LASALLE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS
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GETTING CREATIVE WITH THE ARTS

LASALLE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS
Providing invaluable opportunities to all with a passion for the arts, LASALLE College of the Arts nurtures and challenges its students to be independent leaders and innovators in their specialised fields.

C reative and collaborative energy pulses through LASALLE, the heart of the contemporary art community in Singapore. It is here that the next generation of movers and shakers is shaped, ready to break convention and inspire change. LASALLE constantly pushes its students towards – and beyond – their personal best.

Current first year student Benjamin Low and dance alumna Jeryl Lee share how LASALLE has given them an ideal platform not just for creative expression, but also discovery and success.

The decision to enrol came easily for Benjamin. Despite having industry experience on commercial film sets, he realised that furthering his education at LASALLE would enhance his skills. He recalls, “I realised that LASALLE has a very pragmatic approach to film education... Hearing this first-hand from students and graduates solidified LASALLE as my choice.”

THE PREMIER CHOICE

LASALLE is a coveted institution that has emerged into the fore of Singapore’s blooming arts and culture scene. This impressive reputation has secured LASALLE as a top choice for students pursuing a career in the contemporary arts.

On the contrary, Jeryl was in a different place in life. She was already in her third year of undergraduate studies in Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical), but she decided to dive into a career in dance after completing her degree. She remembers the moment when she made her choice, “It was at a LASALLE dance graduation show, which left a strong impression on me. In that show, there was a balance in terms of technicality and performativity, which was what I wanted to work and improve on. That’s when I decided LASALLE would be it.”

JERYL LEE

JERYL LEE

DANCER, RAW MOVES
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Dance
Alumna

CHALLENGING YOUR PERSONAL BOUNDARIES

With all-rounded courses, LASALLE ensures depth of study through both practical and theoretical learning. For Jeryl, the latter posed a “dreaded” challenge to her – but she took it as an opportunity to grow. She shares, “The Performance Theory and Thesis modules left a deep impression on me... These modules have reshaped my perspectives on dance and what a dance performance should be.”

She explains that the modules trained her to see dance differently and more critically. She is now “open to interpretations” when she watches a performance, and she “questions the meaning behind some dances”. This learning experience guided her towards a greater understanding of dance, she says.

On the other end, an equally challenging set of modules puts students’ practical skills to the test. Benjamin describes, “Practical work may take many days or hours to complete... Managing all these projects is an art by itself.” However, he is well-equipped thanks to the complementary modules he is exposed to in his course. He says, “LASALLE has managed to bring together different modules to create a cohesive learning experience that will benefit both novices and those with prior experience.”

In fact, some of these projects are a treat for passionate students. For example, Benjamin recalls having acclaimed director and producer Fran Borgia as an editing lecturer in one of his modules. He shares, “His vast experience producing and editing feature films, such as The Apprentice and A Yellow Bird, is something that I truly respect. Fran is more than happy to share his valuable experiences, which makes classes insightful.”

BENJAMIN LOW

BENJAMIN LOW

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Film
Student

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Extending beyond practical and theoretical curriculum, LASALLE also instills lifelong and prized soft skills that are needed to navigate the working world. Benjamin notes, “I’ve picked up people skills in school... It helps me to be a better listener and be more receptive to people when they share their experiences.”

Similarly, Jeryl shares that she has benefitted greatly from this. She says, “Flexibility, adaptability, professionalism and communication are very relatable to my career in a sense that a dancer needs to be able to adapt to different choreographers’ dancing and working styles when creating a new work. Communication is also very important in delivering our concepts and thoughts.”

With their experiences in LASALLE, how would they advise students contemplating their course of study? Benjamin says, “It’s okay if you haven’t found your calling. Take time to find out what gives you that sense of satisfaction and start exploring from there.”

Echoing Benjamin’s sentiments, Jeryl encourages, “Think hard and consider all the pros and cons, but don’t be afraid to take risks. If you want it and you can see yourself doing it, go for it.”