"Bachelor(ette)" of Arts has finally launched!

www.baette.com

Important Blog Announcement!

B-o-a-T will be undergoing a major, month-long transformation!

From now until Saturday August 24th, I will be re-routing and planning a new direction for B-o-a-T! 

This will lead B-o-a-T into its blogosphere evolution: "Bachelor(ette)" of Arts - BA(ette)! 

Thank you to all of B-o-a-T's past and present readers, and to-be readers of "Bachelor(ette)" of Arts'!

To my dear readers at B-o-a-T, 

I am grateful for your continuous support and readership - whether it is once, twice, thrice, etc. 

I hope that you would be able to continue supporting the future of B-o-a-T, and we will continue this journey together as BA(ette)! :)

If you would like to stay updated with the little bits and bobs up until (re)launch day, you can always tweet with me @Jingely , Google Friend Connect with me (Widget's at the R-hand side!); or even email me! (jessiejingdance@gmail.com)

I will be revamping my social media platforms as well as the blog itself so that you will be able to communicate with me more conveniently with me! (Don't worry, I don't bite!)

The blog will not be locked (for the final week overhaul) until Saturday 17th August so please feel free to come back and browse around, read/re-read and share any posts you'd like!

So that's it for now. Stay tuned - and see you in August!

Love and Kisses,

JJ x

What is Life?: According to Jing: The Dancer's Stage - "Why Do You... ?"

Yes, a question heard and asked so commonly yet a question that can be so difficult to answer.

This post is a short story to my self-discovery and path to answering this question. For me, it is in regards with dance and my life.

Before I continue, I'd like to share this question with and for you to calibrate your thoughts. If by the end of this post you would like to express your answer to this question, please feel free to comment to this post and share your personal insight and experience! 

"Why do you do what you do?"

According to Jing: The Dancer's Stage - 6 Months & 6 Days Since.

"7th January 2013. 

That was the date everything began - the day when my life and dance truly joined together in unison. 

It wasn't as simple as saying 'Dance is my Life', although it essentially was at the time - it can still be described as so, but a more accurate way to describe this 'unison' is: 

"Dance became the essence to my Life." 

 I aimed for this post to not go too deep into details and that it shall be so. The purpose of this post is to simply share with you some of the teachings I have received as a result of this fateful meeting with dance - in the form of quotes. 

See, I have a dance book, well, I have few dance books - kind of like a diary if you may subject it to objective comparison. This is where I write down (most) things that I have learnt and impacted me in some way - whether within the moment of dance, as a result of a dance class/training/rehearsal, reading a dance-related book, technicalities and medical areas of dance or dance therapy, moments spent with my dance family - or even a dance-inspired fashion sketch. 

One of them is in England at the moment. I had to leave it there due to flight limitations on baggage weight. At that moment, I still remember clearly, I had to make a choice: to either take it out and ship it back to Malaysia; or leave it in England with someone - and I chose to leave it with a certain person that I trust very dearly. I simply could not trust shipping operations.  

I have two here with me at the moment - one has been filled, the other is in the process of being filled up.  

I hope this would bring insight and somehow inspire you on different levels and walks of life. 

Best Wishes,
Jing x"

***

 "In the dark, poses can't be seen. Feel the morph of the movement within the space; the energy." - Teach.

"There is always support in any positioning." - Teach.

"Each time we dance, it will be different: no one time has 100% similarity in surroundings, atmosphere or energy - make each time count." - Teach.

"A cat is never indifferent to the space it is moving through. Even when it comes to jumping up on to a sofa arm that it has leapt on to a thousand times before, it still moves with care and awareness, gauging the space with a calculating eye." - Robert Cohan.

"You can liken your sense of centre to your sense of place or home. If you didn't have a strong sense of home, you would probably get lost every time you went out. You know your home. You remember it. You know your directions from it, like lines radiating out from a central point. No matter how far you may travel, your recognition and remembrance of home give you a basis for relating tot he rest of the world. Yet even though we are territorial animals, we still don't know the territory within our bodies." - Robert Cohan.

