We Want Nobody, Nobody But Chu~

I went to the studio today to help out with the dances for the upcoming bridal performance in ECM. Which, unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to attend because I'll be back in Kampar by then.

When I arrived, I could hear Nobody blasting from the speakers, and the children's synchronized clapping. I smiled to myself; I could even hear some of them singing along. No wonder the music sounded so loud - Seow Hui was teaching them outside the studio; in the hallway. Most of them smiled when they saw me, and I went to help Seow Hui with teaching.
The dance was very easy to follow; after all, she had to choreograph a dance that Luvena would be able to follow.

When Seow Hui asked those who still weren't sure of the dance to come out and teach them separately, she asked me to handle the rest. When she left, the girls who knew me, Gina, especially, eagerly moved forward and I heard a distinct 'yay~' somewhere.

Well, I don't have much to write about, so I'll let the pictures and videos do the talking, yes?

We Meet Again.

I went to Lika's studio at almost 3pm. I was supposed to come at 2pm for Inter, but the Killpest people came, and my lazy ass caused me to only arrive around 3pm.

When I arrived, Kathrina, Kai Hong, Seow Hui, Jermaine, Wan Hui and Xing Ying were at the barre, doing Intermediate. I sat out until after their class, when we did a little of Advanced 1. And I DO mean a little. We just did the barre work, skipping Battemend Lend and Fouette & Rotations. That itself already made me sweat quite badly.

Kathrina, principle of the PAD (Penguin Academy of Dance), created an easier alternative for Ronds de Jambe with Pirouettes. The part where you have to do a double pirouette, you just wait there, then changement to the other direction at the last count.
I wish PAD really existed.

Later on, before Pre-primary, Lika, Seow Hui and I went down to the sundry shop downstairs to but a couple of snacks to munch. And to be honest, there goes my weight.
I gained 2kgs the 2 weeks I was in Kampar after study week, because I ate so much. I lost 1 kg after coming back here, after finding out about my weight gain and attempting to control my food intake. Worked so far;  I still have another kg to lose (or more, not complaining...), but I haven't weighed myself after the snack indulgence today.
Almost afraid to.

Then at around 7, Gina's group came, along with Sonia & Sophia the 2 from Hong Lee; Megan and Michelle. Esther seemed less lively than the last I saw her; where else Irene and Gina were their usual talkative and lively selves. They were all doing the new syllabus by now, the pre-primary and primary. It was interesting to watch them do something else other than the usual, almost-boring-to-look-at pp and primary work.
Hmm. I wish they would change the other syllabus' too. To slightly easier, of course.

Whoa, now.

So after a few days of lazing at home and being a real pig (seriously, I had expected to go out often as I hadn't had the chance to hang out much when I was back for study week), I finally got my ass out of the house, and went to Lika's studio.
I was supposed to go swimming with Ann this afternoon, but it got canceled. Plus, Lika suggested I help Seow Hui with choreographing the dance for the student's Bridal Fair performance. I warned her that I was horrible at choreographing. She of all people should know that.
I also found out that Lika no longer used Gino's studio, mainly due to the loud construction noises. And really, I don't blame her. Try doing pirouettes or poses with the drilling sounds.


During Lika's pre-primary class, whom are learning the new syllabus, an adorable 4-year old started doing a little of the Sorry Sorry dance. xD Yes, call me stupid, but I hadn't managed to get a picture of her. But I will the next time I see her. (They call her Tong Tong. )


