HPB Voices Reloaded

By Sumasni Sunar, Innovation Activist Group

Movement creates energy and energy breathes life into everyone’s soul. That was what happened at the retrolicious HPB D & D on the nite of 8 Mar 08 at the Meritus Mandarin. A ‘cathartic’ saga exuberated in joyful swing. Everybody let their hair down and suddenly tensed shoulders, tightened jaws and contracted stomachs began to relax into abreaction, smiles, fun and laughter.

The movement continued. Everybody was dancing. Or was it exercising? Well it was actually both. They were dancexercising to the steps and routines demonstrated by the three groups of finalists in the HPB Dancexercise Competition 2008 which was the highlight of the D & D.

DanceXercise, a combination of dance and exercise emphasises increased agility and coordination through body movements, footwork and aerobics with an element of fun. It also improves posture, gait and provides cardiovascular benefits, thus improving health. Initiated by the HPB Innovation Activist Group (IAG), the dancexercise competition aimed to encourage innovation among HPB staff by crafting out innovative and signature dancexercise moves that could be easily followed or learned. IAG’s main objective was to promote physical activity among HPB staff, hence the congruity with the organisation’s mission in empowering Singaporeans to adopt and lead a healthy lifestyle.

A three-member female group, “Fly Da Act”, performed a mixture of hip hop and modern moves choreographed with a Bollywood blend. The music was entertaining and the routines helped to work the muscles of the shoulders, arms, hips waist and legs for all round mobility.

Five young nurses formed the “Divalicious” who created moves and footwork based on the cha cha, salsa and rumba latin steps to equally exciting latin music. Their routines were kept simple to improve fitness and general well-being.

“Funky Dollies” comprised six female staff of all ages (20s – 50s) who attempted a combination of hip hop, aerobics, martial arts and movements involving sports such as basketball. Starting with calisthenics and gradually building the intensity of the dancexercise, they use all muscle groups including neck, shoulders, hands, thigh and legs to achieve a greater fitness level.

Two judges from HPB namely Mrs Tan Seok Lee, Divisional Director, Corporate Services Division who oversees to IAG activities and Mrs Chan-Yam Yoke Yin, Deputy Director, Physical Activity Department, Adult and Elderly Health Division; and an external judge, Ms Shirley Cheah-Wong, a dancexercise and fitness instructor were invited to judge the competition. Dance has a universal appeal. Even the judges could not resist the gaiety movements and danced along too.

The judging criteria included the innovative concept and fitness component of the dancexercise, teamwork and simplicity / user-friendliness of the movements to be learned. As spirits and emotions were uplifted, the audience became fond of their favourite groups. Every table was allowed to vote for the group of their choice. The voting constituted 30 % and the judges’ decision 70 % of the scores. In addition, guests were encouraged to be community conscious and charitable by casting an extra vote in cash for their favourite group. The proceeds were donated to the Yong-En Care Centre.

Guest judge, Shirley provided some valuable tips on areas for improvement. Based on the overall evaluation, hot favourite, “Funky Dollies” won the HPB Dancexercise Championship for 2008. Both “Fly Da Act” and “Divalicious” won the consolation prizes. All participants received their prizes from guest-of-honour and Minister of State for Health, Mr Heng Chee How.