"Remember, balancing is an active state, a process that is constantly happening. If you forget to do it, you fall down." - Robert Cohan.

"Some people can learn in a minute. Some people can't grasp it at all. But if you want to change, change!" - Teach.

"There is a distinct difference between a dance being chaotic and a dance making a clear statement about chaos." - Blom & Chaplin.

"People move as they do for reasons." - Agnes de Mille.

"How do you make a dance? My answer is simple. 'Put yourself in motion'." - Twyla Tharp

"If I'm passionate about something and cannot give it up, I should work harder at it and show others I exist." - Touch of the Light

"Oscar Wilde said that if you know what you want to be, then you inevitably become it - that is your punishment, but if you never know, then you can be anything. There is a truth to that. We are not nouns, we are verbs. I am not a thing - an actor, a writer - I am a person who does things - I write, I act - and I never know what I am going to do next. I think you can be imprisoned if you think of yourself as a noun." - Stephen Fry

"There's no observer, only observing.

There's no listener, only listening.

There's no speaker, only speech.

There's no thinker, only inspiration.

There's no poet, only poem.

There's no painter, only painting.

There's no singer, only singing.

There's no dancer, only dancing ..." - Teach

Poetry Corner: Once Upon, Forever Within

If I had to tell a story,
Of the greatest love, anonymously,
I'd smile and say, I'd cry and say:
"The story would probably go this way..."

"He was the brightest star above the Earth,
Yet far, far away in time and space.
When I look, I look at the past,
For only the star's illusion is what lasts."

"He was the Aurora sifting through the skies,
So surreal, magical and Heavenly divine.
In my memory, I wish it'll never fade,
For it was never Aurora's nature to remain."

"He was the dancer to my stage,
For he moved my heart without a prose.
I'd never learn what he tried to convey,
For I couldn't stay on until the curtains closed."

"The story didn't have to go this way,
But I chose to leave and walk away.
So the story, indeed, went this way.
I wonder how it'd go if I stayed?"

- Jessie Jing, 13th April 2013.

Inspiration:

An indelible star.

Poetry Corner: The Geological Study of an Emotion

"So I restarted my computer as it was being temperamental and for some reason when it was loaded, Microsoft Word automatically processed and popped this document out (Does anyone know why though? I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know, thanks in advance!) I have actually, completely forgotten about this poem - I wrote this back in January 2012 (January 19th to be exact). I hope you enjoy this as much as I had, 10 minutes ago, in the state of surprise (lol)."

***

At the opposite ends of the spectrum,

Resided two pondering souls.

One fiery red and one brilliant blue,

Off-balance the scales they throw.

For their paths should’ve never met,

Like the Pacific and Antarctic plates.

This irreversible bit, once hit – that’s it,

Their worlds were fated to quake.

Some may call it destructive,

Others deemed this bad luck.

But lying below this segmented surface,

A diamond core has been struck.

At the opposite ends of the spectrum,

Gone were the two pondering souls.

The opposite ends of the spectrum,

Were connected by one purple soul.

- Jessie Jing, 19th January 2012

***

Inspiration: 

A person, somewhere in this world. :)

The Dancer's Stage: And she said...

"I still remember: 28th June 2012, when the clock struck 12, I was on the stage dancing into my birth day.
I came off that stage and I did not know what sort of happiness it was - was it even happiness? I know of happiness, but it did not felt the same - it felt like so much more."

"Fast forward .. 1,2,3,4 ..

According to Jing: The Top 5 (Commercial Stage) Productions I will never, ever forget

Dear Readers,

It has been awhile! How have your lives been? 2013 so far so good? :)

To be frank, many a-times I have started on a BoaT blog post, but stopped short because I could not continue writing - I felt that 'at-the-moment' inspiration, but it simply could not last long. (That's what she said! *angel face*)

But... I am back! Along with my top 5 stage productions that I can never forget!