But that isn't the main reason of my entry.
The last class of the day was Grade 2, and as they were dancing, a girl turned up with her mother. I soon learnt that she was from Shu Cia, and that she came here due to.. personal preference. The girl, whose name was Celine, was reluctant to join the class. I don't blame her, being the only new girl and all. I would probably do the same when I was her age.
Her mother kept urging her to join the class; Lika wanted to see how much she knew in order to determine what grade she would be suitable in. From egging her on, her mother began scolding her, in front of everyone. Celine started crying, and right then, I felt a little sorry for her. I thought, don't scold her la, let her slowly warm up and join the class on her own.
After a final threat from her mother to beat her, Celine got up and joined the rest, angry and not quite in the mood to dance. She did everything half-heartedly, and would isolate herself whenever Lika or Seow Hui asked them to gather near them.
Now, before you start feeling sorry for little Celine, read on what I have to say.
When we talked to her, coaxing her to join and talk with the other girls, she rarely looked up at us, and when she did, she would 'jeling' at us. I was patient. We all were; Seow Hui, Lika and me. We thought that she was still angry with her mother for forcing her to dance. Then after class, Lika spoke with her mother while Seow Hui and I danced a little of Intermediate. Celine just sat and listened to the conversation between Lika and her mother.
After Celine had 'warmed up', I presume, she began scolding her mother whenever her mother said something to Lika that was 'wrong', in her opinion. She was so disrespectful to her  mother, I felt like giving her a reality check. Even when Lika asked them to change to their character shoes, Lika had asked Celine if the shoe was hers, and her mother said yes. Celine then shouted at her mother, "IT'S JIE JIE'S ONE LA!"
Seriously, the ungrateful child. And her mother was very lenient with her, not even scolding her once for raising her voice at her own mother. Whatever pity I felt for Celine before had gone; washed down the drain into the sewage tank. Seriously, if I was her mother, I'd give her a good smacking until she did quadruple pirouettes until got hole on the floor and fell through it. HONESTLY, the nerve of her! Completely no respect at all. She seems to think that she deserves respect from anyone. She's 10 years old, for crying out loud.
Even more of a shock was when I found out that she was Carmen's younger sister. CARMEN's sister?? Carmen, the one in En Yi's class, the one who Lika praised as willing to listen and actually worked hard to improve?
Whoaa. She could not have been more of an opposite of her sister.
Celine had better be thankful I'm not teaching her. I'm jokative and rather lenient in the classes I teach, because most of the time, I believe that students will be more prone to improving if you tell it to them nicely and encourage their improvement. Of course, I'll be stern if they get too playful or mischievous.
But if anyone came close to disrespecting anyone; even their own classmates, they will know that I would not be happy about it. Not happy at all. *dramatic nod*
But I can be very fierce if I have to. Celine will probably get the shouting of a lifetime from me, and if I'm pissed enough, drag her out of class with her things.
I'm not usually this mean, really, but if there's one thing I absolutely can't tolerate, it's lack of respect. And I mean respect to EVERYONE, not just people older than you. And I don't mean as in you have to be formally polite with your friends or until you don't stand up for yourself la. Durr.


Treat others like how you want to be treated.
And someone here needs to be brought back down to earth from her high horse.

*Smacks Head*

I actually forgot to post this. Genius, I am.

So I went back to Kuantan for study week, the main reason being to celebrate my sister's birthday. But since during the duration of my stay, ballet classes would be on, I decided I'd pay the studio a surprise visit. Only Lika and Kathrina knew about it.

So on my way up to the studio, I decided to record the reaction of the students.
P/S: Sorry for the unbelievably shaky footage; I was secretly recording. xD




Of all the reactions, though, I'd say that the best would probably be Sayaka's. Lika had suggested that I hide behind the piano, then pop out when the students came in for Grade 5. And because the students came at various times, I had to hide behind the piano various times as well.  But oh well, at least I had 'entertainment' in the form of watching Tze Ping play the piano.

When Sayaka came and I popped out from behind the piano, her eyes widened and incoherently said "Ooh! You...!". She then ran to me and hugged me, then pulled me out from behind the piano and started spinning me around, and talking so fast I couldn't catch half of it (She IS half Japanese, after all). I think she said something like "OmgwherehaveyoubeenallthistimeImissedyou!" though.

Also that same day, Lika pulled something out from the paper bag beside the teacher's table and said, "Look what I found while cleaning Gino's stash...-" and handed me a bundle of photos.
It was the same bundle that Gino had once showed us, of his old days performing. I've seen them before, but I went through them again forlornly.

