☆Semester 1☆

Arts TRYathlon #1: NextNOW

09072023, GGWB Dance Workshop

#visualart, #music, #dance, #presentation

Attending the NextNOW Fest was so exciting! I started off the event pretty frazzled after a day of solo traveling in DC. I met up with some friends and we took photobooth pictures while waiting to enter the outdoor area. Since the concert wasn't for me I went down to the dance studios with another friend and we participated in a dance workshop with GGWB. Alot of K-pop acts have dances performed with their songs so we learned the dance to Jungkook's Seven. I have prior experience in dance but it's been a while. This choreography clearly had a lot of hip-hop influence, flow is a super important element here it's a dancer's sense of grace and fluidity. I did struggle with not making the movements look awkward but that's okay like most art forms dance is what you make it even if it's not as technical. At the end of the workshop we showcased the dance we learned that went along with seven's chorus. It was so amazing to watch my peers excel in a dance they had just learned! I tried my best especially since I was not well equipped to dance (TEVA sandals and jean shorts). I didn't care about whether I was getting the moves right because the group was just celebrating us for sharing our creativity with them, everyone was super supportive. I definitely left excited to do another dance workshop.

Watch me dance! (:

Arts TRYathlon #2: Choose Your Own Adventure

10112023, Little Simz: No Thank You Tour

#visualart, #music, #presentation, #rap, #spokenword

I've been waiting to attend Little Simz's No Thank You Tour for 6 months and trust me it did not disappoint! The night began with the opener OTG. His music was based more on spoken word so it wasn't really my thing, but I still enjoyed the performance. After about a twenty-minute wait Little Simz took the stage. Smoke filled the air and interacted with lights creating a dense cloud of color enveloping the audience as Simz began to perform. Behind Simz dancing color-blocked silhouettes were projected on a screen and looped on as she performed. Simz's Artistry was on full display she played the bass, some sort of keyboard, and of course, she rapped. When Simz raps, her flow is undeniable, she never stumbled over her lyrically rich bars. Her presence filled the building and you could really see the joy she has in performing, the sincerity she injects into it. It's really difficult to find rappers like Simz, her music is truly empowering without coming off as preachy. Going into the concert not knowing much of her music I came out a diehard fan. Live music is unmatched and truly makes you immerse yourself in the art being presented.

Arts TRYathlon #3: Arts Scholars Event

10292023, Watercolor Craft and Chat

#visualart, #painting, #watercolors

I loved the watercolor craft and chat. The space was super welcoming and it was nice to meet more art scholars! I enjoy painting and watercolors are probably my favorite medium. I love the way they almost force you to be a little less technical and you go more with the flow. I was initially confused when I saw what looked like tubes of paint. Every time I've ever used watercolors they were little cakes in a palette that you wet with water. The watercolor paint in the tubes was more of a concentrate that you dilute with water. I honestly really enjoyed the watercolors in this form because I had more control when it came to opacity. Often with watercolors, you have to layer for opacity so it warps the paper more, but not with these ones! I decided to paint a pumpkin because it's fall! I made a couple of mistakes and smudged my paint but it's all a part of the process! I'm not super happy with the product but those around me encouraged me with positive words; Expressing that they liked the piece I painted. Overall the craft and chat was an enriching experience that allowed me to express myself and connect with fellow scholars. I plan to do more in the future!

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