Just got home from class and rehearsal. Went in early at 1pm to attend Company Class wherein Miss Nina conducted a repeat of what class the Airdance Company members experienced yesterday at CCP.
Am intrigued by the French dance troupe that taught and I harbor the hope that maybe one day, if they ever think to visit the Philippines again, I'll find some way to get the opportunity to attend the class. We were actually invited by Sir Paul yesterday -- to join them -- and Miss Nina was going on and on about it right after Company Class, but there'd have been no one to watch and rehearse the class, so the responsibilities came first.
I'm glad though, that the company was so supportive today, sharing whatever they picked up to us in a session of nearly two hours. With everything -- this summer, the workshop -- coming to a close, I can't help but feel a little bit sad that what seemed to take forever is finally closing in. And fast at that. I'll really miss this experience, but I'm more happy that it was mine to begin with.
For one time in my life I was a scholar pressured to meet the expectations of dancers more seasoned than I probably will ever be in my lifetime (I hope that's not true though, I don't think I can give up dancing again -- not after tasting the high that it gives me, the power it offers).
I'm actually tired, but in a very fulfilled way, and I guess, a little less worried about the dress rehearsal on Friday. According to Sir Avel Miss Lynlee(sp?) Teng will be there to watch. Which means that we will need to put our best feet forward. Pull out all the stops.
I've been thinking about all the reltionships I've built with the help of this workshop. How they've given me new perspective, helped me grow, given me emotional, physical and mental boosts to self-esteem. I remember someone telling me that workshops help you grow into whatever person you want to be. Sir Avel implied the same in his most recent circular. I guess I just want to give in to the urge to write a tribute to the people I've met this summer.
First and foremost, I've gotten to know my brother again in a way that I've been wanting to. Workshops and dancing always provided us some incredible time for bonding -- this time though, there was no need for words. Just the thought and feeling that he was around, supported by the ability to actually catch sight of him through my peripheral vision was communication enough. The look of support, of pride, and even moments wherein corrections and words of wisdom were murmured in-between breaks and breathers.
And then there are the Musical Theatre kids. I love this group. For about two sessions I took over for Sir Jethro to run, rehearse, give pep talks and pass down what perhaps could be words of advice and tips from a not only a dancer with relatively more experience than they, but an older friend -- an ate, a big sister who is only looking out for their best interests.
If there was a way to get them all into the regular season I'd take it. That way I can smile at the thought of bothering them on a regular basis. Mostof them might not though, so I'll just have to figure out ways to continue to keep in touch. *laughs* Maybe
skysthelimit_06 will garner more members, as I hope
InMotionPictures.Multiply.Com will as well.
My fellow scholars deserve an honorable mention in this post as well. I'm not as close to them as maybe some other people are, but at the very least I can think back on fond memories with them. I plan to buy film to fill my camera with, and I want a shot with all of them. Yes. ALL.
It's a shame that Shena and Mark won't be performing, given that they sort of dropped out midway through the workshop. I'm crossing my fingers that they watch though, which I think Mark just might. I love those two -- Mark, because he was just really nice from the beginning and never complained when he had to lift me (heheh), panicky, terrified of falling and all. Shena on the other hand is a dear, and I wish her well, wherever she is now.
And then there are Benj, Marfin, and Ronick, who I never really go to bond with given certain circumstances and whatever else. Ron's heading back to Bicol on Sunday, and I'm not sure about the other two, but nontheless, they've helped to make this workshop interesting and eventful.
Now Mama Fara, who I will cajole into doing my make-up. I have never known anyone so matured and understanding. And Bien, who always gets me to laugh. I will miss them both a lot. So what I will do is I will get their cell numbers and whatever else I can get and I will make sure to keep in touch.
Victor and Rhosam. Can't help but admire these boys. Company dancers, amazing performers and totally deserving o the Full Scholar title. I wish Sam all the luck in UP, in Airdance and with whatever other company or scholarship program he might pursue in the future. This boy I hope to see dancing on stage, and if I can manage, I will attend as many as I can. Victor I get the feeling I will see again and again. If not, maybe one Saturday at Breakdance if he decides to take it again.
Pat and Mirell. I had to laugh when Sir Avel jokingly scolded us for being the three who'd give him a headache over the sequence for the Recital proper. Mirell, I bonded with during Company Class and whatever other classes we had to attend as Full Scholars. Pat I bonded with during Musical Theatre and the lull moments here and there. I love these girls. They've kept me sane, occupied, temper in check. They've supported me, encouraged me, taken care of me and reminded me of why dance is one of the most beautiful things in my life.
My dance instructors. Miss Nina, Miss Myra, Miss Bunny, Ate Vina, Sir Raegan, Sir Avel, Sir Pro, Sir Jethro, Sir Paul, Sir Jay -- the rest of the company: Tate, Sir Jed, Sir Marius and everyone else who's come in through the studio's doors. Miss Dana and the dance troupe Chasing the Whale. I don't know if it's just that I was in the right place and time, with the right kind of drive. But the opportunity to dance work alongside these talented, beautiful, amazing people is something that I will carry with me long after the stage is emptied and the light are dimmed to a close.
Sir Raegan and Sir Avel -- working with them this summer has not just been a treat but a privilege on my part. I've gotten familiar with them during the regular season, and it was wonderful to continue dancing under them for a little over two months. I've learned a little more. I look forward to the regular season, and whatever else they might be able to teach me then.
Miss Nina. I always shrink around the female company dancers because while friends may call me graceful I can only feel incompetent around the more graceful. But Miss Nina has been watching my progress and has never failed to offer me tips. I am grateful for her trust in leaving the classes to me, and while these may not have turned out as well as I would have liked, she never held these against me and is ever-ready with a smile when I pass through the doors. She is a very, very special person, and I am grateful for all that she's done for me.
Myself. My body no longer fights me, and I've reconnected with the feeling of getting lost in the movement, and I feel that because of rediscovering that, I've also grown as a person. I've learned to allow myself moments of anger, exhaustion and pain. I've relearned to let myself cry when I feel frustrated, to push myself further to work through the pain in my calves, feet, arms, shoulders. It's right what they've told us -- only the sky is the limit for possibility, and that only means that these are limitless.
On Saturday I will watch the curtains part, and during blocking, I will attempt to imagine what the audience will see when they settle down in their seats.
The sky opens for us all this weekend.