Hall 8 Dinner and Dance

The Beginning of the End =)

2008-08-30T03:12:00.006+08:00

hey ya'll.
its a few more hours to the real thing and i just wanted to say....
GOOD JOB everyone!
seniors and contestants alike.
=)
i'm especially indebted to my fellow PCs for being a tad bit inconsistent, but on the whole, woring as a team has enabled us to cover up the tiny holes in our grand scheme of things. =)
as for the "babies" aka contestants, i really enjoyed being one of the "nannies" to look after ya'll....all of you, at one point of time or the other, has brought a smile to my face, and lighted up my day =) kinda hope u guys enjoyed urselves in the process too.
i hope everyone has enjoyed the journey so far and that tml's event'll be one of the best DND's Hall 8 has ever attended =)

" we were strangers, starting out on a journey.......i wanna be standing at the beginning.....with you(all)"

1 day before the event.....

2008-08-29T17:38:00.005+08:00

Hey guys!! DnD is fast approaching already...in a blink of an eye, the 10 contestants had been plunged from FOC straight into pageant training, and everything is going to end tomorrow! At this point in time, lets see what the 10 contestants have to say to each other...

F1 Joanne

The big day is nearing!! Jia you!!!

M1 Wee Kiat

hey guys i relli enjoyed myself during this one month. I hope we can bond closer with time to come. As for the seniors, thank u for being so patient with us. See ya soon!

F2 Han Bin

hey pageant peopleee! (: i don't know abt you guys but it seems like a really long time since we got to know each and started our trainings together, makes it hard to believe that the Big Day is just around the corner. you know how much effort and time we've spent during our trainings preparing for it, so lets put it our all and rock the stage together :D anyhow, i'm glad i got the opportunity to know all of you better, its been a really enjoyable journey (: so jiayou jiayou all the way alright, just remember that we're all in this together!

and a special shoutout to M2 IAN. trainings were a lot more fun and entertaining with you as my pageant partner, thanks for being the ever supportive and understanding pp! (: and thank you snrs, for your constant encouragement as well!

M2 Ian

Hey guys! Our big thing is just TWO days ahead and I guess we are more or less up to it! One month of training for a night of showcase. Let’s just give our all! :) Results don’t matter, what matters is the friendship that we forged out of this. And of course not forgetting the fun and laughter we had throughout this whole process. Jiayou guys!

Oh! A special note to F2, we must have CHEMISTRY! *STARES*

Anyway, on a brighter note, my dear pageant partner, you’re doing very well in your catwalk! Remember I said that you have a nice pose and smile, must keep it up okay! And dancing has never been this fun for me. You definitely brighten up our dance moves. Good job weirdo!

F3 Ying Qin

Life without y'all is like a broken pencil - pointless...(:

M3 Hazzely

if your lost listen to your heart and if it doesnt give you any answers, close your eyes and think about your parents, you'll overcome anything

F4 Peishan

Hall 8’s D & D is finally coming to an end. Being involved in this event has been a pretty stressful experience as I really struggled with some of the performance items. If not for the encouragement and support from the seniors and fellow pageant contestants, my life would have been very miserable. To all contestants, we have come thus far together; let’s work hard for the final lap!

M4 Chuan Kai

We will SHINE and blind all hall eighters!!

F5 Hong Zhi

To all the pretty babes and handsome hunks of Hall 8 pageant, you guys ROX!! Thank you for bringing me so much laughter during the training =D

Also not to forget our dear ‘nannies’, who have to run about with us. Love you guys. Muackz~!

M5 Guang Yao

hey guys! This is the last leg of the race already.. We have come a long way since the first day we introduced ourselves during SP night.. I am glad i have made friends like you all in the past month.. So let's enjoy ourselves and cross the finishing line together! =D

Indeed, it had been a rollercoaster journey during this period of time...the late nights that we spent together, the seemingly endless trainings that we endure, the last minute decisions and 'activations' for fittings... all these are going to culminate in a day...and at this point in time, i just wanna wish all contestants all the best, enjoy your last training later and have fun tml!!! you guys all look great, and will all put up a fantastic show...Thanks for being such wonderful contestants to manage, and really going out of the way to show commitment in this pageant...i really enjoyed myself being around all of you, everyone of you made the trainings so much more enjoyable... Hope you guys had fun during this period of time, and see ya all later for our last training!! (:(:(:

On 30/8 Saturday!!

