My tale began as an epic battle between two vastly different fields of work – medicine (Trauma Surgery) or the performing arts (Musical Theatre). It was not that I was unsure as to what I wanted to study, I knew exactly what I wanted to do – both. “Can you not study medicine and do musical theatre on the side?” was the question many asked. “No” was promptly the answer. It was all or nothing.

Therefore, desperately undecided I attempted to keep my options open by applying for medicine at the various universities across South Africa as well as Biological Sciences with Psychology at the University of Stellenbosch and Medical Sciences at the University of Pretoria. I then also applied for drama at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Musical Theatre at TUT.

During these months I also observed in what was previously known as the Johannesburg General Hospital and Tambo Memorial Hospital as well as spoke to various doctors about the realities of their line of work. I was also in communication with the only person in the performing arts industry whom I knew, Adam du Plessis, as to his experiences.

The time came for my Musical Theatre audition at TUT. Absolutely petrified I boarded the Greyhound bus, on a Friday afternoon, from Mooi River to Johannesburg. The audition was to consist of three sections – a dance, a monologue and two songs.

The dance section of the audition was fun and not difficult, in fact my heart soared when I heard the music of “Chicago the Musical” fill the studio. It was a fun beginning but what I didn’t realize was that I was in for ‘one hell of a ride’.

That morning I, ‘so cleverly’, had decided that I didn’t really like the monologue that was already  performance ready so instead I would perform an extract from the rather challenging “Shirley Valentine”; I had begun work on this piece but it was nowhere near performance ready. This proved to be a very unwise decision as my performance was awful and nowhere near the standard required.

Owing to the preceding event I was now numb with fear as I walked into the singing section of my audition. I chose to sing “Mama I’m a Big Girl Now” from “Hairspray” first, with the accompanist (for someone who had almost never sung alone with pure accompaniment this was either brave or extremely stupid). Wow! was this interesting. I spent most of the song wishing someone would stop me as the song went from bad to worse. I was now totally humiliated, unravelled and desperately looking for a way to salvage myself, to show the panel that I was not merely a talentless hopeful.

Given a moment to compose myself I tried to reign in at least some of the butterflies that were running rampage throughout my body. My next song was one I had sang in the school production of “Big Base Drum” earlier that year, “Images of Pain”. It was not difficult to conjure up emotions as slight perspiration covered my face, small pools of tears filled my eyes and desperation consumed my entire being. I hoped I had redeemed myself, even if it was only ever so little.

It was not long before I received a phone call from my mom informing me that I had not been accepted. I had not performed my best that day, in fact I had performed rather dreadfully and thus knew that it would take divine intervention for me to get accepted. Part of me had never expected to measure up to the standard that I would see that day, but part of  me had hoped that just maybe someone would see something. However, despite this and all the self-focused anger, frustration and embarrassment I had left with that day, I had gained a new experience, acquaintances and a love and yearning for the place that I had just been in.

Over the months I had prayed desperately to God to show me what to do and as matric was drawing to a close my answer was close at hand.

‘Out of the blue’ I received a call from my mom to tell me that Mrs Gush (head of the TUT Dance Department) had asked if I would like to join the dance course, that I need not audition again and that it was one of the best ways into the  musical theatre industry. I was so excited and grateful but a little hesitant as it had not been an initial option.

As the dead-line approached, each of the other doors closed one-by-one and it became clearer that this was the path I should take. I was not accepted anywhere for medicine, I made it through to the second round of auditions for UCT Drama but was not accepted and I only became aware of my acceptance into Biological Sciences with Psychology at the University of Stellenbosch in January, by default, as I had not received my acceptance letter.

My passion for medicine still burns in a chamber in my heart but I have no regrets as to the decision that I made. As for musical theatre, it’s better this way -I have pure, much needed, dance training, amazing voice training and hopefully next year I’ll find a means to further my acting. Perhaps, one day I can be the true triple threat I’ve always dreamed of being.

I guess we don’t always see the bigger picture at first and so we need to trust that when it is revealed it will be better than we could ever have imagined or asked for.

Each of us has a different tale to tell and this was mine.

