The Value of Arts Education at HCC: An Interview with Neelu Sapkota

HCC Neelu Sapkota

HCC Neelu SapkotaIn the Spring of 2015, HCC students had the opportunity to work with professional Nepali artists to create a theatrical project. Not only did they get the chance to learn about the development and implementation of creative works on a professional level, but HCC students were also able to use this opportunity to develop a skill set of processing emotional trauma through the power of artistic expression. They created the ballet Rainbow: The Colors of Life, which was the story of a young, orphaned Nepali boy. We talked with Neelu Sapkota, one of the professional choreographers who worked with our students to develop Rainbow, to learn more about the development process of Rainbow and the value of the arts in a fully rounded education.

HCC Neelu Sapkota SmilingHow did you first learn about the opportunity to work with HCC students?

I had been a founding member of Creating Possibilities Nepal, a partner Organization of HCC in Nepal, thus I have been involved in the activities carried out by HCC/CP. This gave me an idea to create a special event for the exposure of the talent and creativity of these children, which lead to this idea of a ballet coming to life.

How did you begin to facilitate the brainstorming process to create the piece? Was it clear from the students what they wanted to create?

Once I developed the plot in my mind, I shared the idea with the children for their consent and opinions. In fact, my idea was to hire an external artist for the performance based on the story of these children. But the children were very enthusiastic and committed to performing. I thought why not let them have this opportunity so that the ballet is performed by the owner of the story itself. They were pretty clear on what, and they were confident that they could express it in the ballet.

HCC Neelu Sapkota BalletHow did you help students incorporate their own ideas?

Once the plot was shared with the students, they came up with many ideas, which I recorded/ documented and gave shape. Their views were incorporated significantly as our idea is to boost them up.  For example, the last scene, I had thought of separation but the children recommended the reconciliation and to show how the boy’s family realized their mistake.

How involved were the students in the writing of the narrative of the ballet? Did they write the story as a group?

They were fully involved and the workshop model was followed to develop the narrative, giving as much as possible space for everybody, which was challenging as a director/ conceptualizer but rewarding in the case of getting close to the spirit.

HCC Neelu Sapkota Bowls on HeadHow involved were the students in choreographing the ballet? Did they choreograph as a group?

Yes, they were very excited and enthusiastic but it is a creative process, thus they were directed and guided.  But they were fully involved in every step and whatever has been made is made with their full consensus.

Do you have a particular artistic process that you subscribe to when you make your own work?

Yes, as a part of creation, the process has to be followed but I tried to make it as open as possible as I was making with the young and fresh people but more importantly with the people whom the story belonged to.

HCC Neelu Sapkota with SoldiersWhat artists are you especially inspired by?

There are many artists I admire but I feel close to the theater artists. I am a dancer too! But every time I am involved in this kind of event, I put my energy to make it simple, creative and expressive but not overburdened by the challenges and difficulties.

What role, if any, should the arts play in education? What is the value of learning about and participating in the arts as a student?

The role of arts in education is greatly important. One act or expression could be defined in thousands of words.  More than that in this kind of practice as the students not only think but also be the part of the process, which helps them to grow and acquire confidence and to live with the issue.

Finally, how would you describe our HCC students to someone who has never met them?

They are amazingly great youngsters and are not less than any other children who come from the normal family background. They are disciplined, well-mannered and committed to learning something new.  They respect seniors and listen to them well. They are fabulous children who will grow as great global citizens.

Click here to watch the full performance of Rainbow: The Colors of Life

HCC Neelu Sapkota Students Outside with Soldiers

 

 

 

Arun helps rural student

Field Trip Experience by Arun, HCC university student

From December 9th to 11th, I volunteered on a trip to Dhading and Nuwakot with Dinesh Uncle, Laxmi Didi, Nishan Dai, and D.P. Uncle. Our goal was to distribute winter supplies like clothes, books, and calculators to students in these areas. The trip was a rewarding and humbling experience as we connected with the children and saw the impact of HCC’s work.

We left early on December 9th, starting at 6:30 a.m. Our first stop was to meet eight students. We spent time chatting with them about their families, studies, and future goals, and distributed chocolates to them. Then, we went to Dhading Besi and visited another school, where we spent three hours meeting students, handing out supplies, and learning about their lives. A 13-year-old girl, Gita, stood out to me with her maturity and confidence.

Next, we traveled to Darkha, where we enjoyed the beautiful scenery despite the rough roads. We stayed overnight at a local hotel and the next morning met with the community, including the mayor and teachers. We gave supplies to 15 students and had meaningful conversations with locals.

In the afternoon, we visited Bindu Keshar School in Nuwakot, where we played volleyball with eight students and shared snacks. Finally, we reached Uttar Gaya, where we updated records for six students and saw their dedication to learning. We ended the trip by staying at a hotel in Nuwakot before heading back to Kathmandu the next day.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our team, sponsors, and well-wishers for their invaluable support in ensuring the education and well-being of  students in the RISE program. The field visit was a success, providing much-needed support and monitoring to students in the RISE program. Through collective efforts, we continue to create meaningful impacts on the lives of children and their families in Nepal.

 

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