Together with SMU Eurhythmix members, our SMU Eluminix Alumni Group dancers performed at one of the biggest production ever on 24-25 February 2017 and impacted lives.
“I want to dance with 10 batches of E-Mixers on stage,” said Mr. Edward Ong, 33.
Our SMU Eluminix Alumni Group (AG), together with SMU Eurhythmix performed at one of their biggest productions ever on the 24th and 25th February 2017.
With 41 Eluminix members, more than 120 Eurhythmix (fondly called ‘Emix’) undergrads, a total of ten generations were presented in last month’s show. The stunning and electrifying performance was entitled ‘Timeless: Seasons’ and is the third installation in the club’s Timeless: series.
Mr Edward Ong, 33, graduated from SMU in 2010, and finally had his Bucket List of having 10 generations of Emixers performing in a single production checked. With this achievement unlocked, he hopes for the current undergrads and prospective alumni to stay connected with the large yet closely knitted community upon graduation.
“This has got to be the greatest milestone in SMU – to have 10 generations of Emixers represented in this year’s production,” said Edward. “We do not need to quit dancing after graduation and leave the Emix family behind as a memory. I hope the future generation can see that dancing in Emix is a choice and we can make it happen. The alumni come back because we love the bonds we forged, the laughter, the fun, and the relationships, and so can you.”
While reflecting on Timeless, Edward notes that “every production is a roller coaster ride, and that is why we learn to dance in the rain, forge bonds to tide the storms, and build relationships for future generations to come. We continuously remind ourselves that though we are connected by dance, the bonds that we choose to forge first connect us. These bonds remain in our lives after graduation and nothing is impossible if we maintain the family ties that we share.”
The final segment of the show featured a 15-minute long dance scene by the Eluminix. The showcase was a medley of their poise, sass, groove and ferocity that truly marked them as fierce alumni. Their performance, a favourite of many, seems to define their dance experience in SMU. With them as the closing item, one could truly say that Timeless: Seasons was closed with a bang.
Mr. Wong Wee Keat, 25, the current President of the SMU Eluminix AG, said that he took up dancing for the first time upon entering SMU and is quoted; “I never imagined myself to be very actively involved in Emix, as I joined the uniform group mostly prior to varsity life”.
For Mr Wong Wee Keat, dancing with Emix has passed onto him three important life lessons: the spirit of giving, the spirit of learning, and the spirit of family. He believes these priceless lessons are not to be learnt in a classroom, and he and the rest of the Eluminix hope that everyone in Emix may “embrace this culture in the years ahead as members of the SMU Eluminix AG.” Weekeat adds on; “my grandmother tells me ‘不要跳了啦, 这么辛苦’ (why not quit since it’s so tough) when she sees how tired I am after practice. Nevertheless, I was very heartened when she came to watch the production and enjoyed every second of it. Her encouragement gives me the motivation to pursue my passion in dancing.”
About “Timeless: Seasons” Production
As a Greek philosopher once said, “Change is the only constant in life”, and while the change of seasons is constant, the people are not. We change in terms of our fashion, moods, feelings, emotions, and growth.
Featuring the four climate seasons, the performance started with ‘Summer’ which typifies an atmosphere of infinite fun and excitement that the Emixers possesses as a family. This is followed by ‘Autumn’ then ‘Winter’, in which, the performances displayed the deepest souls of the Emix family fighting against self-doubt and insecurities and displaying sheer willpower to make every dance move an impactful one.
This is especially so for the Alumni who returned to SMU for practices with their juniors after a long day of work daily for two months.
Lastly, ‘Spring’ brings forth rebirth and rejuvenation. It typifies the end of melancholy and replaces with expectations of the impending summer season ahead. Nine Youth-rhythmix from Teck Ghee Youth Centre through mentoring sessions stepped out of their comfort zone and performed in this segment.
This year, the club collaborated with several musicians from the Arts & Cultural Fraternity (ACF) of SMU, such as the SMU Samba Masala, SMU Voix (an acapella group), Yamsu and Jasmine Sokko, recipient of SMU Emerging Artist Award 2016.
About SMU Eluminix AG
Established in 2013, the group was created to provide a platform for ex-members of SMU Eurhythmix group to continue dancing and actively give back to the student club. It is also an avenue for the alumni to hang out with the people they have forged close ties with during their undergraduate days.
About SMU Eurhythmix
Established in 2001, SMU Eurhythmix is SMU’s official hip-hop club, which strives to be a premier dance club, grooming dancers and providing them with a platform to develop their passion for street dance. Over the years, the club has represented SMU through dance productions and competitions locally and internationally.
Photo credits: Harold Koh.