2008-08-28T14:23:00.000+08:00

2 more days to the commencing of Hall 8 DND..heres some information for eighters attending the event..there will be chartered bus to bring u guys from yishun mrt to orchid country club..so pls be at the bus stop outside yishun mrt at 6pm sharp =)

alan. =)

Last trip down to Shine...

2008-08-28T01:35:00.006+08:00

On a rainy and dreary day, when every other hall eighter is either wishing himself/herself back in hall, or IS already back in hall snoozing away, our 10 pageant contestants and PCs plucked themselves up for the final trip to Shine...

some photos to show the fun and excitement (haha) experienced at Shine...

The group looking super happy to be going down to Shine for the last time!!

The girls with the traditional picture before the start of training by Shine...

The guys......now, wheres Hazzely.... (on a side note: the guys were cheeky enough to suggest playing COT with their trainers! - Jade)

Hwei Fung, Han Bin and Ying Qing trying out the Shine way of walking...look at them shining...ahaahah...

After the final session, the contestants went to celebrate themselves graduating from Shine modelling school, with dinner at PLAZA SINGAPURA FOODCOURT!!! YAY-NESS!!

Upon reaching back hall, greeted by the strong aroma of steamboat dinner in the comm hall, they still lugged themselves down for training...kudos to them, today was a really long day...

and so they started off the night training with a recap on catwalking

The seniors picking on every little thing....our dear juniors must be thinking that haha...bear with us guys, you all are beginning to look great!!

enjoying their dance training.....

Still enjoying their dance training! hahaha...

with that, wednesday came to a close, and its 2 days more to DnD! the next two days are going to be super busy, with the rest of the fittings and more trainings to come, but the strong bonds within the group will help everybody to pull through...so jia you guys!! and stay happy!! (:

2 days before the final showdown!

2008-08-28T00:39:00.001+08:00

The trainings for dnd is coming to an end thus contestants have been super busy these few days. Not only do they have to go for fittings and more fittings, they have to learn the remaining dance moves, perfect their catwalking skills, preparing for their individual special segment and the training gets more and more intensive with each passing day. So they need most, if can, ALL of your moral support and lots and lots of encouragement! support theM!

below are evidences of them hard at work:

Guang Yao with his trombone

Wee Kiat and Hazzely playing the guitars

and while they were preparing for their dance lesson in their dance costumes, I managed to get some contestants and seniors to pose for the camera!

Joanne and Ying Qing in their very beautiful and comfy dance wear

Ying Qing and Fun and Fung during the waiting time...

Shu ying, one of the many seniors who came down today
The Hunks

and of course, the Babes

yepp basically that concludes thursday, and tomorrow would be a longgggg day ahead! saturday BEST lah, let's CHIONG people!!!!! add oil!!

to contestants: you guys must rest well and take good care of your health okay!!! =D

2 Mintues of Fame Rehearsal!

2008-08-26T23:59:00.004+08:00

Counting down only 3 more days to SHANGAI NIGHT!

Preparations for the night are getting more and more intensive.

Jade has made beautiful star tags for the pageant.

Twinkle twinkle little star...

The DnD main committee gathered to give their support while the contestants rehearse for their 2 Minutes of Fame segment!

I shan't reveal too much on what they'll be showcasing, but just a sneak peek into their performances.. Hehe..

Sorry Joanne and Wee Kiat, I wasn't able to capture a photo of you both.

We'll be going down to SHINE model agency for the one last time before DnD tomorrow. So stay tune to the updates! ^^

Everyone needs the stamina to hang in there.

Dear contestants, please do take care of yourselves especially during these few days, bad weather conditions. Please do not fall sick ok? =D

Full Dance Choreography finally done!!!

2008-08-26T01:02:00.008+08:00

The last week of preparation for Shanghai night went under way with the final touches to the dance segment! The contestants went through 4 solid hours of dance training with Gary so as to coordinate themselves and to look great for the day! Check out the photos of the session!

Eh, nowadays the girls do the proposing meh!??! Hahah..

