After a hectic season of teaching, I finally have a quiet moment to sit down and share a deeply cherished experience from this past April—my invitation to South Korea for the 7th ING International Dance Festival.
Organized by SB Bellydance in South Korea, this incredible festival brought together passionate dancers from all over the world, including Japan, Ukraine, and the USA. Over the course of the event, I wore different hats and participated in various segments. It was an incredibly grounding, rewarding, and fulfilling learning journey for me.
🌟 Night 1: An Unforgettable Outdoor Gala Show in the Freezing Cold
On Friday evening, April 24th, I had the honor of performing under my stage name, Jocelyn Gaga, representing Hong Kong at the Gala Show exchange night (I was 19th on the program!).
Unlike the indoor theaters I am used to, the organizers set up a fully outdoor stage for this event. April nights in Korea can get extremely cold, and that night was freezing! Waiting and dancing in the chilly wind in my dance costume was a true test of both physical endurance and willpower.
Although my body was shivering, the moment I stepped onto the stage and saw the audience cheering warmly in the cold, all the freezing thoughts vanished. I focused entirely on connecting with the music and the dance. Being able to share the same stage with so many phenomenal dancers, each showcasing their own unique interpretation of Oriental dance under the crisp night sky, was a profoundly moving and unforgettable experience.
Photo with the event banner featuring Egyptian Middle Eastern Drum Master Flores
Selfie by myself
Selfie by myself
Japanese belly dancer Yuuka Shimizu
Performing 19th on the lineup
Night 2: Learning from Masters & Walking the Red Carpet
No matter how long I have been dancing, maintaining the mindset of a lifelong learner remains paramount. My itinerary on the second day was fully dedicated to the Master Workshops, where I immersed myself in training under various master instructors to absorb diverse choreographic perspectives. I constantly push myself to evolve and advance for one sole reason: to bring the absolute best, latest, and highest caliber of international dance techniques back to Hong Kong, delivering them directly to every student who places their trust in me.
Honored to connect with talented dancers from around the world
The Grand Red Carpet Ceremony
That evening, the organizers hosted a grand Red Carpet ceremony. Far more than just a mere photo opportunity, it served as an invaluable platform for international exchange among us dancers. Although the outdoor Korean night air remained freezing, forcing everyone to maintain their elegance and smiles in the chilly wind, the moment the spotlights hit, everything changed. Seeing my fellow dance friends from all corners of the globe, everyone effortlessly radiated an unwavering passion and confidence for their craft.
On the Red Carpet, nothing brought me more joy than reuniting with so many international instructors and dancer friends whom I have known for years. We exchanged warm greetings, shared our recent dance journeys, and captured countless heartwarming moments together. This sense of camaraderie and long-awaited reunion on an international stage made the crisp, cold night air feel incredibly warm. This cross-border dance friendship has truly become the most beautiful nourishment along my path as a dancer.
踏紅地毯的片段
🌟 Day 3: Serving on the International Judging Panel
As the festival drew to a close, the competition segment officially kicked off. On this final day, I transitioned into a new role and took my seat on the International Judging Panel. Watching each competitor pour their heart and soul into the dance they love on stage was deeply moving. Standing in the shoes of a judge, I drew upon my years of experience to provide constructive, honest, and practical feedback to help them grow. For me, this judging experience was also a beautiful opportunity for profound self-reflection and personal inspiration.
