WGS Jaguar Scout Group - MINDS

The Kool Kidz of TGS
Text by Jeanie Morgan
Photos by Ms Shen Sihui (TGS volunteer)
On 24 April 2010, a group of 12 junior level pupils from
Towner Gardens School (TGS), which goes by its stage
moniker The Kool Kidz, launched its inaugural hip hop
dance performance at the SMRT Esplanade Station to
celebrate the opening of more Circle Line stations. With
their gorgeous makeovers, courtesy of volunteers from ITE
College East, these dancers wowed the crowd with their
stylish costumes, funky moves and acrobatic spins. They
repeated their success on 8 August 2010, when the group
performed at the Bedok South Neighbourhood Park for the
Bedok National Day Dinner.
According to Mrs Tjoa-Tan Chye Hong, head of TGS
Music and Movement CCA, “Even though these public
performances were brand new experiences for these
pupils, they remained focused throughout and were so
spontaneous and really into the moments. We were all so
proud of them!”
Indeed, over the years, the Music and Movement CCA at
TGS has evolved to become one of its niche areas. Shortly
One of our dancers, Mohd Farhan bin Md. Hardi thrilled
the crowd with his acrobatic moves.
after The Funky Hip Hoppers – the school’s original group of hip
hop dancers – had graduated last year, 12 new pupils aged 8 to
13 years old were recruited to form The Kool Kidz – TGS’ next
generation of hip hop dancers. These young dancers with high
levels of energy and a great sense of rhythm meet regularly to
practise and perfect their routine.
As Mrs Tjoa-Tan pointed out, “Some of our dancers are selfmotivated
to pick up the breakdance moves on their own and
in their free time.” Naturally, as the dance moves can be quite
complicated, she and her team of teachers need to modify the
dance moves from time to time. Another challenging aspect of
training is helping the pupils to cope with their frustrations and
fatigue, especially when they experience difficulties mastering
certain dance moves.
Whatever the future holds, The Kool Kidz looks all set to groove
to the beat of greater things to come. The group just completed
its latest performances at the aLife concert on 2 October
and the Children’s Charities Association’s Annual Fair on 6
November.
These funky TGS dancers wowed the folks during their performance
at this year’s Bedok National Day Dinner
At the SMRT Esplanade Station…the dancers looking all
relaxed while waiting for their turn to perform.
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