I've learnt to deal with the death of Mr Gino, yes. Before, when he had just passed on, I find myself wanting to cry whenever I practised in my room back in my hostel. And whenever I see videos I've taken of the students dancing, particularly with Gino's 'commentary' in the background, I cry. It's sad to think that we'll never hear that again, especially his jokes. I still have the messages that he sent me after I went to Kampar. Silly Gino, always up for a laugh. I had thought that the next time I visit the studio after his death, I'd cry. But I had managed to keep quite well composed. After all, the atmosphere was no different than on Mondays or whenever he couldn't make it to teach, and where Lika would have to replace him.
Then, because the students were being playful, Lika displayed a solo shot of Mr Gino on the table, facing the students, and joked, "Dance nicely ar.. Mr Gino is watching you~" The students laughed, as did I. Sayaka even said it was creepy to have Mr Gino's picture watching her dance.
But as I sat on the chair, I wondered. Are you really watching us from above, Mr Gino? Are you proud of us, of how the students are prepared for the exam? Do you know how much we missed you, and that Norma has been sick since you were gone?
Even as I write this, I have failed to keep my tears in. So I guess, in a way, I was right. Re-visiting the studio after his death would bring so many memories, it hurts. If he were still with us, last week, I would have probably attended our usual Advanced 1 class, probably in Classical Thai. Haha.

But that's probably enough reminiscing the sad memories for now. I'm off to Ann's house for burger! (At 2.40am, wtf.) Maybe I'll edit this later if I find that there's anything I missed.

Guess Coming Here Won't Completely Deter Me From Ballet After All.

Why?
Cause there's a boombox in the studio, and when I get back this Friday, I'll bring all my ballet CDs.  (And the blank CD-RW ones too, damned CD-Rs. ) 
Oh, and my demi pointes, and my pointes too. See how it feels like to do pointe in the studio.


Anyways, a little chat and him seeing my blog post led to Max telling me that he was serious about wanting to learn the basic steps of ballet.
Taking him up for the challenge, we set a date for today, 12.45pm, at the Uni's dance studio.


When I arrived (almost 20 minutes late, thanks to the 'efficient' new online subject registration. Registration for the next semester, that is), Max was already at the studio with Alex, and they were busting a few b-boy moves.
I changed my pants (in the restroom of course, geez~!), and warmed up. Max humourously followed.

I began by teaching him the basic feet positions: 1st to 5th. He was determined to get 5th position right after me telling him that he was rolling his feet. I also hadn't left out what Ms Chua taught us about pulling our legs up when we do a 1st-5th, until our bones touched.
And really, it was funny how Max was so concentrated on getting it right, and Alex just sat on his behind calling Max a faggot every chance he got, and every time he saw Max actually concentrating on getting it right.


But Alex seemed to be able to get it right without trying. Lol.
Only thing was that he wouldn't be caught dead dancing ballet.


But one thing I liked about Max: his determination. Unlike other guys (*cough*cough*) He wasn't afraid that he'd look 'sissy' or that other people were watching him. He diligently (haha) practised, especially on his turnout. 


Which brought out the other 'feeling' in me: How much I missed teaching. Little kids, especially.
Yes, they're naughty.
Yes, they're mischievous to the point of insanity.
But in the end, it all comes down to them recognizing you as their 'teacher'. For me, I love how their eyes shine and they clamber to the door shouting 'Teacher Krystle~~!!' and grouping around me when I arrive.
Although they start bullying me not long after.
But yeah, I'm a lump of sappiness.
But that's what I love.


*clears throat* ANYWAYS...


Max requested several times that I show him a dance. And when I did, he tried keeping up to the dance behind me.
And the boy did Intermediate's Plie.
Not bad for a first timer.
So yeah, kudos to you, Max. 


We had to wrap up early though, and we went for lunch after that.


All in all, I hadn't danced much today, probably because Intermediate was getting slightly boring to practise. After all, Lika, Shu Cia and I did what, almost 2 years of Intermediate, I think?


I'll practise more once I bring the CDs back. It's like I'm addicted; I want to go to the studio once every week at least.
And I've been thinking, it would be kinda nice if I could have the whole studio to myself, and dance with the lights dimmed.
Hmm...


Oh, and Max, face it. You knew this was coming. xD

What Facebook Did.

I've been meaning to create a group for us Premier Dance Academy students for ages.
I've seen the likes of Khoo Academy, SMKTA, and a lot others, and it made me realise that our academy was the only one that didn't have it's Facebook group.