This post came about as I was on Youtube (still am actually, while writing this post) and came across Taylor Swift's recent live performance at the Brits Awards 2013, with the song 'I Knew You Were Trouble' - which I absolutely love. I eventually came to love the production of that live performance as well. After watching that, it triggered me to walk down memory lane and think about the few (and I do mean, few) stage productions that have, until this day, remained a lasting impact on me.

Poetry Corner: Ohana

The surrounding silence drowns her eardrums.
The surrounding darkness lightens her sight.
What seems like loneliness is barely a manifesto,
of peace and tranquility on site.

That is the power of the home:
a foundation stronger than titanium;
unyielding yet more pliable than gold,
peaceful yet more explosive than plutonium.

Ohana, ohana, ohana.
Where dreams and futures begin.
Ohana, ohana, ohana,
with love, 'twas born within.

- Jessie Jing, 6th November 2012.

Inspiration:

Ohana :)

Poetry Corner: The Dance of the Kitesurfer

Several pliés in the air,
following the melody of the wind.
Each wave is their beat, to prepare,
for the moment of magic within.

The music composed by the crashing of waves,
with the rhythm of the wind on their face.
The spotlight shining down from the sun's rays,
their five senses alive and embraced.

A jump, a glide, a touch of the water.
a speed unprecedented but controlled.
For this is the dance of the graceful kitesurfer,
through the eyes of a dancer it was told.

- Jessie Jing, 3rd June 2012.

Inspiration:

Kitesurfers at Hove; dance

Stop Press!: The Artist's Canvas: An 'Urban Klothing' Artist

Article also published on: http://www.heruni.com

(Photograph of artwork kindly provided by Urban Klothing/Maurice Henry)

       We have all seen art in some form - from Da Vinci's paintings; Warhol's commercial pop art; children's finger-paint pieces; jewel art on Iphones, nails & makeup; and graffiti art on the streets - art is everywhere, and it is no surprise that art takes its form on t-shirts too.

That is the very fibre of Urban Klothing - from draft sketches materialised into creative and unique drawings, to then be imprinted onto clothing - 25 year-old Maurice Henry has brought his art designs to life (and sales!). Armed with stationeries and a sketchbook, Maurice draws and designs his way into entrepreneurship. Jessie Jing meets the brilliant, young artist and has an insight into his life.

Poetry Corner: 8 Thoughts Till Dreamland

Would you drop me if I was a glass ball?
Would you touch me if I was barbed wire?
Would you look this way if I was a hideous display?
Would you love me if I was acquired?
Would you water me if I was dormant?
Would you leave me till the last?
Would you travel for miles if I was an emptying tank?
Would you miss me if I have passed?


- Jessie Jing, 11th April 2012


Inspiration:


Semi-consciousness, with 'Mea Culpa' playing.

Stop Press!: The Dancer's Stage: 8 Minutes Stage-Time with... Nisha Lall.

Article featured on http://shulife.co.uk and http://www.heruni.com:

Words by: Jessie Jing | Photographs by: Jessie Jing and Nisha Lall

From the sunny days of Chance to Dance at the Peace Gardens to the very first Mass Jai-Ho Bollywood dance for Sheffield Music City Festival 2009 – Nisha Lall has been involved in Sheffield dancing for a considerable amount of time.

(Photograph taken at Mass Jai Ho dance 20009, Barkers Pool Sheffield)

Chef's Kitchen: Flavrbox - A marketplace, but with all the goodness of the Internet.

In a world dominated by generic supermarket giants and the increase of mass production cum consumerism– accessibility and convenience are most likely to be the top priorities for food shoppers. I, for one, and as a student, live on what I’d like to call: ‘tear, dip & munch’ food – tear it from the packet, dip it in a sauce (from a packet, of course) and munch away. Even when I do cook, the groceries that I buy are from Tesco, Tesco, Tesco, and the occasional Sainsbury’s.

