A reason to dance – Operation Smile

Count yourselves lucky if you are born without deformities. To a handful of unfortunate others, you are perfect.
On 3rd of February 2013, an international children’s medical charity Operation Smile collaborated with various dance groups and companies to present a charitable event ‘Smile from Within: A reason to dance’. The profits raised from this event will be used to fund the beneficiaries in their surgical corrections for children all over the world who are born with a cleft lip and cleft palate.

Smile from Within, held at The Republic Polytechnic Cultural Centre, had an overwhelming turnout, having nearly 800 seats filled for the night.

Sonya Ang, a 21-year-old National University of Singapore (NUS) Student, took part in this event as a dance choreographer and performer. “This event is actually aimed to contribute to a charitable cause through the language of dance. If an audience is willing to pay and watch a concert, why not make it worth the money by contributing to charity at the same time?”

A total of approximately 150 dancers participated in this production. Some renowned Singapore dance groups involved in this event included Distinct Creative Arts, Urban Terrain Groovers, LASALLE College of the Arts, New Revolving Age and more.

“The dancers have worked hard for this event. They spent hours after school or work, sacrificed their time with family and friends, just to train for a good concert. They expect nothing in return, but the smiles on people’s faces when their passion and hard work pays off,” Sonya says.

The show also had unconditional support from members of Republic Polytechnic and the People’s Association Youth Movement. There were booths set up by Operation Smile Singapore, managed by volunteers and members of the movement.

Hau Hui Min, 18, a member from Smile from Within’s production team, says: “I am very glad that everything turned out to be great. The audience was very supportive and gave loud cheers. By coming for this event, they have no idea how much difference they have made.”

According to Hui Min, an estimate of the collections for the event totaled up to nearly $20,000, which will ultimately be used as funds for the Operation Smile movement.

“It is a very heartwarming thing to see people of different ages and races unite because of a shared passion. I hope to organize more similar events as such. There is a difference when people do things out of passion, because it is the most comfortable way for them to express themselves,” says Hui Min.

The most astonishing individual of the night was none other than 11-year-old Calvin, representing Urban Terrain Groovers, as he performed in the finale of the show and stepped forward as a choreographer during the curtain call. This young boy was full of vigor, and had a solo part for himself as he did a challenging power move – The Hollowback.

“I want people to feel that the money paid for the concert was not wasted,” Calvin said.

“I hope to encourage more people of my age to join dancing. I want to help people by doing what I love. I am happy to be part of this concert, as I know I am making a change and bring smiles to other people,” he adds.