There are two TED videos in this link. Well worth the 2 by 20mins to listen.

http://www.connectioneconomy.com/2010/05/24/sir-ken-robinson-30-minutes-of-inspiration-about-learning-and-the-future-of-education/

But last night’s concert was not all pieces by this award winning choir. Many of the members performed musical or vocal, solos or duets in a wide variety of musical styles showcasing guitar, saxophone, piano, flute, clarinet or voice – from Lennon and McCartney’s Come Together to Run (a la X Factor) to Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up.

I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Yes, because it was entertaining, but also to see once again the amazing talent of our young people. A teenager who can sing and play two  instruments, a young guitarist who has self taught himself to play piano in four weeks and a beautiful girl who plays baroque piano with the maturity of an adult.

The choir leader is special. A man who has moved from the corporate world into the world of teaching to follow his passion for developing musical talent. His move to education is not only a win for the choir. He is also a maths teacher. And judging by the members of his matric maths class sat in the front row, he is a very popular one! 

Enjoy this short video of the choir’s recent performance in The Atrium at Wits University. 

Nurture Your Future is looking forward to our first Transformational Adventure Camp. In collaboration with outdoor-activity professionals, we will be providing a unique program, created to ensure that 2010 begins with a sprint.

Join us on our 3-day Transformational Adventure Camp from 06-08 January 2010 for 17-19 year olds.

Take advantage of this action-packed, adventure-filled workshop. Limited to those who really want to a make a huge difference to their lives in 2010 by moving into action towards achieving their grandest goals.

Use the first days of 2010 to sprint into action, through a series of fun activities and challenges, created by a team of professionals in life-skills development and professionals in outdoor-activities renowned for their team-building, family adventure packages and their love of ….. Harties nature….

Who’s it for?

Adolescents, looking for serious outcomes, whilst having loads of fun! This workshop is a wake-up call to get you sprinting into your future, through a series of thrilling activities such as diving, abseiling, elephant trails or finding your way through a gigantic maze.

It is limited to a maximum of 16 participants in order to provide the optimum conditions for transformation.

So…

…if you are looking for direction and need some clarity to help you take the next steps;

or you need that wake-up call to get you sprinting on the right track to achieving success in 2010;

maybe you keep going round in circles and you need motivation to kick-start the year ahead

….then this 3-day transformational adventure workshop is for you!

Psst… And you get to get out of mom and dad’s hair for a few days while you’re at it!

Where’s it at?

We all stay at the Red Ivory Backpackers near Hartbeespoort for two nights and three days.

What else do I need to know?

All activities, transport and food are included in this amazing package, and the kids will be under the supervision of at least 3 qualified professionals at all times. So come join us on this once in a life-time transformational adventure camp.

What’s it about?

Adventure Fun Challenges Discovery

Using outdoor activities and interactive workshops, Nurture Your Future has created a program to give you that chance to get back on track with an action-packed adventurous wake-up call. During the 3 days you will discover what is really keeping you stuck and learn how to get into action and set clear, achievable and measurable goals.

Jump over those hurdles

It’s a-mazing what you can do

• Have a great time with fun activities that challenge you to overcome the obstacles that have kept you stuck;
• See the impact of previous choices, take ownership and responsibility for them and take action towards creating a clear path to a future that YOU want;

Discover who you truly are when challenged, and how being both independent and dependent may serve your future success;

You may have to look a little deeper to get where you want, things are not always as they seem…

• Find out how to navigate and identify possible stumbling blocks along the way
• Have a great time with fun activities that challenge you to go beyond what you think you know
• Clearly define what you need to do next to get back on track.
  Free yourself from the weight and the burden of what is holding you down
• And create a clearly defined action plan, with measurable and achievable goals so that you may immediately take the next step into your future

Contact Joan Laine for bookings and further information during the festive period.

Alison Gitelson will be back in the New Year, ready to sprint into this great adventure with you and the rest of the team.

In the meantime Nurture Your Future wishes you all happy festivities, safe travelling and special times with family & friends.

This time we were at Treverton College in the Natal Midlands. Parents, pupils and educators had packed the school auditorium to see the 2009 prize winners recognised and the 2010 prefects announced. After an address by The Honourable Monyane Moleleki of Lesotho, the prize winners came up to the stage one by one to receive their trophies and prizes. There was recognition for outstanding academic achievement in all the grades as well as in specific subjects. One pupil in particular walked away with the Dux, four other academic awards as well as one for public speaking. Mr Moleleki, with quite a track record of his own, was clearly in awe of Caitlin’s achievements.

