Memory Cultural Showcase
ARTS & CULTURE
I did not have the chance to participate in any cultural showcase last year, since the showcases were still on rotations based on regions before. In my second year, the rotations were canceled in order to create a more unified performances which include students of every region. Always having been excited to be participating in my region PAND showcase, I was aspired to join one of the showcases this year instead.
However, the first challenge came up to me since I realized that the Memory Showcase would be on the Saturday right before the IB trial exams start on the Monday after. Academics had always been my top priority in school and I also recognized that by participating in the showcase, I would have less time to review for the exams. It was a tough decision, though seeing that it was already the last showcase that I could participating in and thinking back to my determination last year, I decided to take the challenge.
One important aspect of the showcases was to demonstrate to the community a culture of our backgrounds. This, in combination with my previous experiences in performing at dance fun and cafes, prompted me to join in another K-pop performance. The group this time was different than before, consisting of an almost equal ratio of first years to second years. While I had to adjust myself to the new dancing styles, this new group also allowed me to get to know my first years better.
In deciding to participate in the cultural showcase, I thought I was already prepared to the workload I was going to put on myself. However, the 3 weeks of rehearsals were completely over my expectations. The rehearsals started 2 weeks before the day, and in the last week, lasted for at least 5 hours from 7 to midnight. At the same time, I also had to study for all of my subjects for the upcoming exams. In doing so, I realized the greater importance of time management and subsequently was able to improve on it throughout the weeks. As I look back to the time, I am proud of myself for being able to get through some of the toughest weeks in my school life and also managed satisfying results on both the performances and my exams.
Starting from 18.05: Dancing to 'Blood, Sweat, and Tears' by BTS in Memory Cultural Showcase