacific region, one dedicated to dance and the other to singing. These events were true celebrations of the creativity and talent of our students, offering a platform to express their artistic passion and convey messages.

What does dance bring to the secondary students of the International French School of Singapore?

IFS had the chance to host a remarkable event from March 25th to 27th, 2024: the PROZAP Dance Festival. This event brought together talented secondary school dancers alongside students from Lycée Français René Descartes in Phnom Penh and Lycée Français de Jakarta, Life School. Together, they had the privilege of enjoying three days of workshops with Rodolphe Viaud, a French choreographer, a unique opportunity to learn and improve under the guidance of a renowned professional.

The choreography developed over these three days with students from the Asia-Pacific region aims to provide a rewarding experience of artistic expression. Centered around the theme of the impact of social media on teenagers’ lives, Rodolphe Viaud also used dance as a tool to prompt students to reflect on their surroundings. This experience facilitated exchanges among students from diverse backgrounds, fostering teamwork and collaboration. Through dance, the festival encourages cultural exploration and the appreciation of various dance styles, from traditional to contemporary, hip-hop to street. It was a touching collective experience.

Chorasies 2024: The International French School of Singapore celebrated spring with a majestic concert in which 5 French schools from the Asia-Pacific region participated.

The Chorasies 2024 stands as an essential musical event showcasing around 150 talented choir students from French schools across the Asia-Pacific region. This vibrant and heartfelt celebration of spring through music provides an outstanding platform for young aspiring artists.

Onstage, the voices of students from IFS Singapore, the French School of Bali (LFB), the French School of Kuala Lumpur (LFKL), the International French School Marguerite Duras in Ho Chi Minh City, and the French School of Jakarta (Life School) echoed with pieces spanning various styles, all under the thematic umbrella of “Origins”. From classical to contemporary, incorporating traditional French and Asian melodies, with a special focus on konnakol, an Indian vocal percussion technique, the diverse repertoire of Chorasies treated us to a captivating and enriching musical odyssey.

The Chorasies: “Exploring a Country’s Soul Through Music”

Julie-Demange-Wodtke, who has been teaching secondary music education and singing at IFS since 2006, shares her thoughts: “I’m thrilled to have been able to provide my students and guests with the opportunity to sing together for three days during Chorasies 2024 – the 7th edition of an event that began in 2012. The Chorasies immersed the audience in an extraordinary musical experience. This year, our theme was “Origins”. Our origins represent our childhood, our diverse languages, the countries we come from, with their unique colors, sounds, and harmonies. Each choir brought songs from their own country, and together, we worked passionately on common French songs.

Singaporean artist, Govin Tan, also introduced us to Konnakol. My intention was to immerse them in the vibrant tapestry of Singaporean culture, encompassing Chinese, Malay, and Tamil influences, thus delving into the diverse cultural fabric of our city-state. The students delivered outstanding performances in English, Chinese, Malay, and Indian languages, showcasing the rich multilingual environment of Singapore. The rehearsals, conducted in multiple languages, demanded a high level of discipline while fostering stronger bonds among choir members from the participating schools. This experience not only serves as a platform to challenge stereotypes and celebrate cultural diversity but also allows us to revel in the joy of singing together and uncovering the essence of Singaporean identity through music. The 7th edition of Chorasies proved to be a deeply invigorating and emotionally stirring event, serving as an invaluable wellspring of inspiration for us as music educators and choir directors in the Asia-Pacific Zone, fueling our passion for our profession each day.”

How does singing foster personal growth?

Chorasies transcends the boundaries of a mere concert; it serves as a transformative experience for secondary students from French schools across the Asia-Pacific. It provides a platform for them to unite, forge lasting friendships, exchange knowledge, and collectively express their love for music. This event not only strengthens the bonds between schools and students but also nurtures a sense of community and collaboration within the AEFE network. By participating in Chorasies, students not only showcase their musical talents to a diverse audience but also embark on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. Chorasies is an indispensable event for music aficionados and cultural enthusiasts alike, offering a profound musical encounter filled with emotions and revelations.

 

What advantages does the AEFE provide for an enriching exploration of the region?

These events offer students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the realms of dance and music, experiment with novel techniques, nurture their creativity, and venture into uncharted modes of expression. Moreover, they underscore IFS’s steadfast commitment to fostering artistic and cultural education, providing students with unparalleled avenues for learning and personal development.

Belonging to the AEFE network provides students with access to a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic diversity, allowing them the chance to explore other countries within the region. These cultural exchanges foster the discovery of new cultures, facilitate interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and nurture the development of essential open-mindedness in an increasingly interconnected world.

Another major advantage of the AEFE network is the opportunity for students to benefit from the artistic guidance of other teachers or distinguished guests. Furthermore, these creative interactions strengthen the bonds between students and teachers, fostering a positive and stimulating educational environment.