Laurentia Tan: Visualizing Music in Para Equestrian Competitions
Laurentia Tan, a remarkable Para equestrian rider from Singapore, has innovatively adapted her competition experience by visualizing music, aided by scientists, dancers, and even musical fountains. Born with cerebral palsy and profound deafness, Tan discovered her passion for equestrian sports at the age of five. She affectionately refers to her horses as her “dance partners,” emphasizing the freedom and joy they bring her.
As a four-time Paralympic medalist, Tan is set to compete in her fifth Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, where she will participate in the Para equestrian grade I class, specifically designed for riders with substantial impairments. Her condition makes it particularly challenging to control the horse’s movements with her legs, and the absence of auditory perception during freestyle competitions poses an additional hurdle. Nevertheless, Tan has triumphantly overcome these obstacles, previously winning a silver medal in individual freestyle at the London 2012 Games and a bronze at the Beijing 2008 Games.
To enhance her engagement with music during performances, Tan utilizes a vibro-tactile vest which enables her to sense vibrations corresponding to the musical score. “I do have the SubPack, so I am able to feel some of the music sometimes,” she noted, highlighting her adaptation to a sensory experience beyond hearing. Furthermore, Tan collaborates with musicians who share similar hearing impairments, allowing them to convey emotions and visual interpretations of music, facilitating her understanding of the musical narrative.
In her pursuit of deeper comprehension of music, Tan studies the movements of ballet and contemporary dancers and observes the body language of orchestra conductors. Other visual stimuli, such as musical water fountains and audience reactions, also provide her with insights into the notes she cannot hear. In personalizing her experience, Tan paints her interpretation of musical scores through emotions and colors, which she then conveys into her freestyle competitions.
Tan acknowledges the essential role of her horses in achieving success during competitions. “The horse has its own rhythm, so I have to trust him as well,” she remarked, reinforcing the collaborative bond she has developed with her equine partners. Her current horse, a 12-year-old gelding named Hickstead, colloquially referred to as Coco, has been her companion for two years, and she humorously associates his personality with that of a lively jive dancer. Together, they have formed a strong partnership, finishing fifth in the individual event at Paris 2024.
Tan’s distinguished career includes being the first athlete from Asia to secure a medal in Para equestrian events at the Paralympic Games. Her commitment to excellence in the field is evident as she prepares to compete in three events at Paris 2024. “This is the pinnacle of the competition. You have the best riders all in the same venue. It is simply an honor to participate,” she remarked, expressing her enthusiasm for the opportunity.
In conclusion, Laurentia Tan’s journey exemplifies resilience and innovation in the face of significant challenges. Through her unique approach to experiencing music, and her profound connection with her horses, she continues to redefine the possibilities of Para equestrian sports.
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