The journey begins...
Six
months ago, I was approached by two friends of mine, Michelle (Bloom
Entertainment by Design) and Jun (Blue Sky Talent Company) with the idea of a
joint charity/music adventure that involved me going to Belarus for a music
tour.
Blue
Sky Talent Company is a profit for charity business providing music programs to
local orphanages, boarding homes and hospices in Belarus. My time in Belarus
would be spent performing for the marginalised community of Belarus, teaching
master classes and promotion. After much preparation and excitement the ball
was set in motion.
Two important things took place in the next 6 months...
In
consultation with Bloom Entertainment by Design we decided to hold a
fundraising ball to raise money for the work that Blue Sky Talent Company
provides. On October 11 2013, we had an
amazing turn out of around 150 attendees, including Jun from Blue Sky Talent
Company at the fundraising initiative Bloom to Belarus - the night was filled
with amazing performers donating their time.
A combination of talented performers, auction items and the huge
generosity of family, friends and colleagues made the night a great success and
we were able to raise almost $10,000 in funds.
Secondly,
I decided to write and record a song dedicated to the work done by Blue Sky
Talent Company. The song 'Blue Sky Angels' has a two-fold message in its lyrics
- to tell the story of the pain and suffering the community has ensured through
the lingering effects of war and to recognise the amazing work that Blue Sky
Talent Company provide to support local orphanages, boarding homes and
hospices. 'Blue Sky Angels' is now available to purchase on ITunes.
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/blue-sky-angels/id778885993?i=778886153
10 Days... 100 new experiences!
I
flew to Belarus looking forward to the opportunity to sing and have a few new
experiences along the way. The experiences I had in the short time I was there
were life changing...
I
have gained the ability to see the real power and strength of music - the way
it can touch a little child’s soul, the way it can make someone smile for the
first time in years, the way their joy can bring me to tears.
Chevron Boarding Home
The first charity I attended was at Cherven boarding home for people
with disabilities, located 60 kms from Minsk. The visit was organized by Sergey
Dougal. I had an amazing experience meeting over 300 residents and staff. To
say my first charity visit was an eye opener, is an understatement. I was
instantly touched by the children and their stories and amazed by the care and
support provided by the staff at the boarding home. My lesson for today...
music and touch - two very special human gifts!
Novinski Boarding Home
Novinki boarding home was also a home for children with a disability. It
was beautiful to see how captivated the children were by music - I felt so
connected to them as they danced and jumped to the songs I performed. As they
clapped, and demanded I sing more and more songs, it was the most touching
request for an encore I have ever received. I was also fortunate to sing a duet
with the director of Novinki which received a beautiful reception by both
residents and staff.
Tarasiki Boarding Home
These guys can dance - encore after encore after encore! They couldn't get enough of the music, and in
all honesty, I couldn't get enough of them! What an inspiring, creative, fun
day full of laughter, music and lots of dancing!!! .
Kull Boarding Home
What an amazing place Kull Boarding home is, no sitting down here! Wheelchairs dancing around, residents
surrounding me on the dance floor - I absolutely loved the freedom of being
able to run through the aisles of residents, singing and dancing with the crowd
- what an amazing sense of freedom and pride!
Belarus Children's
Hospice
WOW... this was a hard day for me, but probably the most
rewarding. I feel so blessed to have met
these courageous, strong, inspiring children - and their families and hospice
staff were like guardian angels. I had brought some gifts from Australia and gave
these out to the children and staff whilst I was visiting and singing in the
rooms at the hospital. Through their smiles, inspirational stories and inner
strength these children gave me a gift that will live in me forever! They
taught me to value every second of life, cherish your loved ones and live for
today!
Master Classes, Key Note Speaker and Media Appearances
On a
professional level I was able to achieve many things in Belarus.
The
master classes, keynote speaking and performance nights provided me with the
opportunity to facilitate an environment for both experienced performers and
individuals who have only dreamt of performing.
The events focused on providing the opportunity to practice, perform and
increase skills and experience in the art of singing and performing.
It
was also a great experience to be invited to speak and represent Australia in
the different facets of International media which focused on me discussing my
journey as a performer, my dreams and my future work endeavours.
My visit to Belarus has come to an end... for now!
The
days were very long, yet I woke up each morning with an energy I haven't felt in
years... I couldn’t wait for each day to unfold and to open myself up to
Belarus, its culture and its people.
I am
so grateful to have been given this opportunity, feel so blessed to be apart of
the amazing work Blue Sky Talent Company is doing and humbled by every feeling,
thought and experience that was placed before me. A trip of a lifetime is an understatement. I have met people I thought
did not exist, I have been touched by these invisible people and held the hands
of the strongest little angels of Belarus...
This is not goodbye, just a thank you - I will be back xxx
