Thank you, 2012! You've been awesome.

They say life begins at 30. I'm not one to believe in cliches, but I guess that statement applied to me. My 30th year has been one of the most memorable years of my life (so far). It also gave way to a lot of big changes. A crux at this stage, perhaps?

Yes, my friends, welcome to my annual year-ender blog post, version 2012.

January

On the first month of the year, I was in the middle of rehearsing a couple of one-act plays under Tanghalang Pilipino. Instead of the usual one play, the company took 4 one-act plays (in sets of 2) from previous Virgin Labfest seasons, called it Eyeball, and used that for their season ender. I was assistant stage manager in Eyeball's set B, and we did Isang Araw sa Karnabal and Maliw (while set A had Doc Resureccion and Bakit Wala Nang Nagtatagpo sa Philcoa Oberpas). The plays opened at the beginning of the month without a hitch on our end. Eventually I somewhat accumulated a cough and lost my voice in the process. But hey, anything for the arts, right?

February

While I was in the middle of vocal rest, I got a text from Anna about a project under Hendri for Little Boy Productions. It was a touring show of Children's Letters To God, which was to be staged in Cebu and Dumaguete. Of course, one of my resolutions for the year was to travel, and with this opportunity, I get to do so and at the same time, get paid for doing something I love.

So while I was about to close Eyeball under TP during the weekend, I was also rehearsing for Children's Letters To God during the weekdays. I love the people in this crowd. The small cast and crew all had good vibes. We flew to Cebu one weekend for 3 shows, then flew to Dumaguete the next weekend for another round of shows. Wherever we went, we were well-fed and we had such a blast in each other's company. So many perks came with the show, as that's how much Hendri loves us, hahaha. We got to swim with the whale sharks, got complimentary foot spas and full-body massages in Cebu, and went around the entire city eating and drinking one night away in Dumaguete.

March

Nothing much happened this month, but one highlight was that I finally got to buy my own ladies' bicycle (which I hardly ride anymore). Plus after several years, I got together with Lexi (even if it's just for lunch hour). It's great to see friends that you haven't seen in a long time and you just talk all the time away to catch up. And as I type this, she's finally Mrs. Pantaleon, as she got married to her man just the other day in Bacolod. Best wishes, Lexi!

April

I got to visit Bacolod this month with Bianca, Jill, Ikey, Nicco, Nar, and Hendri. One of our objectives upon going there was to check out venues for a Bacolod run of Children's Letters To God, as Bianca's mom was interested to produce it there after watching one of our Dumaguete shows. And of course, while we were there, why not go around and tour the place, right? We pigged out on chicken inasal, visited the Ruins, checked out the Panaad festival, and went to Carbin Reef for beach (well, sandbar, really) time. I always have so much fun whenever I'm with these guys.

This month also marked the beginning of a big change in routine in my life. Dancing was introduced. First, I joined Tin (one of my close friends at work) during one of her Saturday morning trips to CCP for those "free" aerodance classes littered all over the grounds. Then I even attended a couple of Dingdong's Sh'bam classes in ATC. At first, I was thinking of doing it to prep my body for the summer. Then I saw an ad that my friend Anne posted on Facebook about a new dance studio in Makati, and they were offering ballroom classes. I considered it, because ballroom dancing has always been a frustration of mine for years, and to think I almost got into it 4 years ago, but couldn't find the right opportunity (and budget). Why not start now? I sent emails back and forth with the studio, and decided to check out one of their sampling classes.

After one sampling class with Ian at Big Shift Studios, I was pretty much set. I immediately enrolled and was taking classes 6 days a week. Even though I could use my class passport on any class, I spent all my units on ballroom. There were times that I was dancing with beginners, but most of the time I was dancing with Ian's advanced students, and heck, even the other teachers of Big Shift joined in. One of the most interesting parts of it all is that I decided to start using my given name in this world. At first it felt odd to hear being called Christine again, but now I'm getting used to it.

May

I was having so much fun in class, that I actually considered taking it seriously. At first, I thought it was a phase, but when I realized that I was keen on learning about the dances more than when I was studying acting in previous workshops, that's when I knew that this was it. I found what I love doing. I even said a couple of times that it was a blessing in disguise that TP didn't offer the Rehearsals and Performance Techniques workshop, so I could take this class instead.