Han Bin and Ian looking awesome for the camera (:

Ying Qing and Hazzely manages to steal a quick moment!

Peishan and Chuan Kai ever ready for the camera!

Guang Yao trying to attract Hong Zhi’s attention but in vain…lol…

The contestants peer intently at Gary’s videos, hoping to draw some inspiration!

The guys posing for a quick photo. This was just a split second before they went straight into their dance sequence!

Shu ying and Gary trying out the choreo for the last segment, while Ying Qing stares in fear…hahaha…

At the end of the gruelling session, the contestants could at least breathe a sigh of relief: they had finished learning their dance!! For the next 4 days, all that was left was to practice and practice so that they would become more familiar with it! (:

For those that are wondering how come they gotta train so hard and long, this is the reason! Transforming ordinary pple like you and me into pageant contestants that are able to dance and catwalk is something that is definitely not achievable overnight! Everyday, looking at them becoming more and more confident, not only do I feel a sense of nostalgia for last year, but I am also very encouraged by the fact that they are all working so hard to put up a good show for everybody! So to anybody who reads this, do give them a pat on the back for their effort so far, and to the contestants, JIA YOU!!!! LAST FIVE DAYS ONLY!!! CHIONG ARRHHHHHH!! Lol!! (:

Intensive dance lessons on Thurs & Fri night!

2008-08-23T23:44:00.005+08:00

On last Thursday night, it was catwalk practice before dance training with Gary at the dance studio.

They were taught the twist-and-slide chinese dance move.

Wicky came back to visit and support the contestants!

Oddly yet truly, his sluttish aura never fails to influence all other male species around him. LOL!

(Guang Yao, don't follow in his footsteps lah.) =X

See! Even Gary was attracted to him!?!

Okok, I'm just kidding. Gary just needed Wicky's help in demonstrating a dance move for the contestants. Haha.

Alan came to visit too and ended up being tao-pok. Luckily the Ernest and Tim are not extremely big sized.

The lights in the dance room went off right on the dot at 11pm as usual, as it was set on timer by the hall. However, the night was still young. The dance lesson shifted onto the comm hall and continued as Gary made use of every moment to teach each couple their individual stunt.

Hong Zhi and Guang Yao taking a break...

So is Joanne and Wee Kiat...

On Friday Night, it was dance training again!

As usual, we were unable to start promtly at 9pm due to the inconsideration of a group of people using the dance room before us.

But anyway, our contestants were very coorperative and managed to settle down quickly before they began the warm-up exercises.

Guang Yao and his trademark smile. Ever-ready before the camera. LOL!

And it was girl power for the night! Tim had to attend lessons so Jade, Hwee Leng & I were put in charged.

Dance, dance and more dance! The only way to perfect their moves was to get the contestants to repeat the whole dance again and again.

It takes two to Tango...

Exactly 1 more week to SHANGHAI NIGHT!

I'm sure all of you are excited and are looking forward to seeing their moves. Hang in there my dear contestants!

I'm sure all of your hard work are going to pay off well! =D

more trainings!!!

2008-08-19T23:30:00.001+08:00

Again, contestants had their scheduled catwalk and dance trainings at the studio today and a smiley picture a day keeps all frowns away, just look at how radiantly each and every one of them smiled! bet this would help cheer most, if not all readers up lah. UPZ!

and so their ever-shag training started off with a revision of the girls' catwalk!

then the guys'!

look at how nice their poses are after going through intensive trainings!!! =D JUST LOOK.

after 1 hr of catwalk, we headed to hall 12 for gary's salsa performance.. we were fortunate enough to reach hall 12 JUST RIGHT IN TIME for his performance lah.

here's a snapshot of him just as he was about to start his solo dance.

and then it was BACK to hall studio again and everything went well except for this poor girl, pei shan, who injured her toe after badly so she had to stop training for a while.. BUT no worries, she felt much better after a rest already lah (:

dance training followed... ... heh, shan't show too much, wanna see more? COME FOR THE ACTUAL EVENT ON 30TH AUGUST, 6PM AT ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB!!! come support them! (:

oh, before i end this post, great thanks to kennard and grace, for helping us look after the dance studio while we left for gary's performance (:

not forgetting the seniors who came down to help out! and pics of fung and timo as well (:

trainings again for the next few dayssss... support the contestants k!!! (: pls come on actual dnd night! i'm sure contestants need physical support, not just mental support lah! (:

SHINE that way =)

2008-08-19T02:34:00.008+08:00

the groupie outside SHINE..........

today was the contestants' second trip down to SHINE modeling agency..
the contestants were all on their toes again....hoping they'd meet the models' expectations.....