Yet, at about a similar walking distance as my trip from home-to-Tesco, is the local market. Fresh fish, local meat and independent food stalls – all of which are dwindling away in presence, as the reliance on supermarkets are on a constant rise. Wouldn’t it be great if that balance is shifted towards independent, local brands that are more likely to guarantee you good, hearty food; rather than mass-manufactured products – and yet still be accessible and convenient to you? 

(Photograph taken from Flavrbox.com)

Stop Press!: Fashionista's Closet - Upcoming Stars in Yorkshire II

Article featured on: http://shulife.co.uk

Words: Jessie Jing | Photographs copyright to Taheed Khan & individual photographers.

(Photograph copyright: LadyD Photography)

Name: Taheed Khan

Occupation: Fashion Stylist

Area: Leeds

If there is any dream fashion job out there, it is the job of a fashion stylist – and one with a great eye and sharp fashion instinct – the decision-maker of what pieces the model wear.

Now that is Mr. Taheed K’s day job.

Poetry Corner: Paradoxical

Let's drown in these invisible notes,
for a moment those feelings seem translucent.
Euphoria, ethereal, utopia.
What may shine may fade,
yet may the faded still glimmer under the sliver of light.

Let's cut through these strings of thoughts,
for an eternal moment those corners become prison walls.
Paranoia, surreal, claustrophobia.
Crescendo la staccato,
decrescendo la tenuto.

- Jessie Jing, 23rd March 2012

Inspiration:

A paradoxical affinity.

Stop Press! - Summary of Hallam Elections 2012/13

Here is the rundown of Hallam Union Officers and Reps for Year 2012/13! Congratulations to everyone, and great job to all candidates for their hard work and dedication throughout their campaign time! 

2012 Elections by far the most A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Stop Press! - LIVE COVERAGE: Hallam Elections Results Night 2012

LIVE BLOG COVERAGE - Hallam Elections Results' Night 2012!

7.30 pm: Arrival of people (Though, people have been arriving since 7.10pm!) Current officers and to-be officers and reps all gathering around. Loving the set up! (Green and black balloons, oh YEAH!)


7.42 pm: Bar Phoenix now filling up with people, and FAST!

7.52pm: Just quickly edited an earlier video for you to enjoy! More people have arrived - you can feel the atmosphere getting more and more lively by the minute!

According to Jing: Music Stage - Top 10 best lyrics

For the update, please scroll down!

When it comes to songs, 90% of the time, I will love it if I love the lyrics - even if I don't agree with the music itself. Personally, I find that the lyrics are the foundations of songs (not including Classical, DnB, Dubs, electronica - though they may have brief sections of lyrics - but those are a completely different story).

Therefore, few days ago, I've decided to select my top (and top-of-the-head) 10 most favourite lyrics that I have ever come across. You may agree, you may not - feel free to comment with your most favourite lyrics!
Afterall, I have not heard all of the many, thousands & thousands of songs out there - so it would be great to come across some beautiful songs!

This list is just a summary of the many lyrics I love - out of all the artists I've listened to, I'm pretty sure I love AT LEAST one of their songs - so don't see this list as definitive, but just a few selections! :)

Stop Press!: Hallam Elections 2012 LIVE - Officer Question Time(Section 2)

Featured on:

http://shulife.co.uk/

[Version on BoaT has been proof-read]

SECTION 2: Officers' Question time (please note: not all questions are available)

7.28pm: ARRIVAL OF DOMINOS! ;)

7.36pm: Overheard in audience: "Let's write down as a question: 'What are you going to do about the impending zombie apocalypse'."

7.55pm: Jake announces that the Domino's receipt has gone missing. The hunt begins for the proof for expenses coverage...

7.56pm: Section 2 kicks in. VOTING emails are sent out! Get voting!

- Activities officers to start off answering questions (in reverse order from their speech lineups)

PLEASE NOTE: Answers by the candidates have been summarised to main points.