Watching Pasona's Mambo and Dance Garage videos make me less welcoming towards the school term, because when it starts in less than a month, I wouldn't go for trainings with a mind as carefree as I had during the summer break.
Dance is my solace, and I forget everything else when I'm in the studio. And I would like to continue to walk out of the studio without being reminded of the academic stress that awaits when I reach home.
This semester, I look forward to the upcoming dance events like Vivace, SISF and Bailamos. On the academic side however, I'm more worried than excited. In the first term of Year 1, I played too much, and I learnt my lesson. In the second term, I worked hard and tried to buck up, but was greatly disappointed.
Can someone tell me, what does it take to 'get it'? How do the people who do well, do it?
This semester, I fear that I'll be disappointed again. Nevertheless, if my efforts just weren't enough in the past, then I have no choice, but to try even harder to the best of my ability.
Hopefully, I'd have cultivated a stronger tenacity now.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Show Time
This morning, I wake up and I won't be heading to SoE CR 5.1 nor the ACC to dance.
I can't believe it's over so fast. I'm still pining for the stage.
This is not my first production, but how I feel about it is different. From Reverie II, to Bailamos En La Calle, to LA Salsa Congress, and then Dance Garage, I have different sentiments for each. But like the rest, it's hard to put them into words.
I can only say that I'm so proud of Eurhythmix, for sticking it out in the past 4 weeks, and finally pulling off a show that's entirely ours (our only guest performers were the break dancers, bikers and skater).
When I was on stage, I gave my all, the best I've given in a long while. I loved and savoured every moment of it. But the ultimate joy came off stage, when I saw the faces of friends and other audiences lit up, when I saw that they had been well entertained.
Ryan. He's our choreographer, and he's a very unique guy. He pushes us to our limits, yet makes it seem like it's not impossible. He says things like, "It isn't a lot of choreography, only 6 scenes what!", "Did I ask you to spin on your thumb? Did I ask you to do 36 pirouettes? See, your choreography isn't hard at all" and "If Wrecking Crew Orchestra (the group of mind-blowing Japanese dancers who performed at The Big Groove - go YouTube them) can do it, why can't you? They have 2 arms and 2 legs, you also have 2 arms and 2 legs." As ridiculous as it initially sounds, it still makes sense after all. He teaches and forces us to work as a team, he scolds us but expects us to be more determined instead of demoralised. He also jokes and laugh along with us. All the silly and funny acts were thought off by him as well.
For a 35 year old, he's a mighty dancer too. And he's got every bit of my respect.
For a few months now, I've contemplated quitting Eurhythmix to learn Latin Ballroom. But this is less likely now. I love the freedom for cheering, shouting, jumping around, freestyling and being in character that hip hop gives. I wouldn't get that in Latin Ballroom because it's very much about technique and control. The friends I've made makes it harder to leave as well. When I first joined, I thought people were cold and aloof, but Dance Garage has brought us together, and there's a lot of potential in E-Mix. And I want to continue learning under Ryan, not just dance, but the attitude and mindset he imparts. He said that how we are in the dance studio is similar to how we will be when we go out to work, and I think so too.
We might be going to Japan next year too!
That's not to say I've dismissed the option of learning Latin Ballroom. I was mesmerized by it at Stardust. I'll find a way somehow, someday.
I haven't said enough, but it's not like what I want to say can be expressed in words.
So I'll end here, and focus on Oikos and StarringSMU now. Hopefully I'll have time to upload pictures.
And as for those we weren't present at Dance Garage, I can only say you missed out big time. I don't write this out of bitterness or disappointment at your absence, but in all honesty and sincerity, along with utmost pride for the dancers.
I can't believe it's over so fast. I'm still pining for the stage.
This is not my first production, but how I feel about it is different. From Reverie II, to Bailamos En La Calle, to LA Salsa Congress, and then Dance Garage, I have different sentiments for each. But like the rest, it's hard to put them into words.
I can only say that I'm so proud of Eurhythmix, for sticking it out in the past 4 weeks, and finally pulling off a show that's entirely ours (our only guest performers were the break dancers, bikers and skater).
When I was on stage, I gave my all, the best I've given in a long while. I loved and savoured every moment of it. But the ultimate joy came off stage, when I saw the faces of friends and other audiences lit up, when I saw that they had been well entertained.
Ryan. He's our choreographer, and he's a very unique guy. He pushes us to our limits, yet makes it seem like it's not impossible. He says things like, "It isn't a lot of choreography, only 6 scenes what!", "Did I ask you to spin on your thumb? Did I ask you to do 36 pirouettes? See, your choreography isn't hard at all" and "If Wrecking Crew Orchestra (the group of mind-blowing Japanese dancers who performed at The Big Groove - go YouTube them) can do it, why can't you? They have 2 arms and 2 legs, you also have 2 arms and 2 legs." As ridiculous as it initially sounds, it still makes sense after all. He teaches and forces us to work as a team, he scolds us but expects us to be more determined instead of demoralised. He also jokes and laugh along with us. All the silly and funny acts were thought off by him as well.
For a 35 year old, he's a mighty dancer too. And he's got every bit of my respect.
For a few months now, I've contemplated quitting Eurhythmix to learn Latin Ballroom. But this is less likely now. I love the freedom for cheering, shouting, jumping around, freestyling and being in character that hip hop gives. I wouldn't get that in Latin Ballroom because it's very much about technique and control. The friends I've made makes it harder to leave as well. When I first joined, I thought people were cold and aloof, but Dance Garage has brought us together, and there's a lot of potential in E-Mix. And I want to continue learning under Ryan, not just dance, but the attitude and mindset he imparts. He said that how we are in the dance studio is similar to how we will be when we go out to work, and I think so too.
We might be going to Japan next year too!
That's not to say I've dismissed the option of learning Latin Ballroom. I was mesmerized by it at Stardust. I'll find a way somehow, someday.
I haven't said enough, but it's not like what I want to say can be expressed in words.
So I'll end here, and focus on Oikos and StarringSMU now. Hopefully I'll have time to upload pictures.
And as for those we weren't present at Dance Garage, I can only say you missed out big time. I don't write this out of bitterness or disappointment at your absence, but in all honesty and sincerity, along with utmost pride for the dancers.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Dear Levin,
I do not know you personally, still, you were one of us, freshmen like me who were at Convocation and sadly you won't get to see the next one. This tragedy has hit so close to home, and I'm shocked too.
People say, things happen for a reason. But to have the life of a young man brimming with so much vigor snuffed out abruptly is nothing more fathomable than an absurdity of fate. Wasn't it supposed to be just a harmless fall? It's as if when you fell into the sea, death's grip waited beneath the currents.
Wherever you are, may God bless your soul.
I do not know you personally, still, you were one of us, freshmen like me who were at Convocation and sadly you won't get to see the next one. This tragedy has hit so close to home, and I'm shocked too.
People say, things happen for a reason. But to have the life of a young man brimming with so much vigor snuffed out abruptly is nothing more fathomable than an absurdity of fate. Wasn't it supposed to be just a harmless fall? It's as if when you fell into the sea, death's grip waited beneath the currents.
Wherever you are, may God bless your soul.
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