Another realization during this month was the fact that it didn't bother me at all anymore that an old flame had a new object of affection. I was actually happy for him, and made me appreciate him more as a friend and as an ex-boyfriend, because I knew that his behavior towards the girl was how he was with me before, and he let the whole show how happy he was.

June

This month was the first time I had to perform in front of an audience as a dancer, not as an actor. Yep, it was my first dance recital. Well, the event was technically a recital, but labeled as a "dance showdown party," showcasing all the Big Shift students in their dance genres. I performed a chachacha routine with Ian, Ate Helen, Abby, Bernard and Bon. I was pretty nervous before we had to do it in front of everyone, because I couldn't make the choreo stick, and my technique was visibly poorer than the other 2 ladies (heck, they were advanced students). But I have to admit, once the music started for our segment, I forgot how nervous I was and just went with it. And I had fun.

Considering taking ballroom dancing classes was a big change for me, I made a big leap during this month. I was supposed to be involved in 2 productions under TP this season, and because I suddenly decided to focus on ballroom more, I resigned from both projects. I knew it was a big risk considering I was getting paid to work in theater (don't get me wrong, I still love theater), and I was passing off these work opportunities to spend more money on ballroom classes, I knew I need to do something for myself.

July

From 6 days a week, my ballroom classes got reduced to 3 days a week when the new season started. It was still not bad, so I had more time for myself. So I got to watch all 5 sets of this year's Virgin Labfest. The last time I watched all Labfest sets were back when I was still an SM for one of the plays, and that was about 4 years ago.

I also got exposed to the world of dancesport this month, as I got to watch the DSCPI Midyear Ranking and Competition at the Ultra. Ian and Ate Helen were competing then, as well as Bon and his own partner. I can't believe I was there from morning until the evening, and managed to sit through all the Latin and standard events. I was amazed at all the participants. And I got to hang out with them after the entire event was over, so I got some words of advice from each of them, from the most mundane to the most blunt ones.

August

Like the month before, I got to watch a whole bunch of Cinemalaya films during this month. Yep, I loved having so much time and spending it for myself this year. I noticed how freer I was this year compared to last year's hectic schedule, juggling 2 jobs in different fields.

For another season, I got introduced to another ballroom teacher that Big Shift had hired. When I attended his sampling class, Julius had a different and distinct teaching style, and I got pretty curious when he mentioned syllabus and exams, because I never knew that those applied to ballroom when I was under Ian. As I had learned later, there's a difference between open classes and syllabus classes.

September

Most of the time, I was usually the only student in Ian's class for this month. He kept introducing me to more and more advanced techniques, and I just had to keep up with all of them. I once attended Julius' class (the only one before it got dissolved), and during that one class, he mostly focused on my basic technique, saying that he'll leave the advanced stuff to Ian.

Other than that, I got to have a pseudo-performance this month. I got to dance with Ian at a joint birthday party of Big Shift's big bosses. We recreated our entire chachacha routine from the summer recital, and modified the last part, ending it with me in a low dip. I was even more stressed about this performance than the recital, probably because it was just me and Ian, instead of a whole group. And to add to it, Ian was more hard on me so I can push myself to be better. But it kind of worked in the end, because Ian did notice I was more confident in the performance compared to my first recital.

I reconnected with my theater roots by watching more plays this month. I got to see Walang Sugat, The Phantom of The Opera, and Potted Potter, then helped out in 9Works' auditions for their upcoming productions.

And of course, there was also the Bacolod run of Children's Letters To God! 3 shows in Bacolod in just one day. It was just a short trip, but each tour of this production always gives me a happy heart.

October

New month, new exposure. I tried out a beginner's pole class at Polecats Manila, and realized that pole dancing is no joke. So much body strength is required, and you have to live with all the bruises that you end up getting. The experience was fun and interesting, and I was grateful for the opportunity, but I never got to come back for a second class as I felt safer dancing with my feet planted on the floor.