But there was also more. There was an award for chess champion, for the best environmentalist, for best musical performer, for all round sport and for hiking – just to mention a few.

Then there was the part which I think makes the school stand out. There was recognition for those qualities which make the difference between average and impactful – The Good Fellowship Trophy, the Prize for Perseverance, the Award for Character Development and one I loved – “for the pupil who has shown exceptional leadership & genuine empathy towards junior pupils”.

In his talk Mr Moleleki congratulated the prize winners and reminded the others that without them these learners couldn’t have stood out. An amusing reminder that we all have that opportunity.

In fact in this small school of 354 pupils, which competes against schools double or triple their size and holds its own in sport, 54 pupils (15%) represented their province or country in a sport or cultural code during 2009.

They attribute their success to the Outdoor Pursuits programme which exposes pupils to a wide variety of outdoor character building events and to the extensive interhouse competition which builds teamwork, belief in each other, a sense of belonging and the opportunity for each and everyone to share their own talent in the pursuance of a common goal.

A further example that the development of qualities and skills such as focus, perseverance, communication, decision making, consideration, humility, tolerance and self understanding are the foundation for success at any age.

Alison Gitelson | Development tutor, speaker & facilitator

These awards, started in 2002, are directed solely at graduating communication design students, giving them a chance to showcase their work to creative directors looking for upcoming talent!

After scrumptious little cocktails and a browse of the gallery displaying the finalists’ work we took our seats in the auditorium. The students represented 11 design schools with North West University emerging as the top institution for 2009. The big winner of the evening was Emarie Gouws of North West University who received a Platinum award.

Thank you to Sarah Beswick, event coordinator and Graham Foote, Sappi Marketing Manager for making us so welcome.

Best wishes to all the graduates in their future careers.

Alison Gitelson Development tutor, speaker & facilitator

Timothy Maurice Webster, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Joan Laine

Graduation took place 14 Nov at Cida City Campus, with 100 students receiving their graduation certificates directly from Timothy Maurice Webster, founder of Armabrand.

Romy Titus from SABC’ Week Live, was the

wonderful MC for the event and we were also graced with the presence of rap artist Lungelo Nzama.

Armabrand Graduation 2009 - Joan Laine, Lungelo Nzama

The program was a huge success and it is wonderful to see the joy on these young peoples faces as they walk with more confidence into the future that they have created for them selves. The change in their attitude is amazing even in the very short period since I last saw them, just over a month ago. They are open to having fun, whilst doing what it takes to build that brighter future that they can see more clearly ahead, whilst they have become more decisive in taking the right directions which will lead them to their diverse destinations.

These young sparks, have already made a massive difference to their own lives as they contributed to transforming the lives of their peers and their younger protegees at Cida City Campus, Ikageng Villiage and the 5C’s orphanage.

Watch out for these future leaders as they rise, shine and brighten the way ahead for themselves and others around them. I am looking forward to engaging further with these brilliant people as they manifest their dreams and create opportunities to grow and develop into pioneers of their communities.

The group of students below are some of those who have already taken their journey a little further, by using the opportunity presented by the Armabrand program to connect with the catalysts (i.e…me:-) for some transformational group coaching.

Boniswe Nkabinde, Mathapelo Banda, Joan Laine, Dimakatso Morapedi, Siyabonga Ndlozi

I am in awe of what people can achieve if given just one chance and I am therefore following this group of powerful, dynamic and confident youngsters to see what blossoms out of the seeds that they are planting today.  (We already have an aspiring coach & facilitator as well as a young lady with a passion for fashion!)

I must mention the presence of Lucky Madonsela, who is a post graduate from the

Joan Laine, Lucky Madonsela

Armabrand program and was in fact hosted by Armabrand at the Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration in Washington DC. Lucky’s joyous energy is so contagious, one can only be inspired by his mere presence. I have not had the privilege to work with him as yet, but I am trusting that an opportunity will be create for us to work together in 2010.