Tim standing in for Hazzely.........

the girls trying to work on their "contact" positioning....

Pei Shan and I came a little later than the rest.......
the girls (above)....awaiting the verdict and corrections......

the guys paying rapt attention to advise.....(all except chuan kai, who seems EVER READY for the cam LOL)
shortly after the first run through, the guys and girls were separated, like the week before, to work and focus more on their individual walking styles.....

and........................... oh-la-la! M5 Guang Yao, this year's B.F.G (big friendly giant), decided to pose in this serious/suave manner! where's that trademark infectious GRIN eh?
hahahaha.Meanwhile, M1 wee kiat does a doubletake of one of Hazzely's earlier poses! LOL!
has mr macho gotten in touch with his feminine side? or was he simply stretching? hahahaha!

the girls, finally getting the hang of it, although they still have to practice, the improvement they're making is really SHINING through, no mistake about that! =)
KEEP IT UP GIRLS!

to the contestants: your nannies are proud! -flashes a megawatt grin-

one more session with SHINE, then the next stage they'll grace, will be the one waiting for them at OCC!

'ja-ne =)

Dance Intensive!!

2008-08-19T00:51:00.007+08:00

Today's training was pretty fruitful, in that there wasnt any major hiccups, and a particular school din snatch with us over our own dance room hahaha...

The day started with a revision of the 1st and 2nd catwalk. Although the contestants took some time to warm up, but they soon managed to get the hang of things, and even sorted out the poses for their 2nd walk!!

After 2 hours of catwalk training, the pageant peeps headed down to the dance studio to carry on their dance training with Gary. They learnt many new things today to built on whatever they learnt previously:

Wee Kiat and Joanne got the hang of it pretty early, even had time for a twiseee!!

Well done Pei Shan and Chuan Kai, you guys make it seem effortless!!

Dont worry Hong Zhi, you are in safe hands!! errr...i hopee.....

Bet you guys nvr knew Han Bing was that flexible right! at least not me hahaha...

Ying Qing deep in thought...hmmmmmm......

Nice fans!!!! that sheds feathers non stop.... ):

After an intensive dance session, the trainings were starting to take its toll on the contestants already, as was reflected on their tired out faces! however, in each other, they've got support and the believe that they can do it...so guys, JIA YOU!!! its the journey as much as the destination, so hang in there and appreciate every single moment!!

looking forward to the next training already..... (:

Catwalk training + Dance lesson with Gary.

2008-08-15T14:59:00.001+08:00

Thursday night was the contestants' last pageant training for the week.

They started out practising the catwalk formations and poses which they learnt at SHINE.

Jade imparting her skills to Hong Zhi...

Changing roles of man and woman in today's society...

LOL!

At about 9.30pm, they shifted downstairs to the dance room for lessons with Gary.

Warming up...

All the guys were gentlemanly and were able to support their ladies in the dance coordination.

Eventually, Gary started to teach the contestants to fly...

He demonstrated the move on Pui Fun.. Nice one!!!

Oh gosh! Ian caught in the act while flirting with Ying Qing. How could he???

Relax.. it's all part of the show.. ?

Interested to find out more about what's actually going on with all the flirting and stunts etc? Be sure to join us at Hall 8 Dinner & Dance'08 at Orchid Country Club on the 30th August ok?

That's all for now before training resumes next week... Have a nice weekend everyone! ^^

1st trip to SHINE model

2008-08-13T18:36:00.002+08:00

Down to Parklane mall the contestants went, for a visit to SHINE modelling agency, our modelling sponsor once again this year.

Filled with antipation and perhaps slight fear after what we've told them regarding our SHINE experience last year, the first session with SHINE this year turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The trainers are good, constantly encouraging the contestants to bring out their personalities while they walk on the runway and politely correcting them wherever possible.