I watched another DSCPI competition this month, this time at the Ninoy Aquino stadium. Of course, I was there again to support Ian, Ate Helen and Bon, but I also wanted to go because I wanted to watch all the great dancers again. They even had a new event, the Latin Wheelchair competition, and they danced as awesomely as those who can dance with both feet.

I ran into Julius after the whole event, and he invited me to join a class at Makati Cinema Square. Because ballroom wasn't being offered at Big Shift anymore, I decided to give it a shot. That was when I was introduced to the world of Le Bran and met Brando and Val, and I found out about the syllabus classes at Dancing Queen studio (under Le Bran Fitness Experts). Aside from Le Bran, I took a few one-on-one classes with Julius for the Bronze medal class, so I could catch up with the Bronze bar medal class the following month.

November

Bronze bar classes for Latin under Brando began this month. I learned that in the syllabus class, everyone is in the same level, unlike in the open class Ian had at Big Shift. I also realized that even though I know the basic footwork, especially in the chachacha, I still had a lot to learn in terms of technique, which was discussed in detail at every session. And I actually liked how it was taught to us. So yes, like I had picked up before in theater, I had to learn, unlearn, and re-learn.

I also got to watch a syllabus competition this month, under PDTA. It was their first syllabus competition, actually, and it was very educational for me. Compared to the DSCPI competitions, it was comforting for me that there were familiar faces to say hello to, as the scholars I knew from Le Bran were participating in the competition. Because it was PDTA's first syllabus competition, they bagged award after award, as there weren't a lot of participants yet.

December

This month marked my first medals exam experience. At first, I wasn't really required to take it yet, but because of my eagerness and how I sort wanted it to happen, I was told to take the exam for the Bronze level anyway, along with the other examinees in the class. So I ended up practicing with my assigned dance partner, Alvin, outside our class hours, just so I can prep up for the exam. I took every note to heart, from my footwork, to my hip movements, to the connection with the partner, to presenting myself from beginning until the end. I was a whole bunch of nerves before the exam, right on until the last few minutes before I stepped on the floor. But once I first stepped onto that dance floor, I gave a 100 percent performance level, and never collapsed until after I had made my exit. I got some pretty good notes when Brando had talked to me the day after the exam, and I'm somewhat looking forward to my report card because of that.

I turned 31 this month, and celebrated it by having lunch with a few good friends (plus a friend-zoned one at that, haha! Love ya, Choobie!) then watching Camp Rock with them immediately after. Then I capped the night by attending the CAS Christmas party, and I was glad I managed to catch up because I didn't realize that I bagged a lot awards at work for this year. Not bad for someone who once had lousy monitoring scores on her birthday a couple of years ago, hahaha!

I also started taking the standard ballroom class (Bronze) under Belinda (Brando's sister) this month, upon Val's encouragement. And I'm actually having more fun learning it than I had expected.

I also got to experience what social dancing was really like, when I had attended the studio's Christmas party last week. Those scholars we always dance with in class didn't stop offering us to dance the whole time, which I didn't mind really, as it was also a sneaky way of reviewing the dances that we had learned in class, so I had a blast.


As usual, Lara did a card reading for me for the year.

NINE OF PENTACLES

Accomplishment, refinement, independence, self-reliance, being resourceful, knowing you are in control of the situation, financial or material security, enjoying the finer pleasures of life, an inner sense of security, acting on your own, self discipline.

A mission has been accomplished. You are ready to enjoy yourself, indulge in your success and know that your way is the right way. As a result of your recent efforts in work or in your love life, you have a greater sense of self reliance and independence. You feel secure in yourself. You can control your feelings and demonstrate that you are not ruled by your unconscious doubts and fears. You are free to do as you please as long as you are down to earth and take responsibility for your actions.

Lara, I still don't know how you do it. Not to rationalize or anything, but this is the most accurate reading that you had ever done. I took a big risk in resigning from my projects in theater to pursue something else that I've always wanted to do that I couldn't afford to do in the past. And even it was impulsive in the very beginning, I'm glad I made this choice for myself. Even though I was tempted to consult certain people, they let me decide on my own. Heck, the one who knew me best already knew I didn't have to ask for his opinion and I could decide what was best for me, and he did admit that he's happy I found something I'm really passionate about. There are some (well, OK, a lot of) people who were actually surprised about what I decided to get myself into, because they had never thought that I had it in me to suddenly shift gears and take a different road.

