Thriving on the rhythm of life

By Jenny Hammond  |   2008-6-17  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

POLISH expat Adrianna Koralewska believes in the power of performance and dance - so much so it has become her life's work, writes Jenny Hammond.

Performance is one of the most natural forms of expression, and for one Polish expat it has transformed into a way of life.

After studying everything from Peking Opera to the classical Bharatha Natyam dance style from India, Noh Theater from Japan and Wayangwong from Indonesia, Adrianna Koralewska has moved to Shanghai to teach children how to express themselves through dance and movement.

"I teach creative dance and drama. I also act, direct, choreograph, make costumes, design sets and manage technical theater. And I study everything from tai chi to Chinese herbs and how to eat healthily," she says.

With a diploma in contemporary dance, Koralewska is a certified teacher and has broadened her dance knowledge and skills by studying many ethnic and Asian traditional forms.

After completing her undergraduate studies in 2000 in Poland, she was invited to the Huei Tlahtolli Instituto de Investigacion Antropologica Interdisciplinaria in Guadalajara, Mexico.

"It was there that I became fascinated with the therapeutic influence on your body with Aztec Indian dance and rhythms."

There have been few scientific investigations evaluating the healing effects of such dance, but Koralewska says she can personally attest to the benefits the ancient practice offers.

"Improved self-esteem, stress reduction and improvement of illness are only some of the benefits," she says.

As well, Koralewska has explored many aspects of drama and physical theater, musical, alternative theater techniques, contemporary dance, martial arts, Asian classical theater, Mexican forms of pre-Columbian dance used in choreotherapy and elements of Polish folk dances.

As a result, the expat has been able to create her own teaching curriculum.