So just yesterday, I was chatting with Mahgaret (heehee~ xD) on Facebook, and I voiced out my idea of creating a group for the academy. She said it was a good idea, and so, the Gino Dance Academy group was born, almost 2 months after his death. >_<


I invited all of his students, former and present, that were in my friends list, to join the group. And the great thing is, it has become the place where all his students can lament about their days and remember the great teacher that he was.
I uploaded pictures and videos that he was in, and it got comments from people I hadn't even known; only to find out that the person had been his student a long time ago.


I guess I'm glad that the group has become a 'reunion place' of sorts, and that I'm able to get in touch with/find students that shared the same, pleasant memories of a great teacher. And most importantly, that no matter how long ago a person had been Mr Gino's student, that he was never forgotten.

I'm Getting Old.

No wonder I felt as if something was missing.


I went to the gym's dance studio today and I forgot to blog! Seriously. =_="


Anyways. Rachel has gone back to Penang on Friday, so I went with Nesa, Ramesh, Ann & Min Ru. To be honest, I was quite skeptical about today, because I had the feeling that Ann & Nesa might cancel out at the last minute. But we went through.


Ann spent most of her time at the gym, so the entire dance studio was mine. Only thing was, apparently, the people there either have never seen ballet or they like to creep the hell outta me, because some of them were staring as I danced..- and made no attempt to hide it.
I brought my Intermediate CD and danced. Ann tried to follow a little of the barre work, and Min Ru joined me in stretching. Oh, and one thing I simply must mention: I'm THIS \___/ close to doing a split! \(^^)/
If I manage to go to the gym every week (or more, if possible), I should be able to do a split in maybe.. 2-3 weeks? ;D I promised myself I'd train in  my room as well. ^^


But yeah, it felt GREAT to be able to dance again. =)
And as the studio didn't really have any solid and/or big enough thingy to spot with, I was literally jay walking after pose turns. xD The room spinned, and I was walking like some drunk. xD


I didn't manage to take any pictures this time, but I plan to next week, with whoever I'm going with. ^^

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Wee~!

So after more than 3 months of not dancing, I finally visited the gym's dance studio with Rachel and DANCED! ^^

The studio opened at 10.45am on Saturdays, so we went there at about 11 something. As I reached the jaga house where I would meet Rachel, I realised that I hadn't brought my soft shoes. >_>
I sighed.
I had constantly reminded myself not to forget to put my shoes in my bag, and here I was doing the exact opposite.
Oh well. I'll have to do without my shoes then, I thought.

The moment we went in the gym, my eyes widened. The studio's 'walls' were all glass. In other words, the people working out in the gym could see what we were doing in the studio very clearly. I was a little hesitant; and so was Rachel.
I mean, everyone could see us dance from outside.


But then we thought, screw it, we came here to dance (and paid for entrance too), and that's exactly what we will do.
I searched my bag for my Intermediate CD that I took out this morning.
Once.
Twice.
Thrice.
It was not in my bag.
And then I thought back that I had probably took the CD out of my drawer, but left it on the table in my haste.
=_="


So much for practising.


So anyways, Rachel and I ended up spending most of the first hour stretching; I hadn't been dancing for over 3 months, and it was showing slightly.
After we warmed up (and after many ways of trying to somehow get some music in the room - it didn't have a boombox), we finally decided to just use whatever music I had on my phone, and create our own steps to it.
Hey, at least we'd be dancing still!


At first we chose Christina Aguilera's Hurt, but the only dance that would suit it was either ballet or lyrical, and I'm absoloutely horrible at chereographing. I was thinking something along Grade 7's lyrical dance, but I threw that aside in the end.
We ended up going for Pixie Lott's Mama Do, and we combined both our ideas of ballet and modern.
And we ended up chereographing up to the first two verses in the chorus only.
We were clueless after that. xD


Then we spent a while in the gym exercising, then a little while more in the studio, me stretching again and Rachel exercising with those little dumbells.
By the end of 2 hours, I lost more than 60 calories.
Hey, at least it's something! ^^


My verdict?
We should do this every week!
What say you, Rach?^^

Apparently, I'm Only Able To Come Up With Ideas When I'm Supposed To Be Sleeping.

Because I've finally thought about what to do with the notebook I got from that financial talk the other day. ^^


I'll spare you the bore, so I won't talk about it here (unless you want me to or ask about it), but it definitely has something to do with dancing. =)


Hint?


Notebook = Letters, Mr Gino.


That should be enough of a hint. ;)