I believe the contestants were awed by the way how SHINE models walk confidently on the runway, with poses which bring out each of their individual style. To the contestants: IF THE MODELS CAN DO IT, YOU GUYS CAN DO IT AS WELL!

okay for now just enjoy looking at the pictures!

our handsome HUNKS(from left: wee kiat, ian, hazzely, chuan kai and guang yao) and... JADE (:

and...

the GORGEOUS ladies!!! (from left: Hong zhi, pei shan, ying qing, han bin and joanne)

(Clockwise starting from top left)
M1, F1, M2, F2 (guys looking suave while girls are having a hard time maintaining the S shape. u girls are looking great still!!! (:)

F3, M4, F4, M3 (ying qing must be feeling so so so tired whereas her partner is forever energetic in front of the camera, haha!)
(sorry to peishan! due to space constraint, part of ur head would be cut off if I had posted up ur pic in S position.. so yeah.. here's a proper pic of u instead)

F5, M5 and camwhoring for the guys

yeppp and that concludes SHINE session 1 for the contestants.. a round of applause for them! they survived SHINE training! anyway, more updates to come!!! stay tuned!

Shanghai Silkhouse Here We Come!

2008-08-12T16:14:00.000+08:00

the contestants went down to far east earlier today to get their fittings for the Cheong Sam segment.........

the girls went first, and the guys, being the gentlemen they are, patiently waited outside the shop while the girls picked out a couple of cheong sams each to try on.... all took turns trying, and of course, asked their partners for opinions, all hoping that their cheong sams would match whatever the guys would be wearing!

after working out the hiccups, the girls managed to find the right length, colour, and size that they felt were best suited for them. even better, it was decided the guys would grace the segment in black, meaning no matter which colours the girls picked, it wouldn't clash! =)

the lot of us made a beeline for Gelare's after the fitting, since some of us didn't get to have lunch and since it was 1/2 price waffle day, why not? hahaha!
after indulging in that sinful treat, we headed back to hall to prepare for another round of catwalking practice to revv up for tomorrow's trip to SHINE. =)

Dance Training @ Gary's Studio: Dance En Motion!!

2008-08-12T14:59:00.000+08:00

2nd week of school for the contestants kicked start with a bang, at Gary's Studio, a quaint little place which brought back many memories for us oldies (: but before i get carried away, let us take a look at what the contestants did over at Dance En Motion ;P

Every strenous exercise should be preceded by warmup, Gary makes sure of that...

Somemore warm up shots...During warmups, Gary plays these music that breaks the monotony of the sequence.

oh no, why is Gary holding his head!!??! girls, you all gotta work harder man lol..

Today, i was just really grateful to everybody for making the effort to come down for the training despite it being last minute and all. After Gary's session, they were finally beginning to understand what was their dance gonna be about, and we all thought it was really interesting! For those that are wondering what is the dance gonna be, you guys just gotta wait till 30th August to discover for yourselves!!

Clothes-fitting at STAGE & Photoshoot at Clark Quay!

2008-08-11T14:59:00.002+08:00

The contestants had their 1st official clothes-fitting session just the day after National Day.

We went down to STAGE at Far East Plaza. STAGE is a franchise outlet under the branded apparel by Luo Zhi Xiang and it is the official sponsor for the Hall 8's DnD pageant's casual wear.

Under the friendly assisstance of Jay (one of the bosses), the contestants were dressed up in cute couple street wear. It was very nice of STAGE to sponsor us accessories too, with their very beautiful caps and bling-blings.

After lunch, we headed over to Clark Quay for their outdoor photoshoot. It was raining quite heavily before but fortunately, the rain had subsided by the time we reached Clark quay and very soon, it was sun after rain!

The make-up artistes got to work and began doing the make-up for the contestants, as well as their hairdo.

There were a total of 5 photographers this year, thanks to friends of friend. I have below some of the behind-the-scene shots which you all might like to know more about, even though they're not pro-shots.

First up is F1 Joanne...

and her partner M1 Wee Kiat..

M2 Ian, with the classic back-alley shot..

and couple shot with F2 Han Bin...