A great big thanks once again, to Tim, Armabrand and all of the students who allowed me to see the gifts, the talents and the potential that lies within each of us, that truly does flourish when nurtured with a bit of love, compassion, joy and fun when it is combined with the support of peers, catalysts and professionals all working towards the same goals.

For the full story, visit Armabrand

Joan Laine

Transformational Life & Business Coach

The request we received says “We are in search of a 1000 person audience for a South African produced, Frank Sinatra themed production taking place at the Krugersdorp Centenary Hall on Thursday 10 December. The filming will take place from 10h00 to 14h00.
Spot prizes for the audience will include:
– 3 each cash prizes of ZAR500 each
– 2 family photo shoots
– 2 model / portraiture photo shoots

If you are interested please contact Judy Goddard on 072-830-8661 or  judygoddard@vodamail.co.za to book your place!

Submitted by Alison Gitelson

And feeling fit is such a booster. Exercise is one of the simplest ways to build our personal energy levels and relieve stress.

However, last Saturday I had a most unpleasant experience watching an U15A inter school waterpolo match. Watching a match in which the team you support is getting thumped is rarely great but it was made much worse by the actions of the coach. He was shouting, angrily, at the boys from the moment I arrived, which was just as they went 1-0 down in the first chukka. There were no words of encouragement. Instead he insulted and belittled them eg “don’t you have eyes”. In some instances players were still being shouted at after mistakes had been made and play had continued.

I was so disgusted that I left shortly afterwards.

It is true that they were not playing well. And the day may have been an off one regardless of the coach. What I am sure of is that the coach’s actions did nothing to help raise the morale or improve the cohesion of the team. In fact they just made more and more mistakes and became more disorganised as the game progressed.

The day before that same U15A team had won their match. However on asking a couple of questions I discovered that they had still been shouted at for every mistake they made.

Earlier this year I had a completely different experience. I watched the hockey coach for a high school  1^st team in action during a very tight game. She managed the players on the field very firmly but they were never shouted at, nor insulted. The discipline within the team was impeccable and the game was an absolute pleasure to watch.

It was a very fast game and the coach was completely on top of play all the time. As she moved players on, off and back on the field they all received a word of encouragement. That day she demonstrated how to bring out the best in her players.

This same coach has umpired and managed teams at provincial and national school’s levels, captained the KZN Women’s Hockey Team and was recently selected to umpire the Women’s Interprovincial Tournament in Pretoria.  I am pleased she is getting recognition for the ability she has and that her skills are being well utilised.

In my opinion developing technical abilities and fitness is only part of a coach’s job. The most difficult part is building the mental capacity of the individuals and the cohesion and spirit of the team.

And when that happens the best possible results will be achieved in the games but most importantly the players will be individually stronger for it and will be learning how to lead and work with others – one of the most essential skills for success in life.

Alison Gitelson – speaker, facilitator, development tutor & consultant

This morning I am at the Tshwane Univ of Technology’s Dance School. My daughter was kindly invited to join in the morning’s classes. I am supposed to be working but my eye is drawn to watch the dancers.

These are the seniors. In just a few weeks they will have completed their exams and be ready to earn an inome in the real world. They smile whilst they go through their various warm up routines. Male and female exude confidence and purpose.

Today is an unusually short day. Classes usually run till 5pm and are then followed by evening rehearsals for the next student production – 5 days a week. Anyone who thinks studying dance or theatre is a soft option would be in for a shock. A straight BA or BCom would allow you a lot more free time for campus activities. On the noticeboard in the foyer is a newspaper clip of a cartoon that came out after rugby coach  Pieter de Villiers made a comment that rugby wasn’t ballet. It shows the Springbok players in tutus and leotards. Dancers would certainly struggle with the aggression of rugby but I think the male dancers could take the rugby players on in a strength or fitness contest. 

I love being at any institution of learning – from nursery schools to varsities. I love seeing young people at ease in their surroundings, full of chatter and laughter, learning and growing. There is a part of me that would love to return to campus as a student, to soak up knowledge and be challenged through exams, to show what I had grasped.

To everyone preparing for exams now. Get focussed on the result you want to achieve, put your nose to the grindstone and make the next eight weeks count.