Thriving on the rhythm of life

BEIJING, June 17 -- Polish expat Adrianna Koralewska believes in the power of performance and dance - so much so it has become her life's work, writes Jenny Hammond.

Performance is one of the most natural forms of expression, and for one Polish expat it has transformed into a way of life.

After studying everything from Peking Opera to the classical Bharatha Natyam dance style from India, Noh Theater from Japan and Wayangwong from Indonesia, Adrianna Koralewska has moved to Shanghai to teach children how to express themselves through dance and movement.

"I teach creative dance and drama. I also act, direct, choreograph, make costumes, design sets and manage technical theater. And I study everything from tai chi to Chinese herbs and how to eat healthily," she says.

With a diploma in contemporary dance, Koralewska is a certified teacher and has broadened her dance knowledge and skills by studying many ethnic and Asian traditional forms.

After completing her undergraduate studies in 2000 in Poland, she was invited to the Huei Tlahtolli Instituto de Investigacion Antropologica Interdisciplinaria in Guadalajara, Mexico.

"It was there that I became fascinated with the therapeutic influence on your body with Aztec Indian dance and rhythms."

There have been few scientific investigations evaluating the healing effects of such dance, but Koralewska says she can personally attest to the benefits the ancient practice offers.

"Improved self-esteem, stress reduction and improvement of illness are only some of the benefits," she says.

As well, Koralewska has explored many aspects of drama and physical theater, musical, alternative theater techniques, contemporary dance, martial arts, Asian classical theater, Mexican forms of pre-Columbian dance used in choreotherapy and elements of Polish folk dances.

As a result, the expat has been able to create her own teaching curriculum.

Koralewska, 32, lived abroad for six years, five of them in Asia which sparked her love of Asian theater.

"My falling in love actually began when I met Japanese Butoh theater master Daisuke Yoshimoto in 1999 in Poznan, Poland. He led me away from classical theater and into alternative forms of performance," she says.

"At the same time I studied contemporary dance and participated in numerous dance workshops throughout Poland."

Through her studies, the Poznan native picked up many technical aspects of theater, including set design, costume, make-up design, lighting and sound design, management and production.

"For many years I was working as a costume designer and maker, especially for theater," she says.

However, for Koralewska, the most important turning point in her career came on a visit to Singapore.

"I received a full scholarship to join a new theater training and research program in Singapore and for three years performed there as well as in other southeast Asian countries," she says.

Working with "Just Jesters," an edutainment company in a UNICEF event called "Hand in Hand for a Better Tomorrow," the Polish woman also participated in events for the Make a Wish Foundation which works with children who have special needs.

Now, the multi-talented teacher works full time at the Shanghai Singapore International School where she has created a special dance and movement program for children.

Kids discover their own happiness through movement, she says.

"Dance helps them express their inner emotions and releases pent-up physical tension. The confidence of a child grows and their wings spread to the sounds of the cosmic symphony we all carry within us.

"Although we can all learn similar things, follow similar instructions, at some point, given the proper urging and inspiration, every student will discover their own 'voice,' their own 'step.'

"This discovery is what I believe we mean when we say 'follow your dream.' In other words, self-expression is ultimately what matters most," she explains.

But the challenge of being a teacher is to impart wisdom to students, she adds.

"I do this by expressing myself dynamically, being flexible, approachable, and open to positive criticism, being light, funny, and creating a sense of joy and laughter," she says.

(Source: Shanghai Daily)