The cutest couple... M3 Hazzely and F3 Ying Qing

F4 Pei Shan & M4 Chuan Kai... getting into the mood for some natural shots.

Pretty!!!

Last but not least, our tallest couple...

F5 Hong Zhi & M5 Guang Yao

with 深情的眼神...

It had been a long and tiring day for all the contestants, photographers, make-up artiste, seniors and all others who came to support. But I'm sure it must have been a fun and memorable experience for all contestants.

We ended the day with a group shot. (some seniors are not in the pic)

To all the seniors who came to support and made this photoshoot an enjoyable one...

U guys rocks!

'Meet Gary'

2008-08-07T16:30:00.000+08:00

Contestants met their dance master, Gary, for the first time tonight at the hall studio. What they're going to perform on stage for the dance segment would wholly depend on what Gary has in store for them... heh heh.

Alright, it all started with the contestants' introduction of themselves which shocked Gary i suppose, because many of their names are just CHINESE names which Gary, apparently, had a hard time remembering. HAHA.

Then Gary gave a brief description of what exactly the contestants are going to learn, which is actually a fusion of tango(not the traditional kind) and some modern moves; then listening to the song which they are going to dance to(which is very well editted) and then.. ..

The first dance training began! (:

To get the contestants warmed up, guess what they did???? yes, they did warm-ups. Following that were some basic steps with their partners and of course, the dance steps get harder and harder. Despite all the contestants not possessing a dance background, they picked up the steps very quickly and they also tried to perfect the their dance steps using whatever free time they had during the training session as well. G-O-O-D J-O-B good job good job! keep up the good work!!!

The team work that the contestants have showcased so far is largely appreciated and may you all make full use of the remaining weeks to bond even better! IF THE SENIORS CAN DO IT, SO COULD YOU GUYS! (;

p.s: sorry peeps, no pictures for this post! :s

For the Very. First. Time....

2008-08-06T17:29:00.000+08:00

FIRST OFFICIAL TRAINING FOR D&D 08/09!!

Hmmm....

All the contestants were on time!!

Impressive eh?

They had their photos taken one more time before the catwalk session began..

Some were naturally made for the runway, and some were REALLY nervous at first
but warmed up and soon caught hold of the do's and don'ts....

Some of their seniors even came to watch a little...hoping for sneak previews,
perhaps?

By the end of this short session, they managed to more or less get the feel of how a

model has to pose and walk, or strut, in the case of guys, on stage.... =)

The contestants waiting eagerly for the music to start (:

F2 Han Bing, under the watchful eye of Hwei Fung

A perfect "fetch" by Pei Shan and Chuan Kai...you guys pick up fast!!

Dinner and Dance 07/08 Pageant Contestants unveiled!!

2008-08-02T14:59:00.000+08:00

After a long and hard day at Sentosa, 10 individuals from the different clans received a pleasant surprise when they were called out from their clans to meet each other for the first time. They are:

M1 Wee Kiat from Kaze, and F1 Joanne from Xenith

F2 Han Bing and M2 Ian, both from Aeon

M3 Hazzely from Aeon, and F3 Ying Qing from Xenith

F4 Pei Shan from Phazer and M4 Chuan Kai from Xenith

M5 Guang Yao from Phazer and F5 Hong Zhi from Kaze

The 10 contestants were whipped away by the Pageant Coordinators, to a secret and far away location (muahaha) and began their first meeting cum training, although it being a super rushed one.

There, they got to introduce themselves to each other, and began to learn the basic skills of being a model from the seniors. Thanks to the King and Queen Kennard and Hwei Fung, as well as the Empress Dowager Shuying and chao seng model Sean, they picked up the skills in a blink of an eye!

During SP night, the contestants did a great job, and managed to remember the simple choreography without much hiccups. A great ending to FOC 2008, and the start of bigger things to come! Stay tuned for more updates on their journey! (:

Grab your tickets now!

2008-08-01T15:15:00.012+08:00

Dress to our theme and join us on our fun and exciting journey back to Old Shanghai. Indulge in delicious Chinese cuisines while witnessing the crowning of our Hall King & Queen!

To book your tickets, please contact Guendolin at 90282372 or guendolin87@hotmail.com .

We hope to see you there!

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2008-07-27T23:42:00.011+08:00

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