Yogi Berra of the NY Yankees once said, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it." This crazy quote is actually a joke, one of the baseball player's stupid but witty sayings, but if you think about it one more time, it's somewhat a metaphor for trying to recognize an opportunity when faced with a pivotal life decision. Well played, Yogi Berra.

So despite that big leap to change career paths, I'm glad I took it. I'm happier at what I do now, and it amuses me that people do notice that I am enjoying what I'm doing.

I end this with another quote, this time from a musical that made its mark in me this year. In the song "Thirteen," sung by character Brett Williams in Children's Letters to God, he said, "So many changes in one year... Wonder what next year will bring."

2012, you've been nothing but awesome to me. Here's to looking forward to 2013. Have a happy new year, everyone!

On the standard discipline, and social dancing at a party.

A couple of weeks ago, Val encouraged me to attend Belinda's standard class, saying that it's better that I'm exposed to both Latin American and standard ballroom disciplines, while I'm still in the Bronze level. It was scheduled every Friday evening, both the Bronze Latin and the Bronze standard.

I checked it out a couple of Fridays ago. Because I was somewhat confused with the schedule, plus I had encountered a teeny bit of a traffic jam, I arrived at Makati Cinema Square at 6pm, half an hour after the class had started. I had also thought that the Bronze Latin was the first class, because that's what I heard from Val, but when I got to the downstairs studio, they were already halfway through the Bronze standard class. I immediately tried to catch up with the middle-aged ladies as we learned the first 4 figures in the syllabus.

Maui had told me in passing that I should also get standard ballroom shoes made. I just smiled and chuckled in reply. I don't think I can afford to have another pair of shoes made just yet.

After that hour was done, I joined them upstairs in a much smaller studio for the Bronze Latin class. Ended up dancing with the students, and then I stuck around a little bit longer and watched Belinda, Maui, Brando, Val, Joemari and Kimmy rehearse for a show.

I decided to attend the class again this past Friday. Because I kept mixing the schedules up, I arrived at the studio 15 minutes before the class began. This time the Latin class was up for the first hour, so I ended up sitting in and dancing with the 3 other students.

While we were dancing the chachacha with Maui as my partner, he told me about the syllabus competition in February, which Joemari had also mentioned the day before. He encouraged me to join, and I said that I'm not sure yet if I can, and if I'm even confident enough to do so.

I realized that it's really tricky to immediately shift from Latin American ballroom to standard. In Latin, we were required to turn out our feet. But in the standard discipline, the feet has to be parallel. Just when I'm getting used to turning out my feet, this comes in, hahaha.

Anyway, we then reviewed the 4 figures that we had learned from last week, then Belinda added 4 more figures. It took me a while to remember them, but amazingly enough, I actually got the hang of it.

After the class, my feet kind of hurt, and it was probably because I was wearing the wrong kind of shoes for the dance. This time, it was Belinda's turn to tell me to get standard ballroom shoes as well, saying maganda ang sayaw ko. I was pretty flattered by that, but of course, I still can't afford the new shoes. My measurements, though, are already with Ate Paula, plus the design that I had in mind, so if ever I can have it made, I can just text her to give the go signal to have it made.

Val then came up to me and gave me a couple of notes on my chachacha, because I seem to have some trouble recovering from the New York. She corrected my technique my telling me to keep the inner part of my feet, including the heels, down. She said that she wanted to correct me right away because my other moves were already kind of good. Really? My, how flattering. I'm loving all these compliments.

As if that wasn't enough, while I was watching Brando choreograph a group of middle-aged ladies a dance for their Christmas party, Myrone had mentioned na mas gagaling ako sa standard, kasi bagay yung structure ng katawan ko dun, plus madali raw ako dalhin. Apparently there are some ladies who, even with their thin figures, feel heavy when dancing.

So maybe I'm beginning to enjoy the waltz, but that's only one dance in the standard discipline. There's 3 more. Can I absorb all of them while still studying Latin American ballroom?

I also attended the Christmas party at the studio last Saturday night. I was feeling kind of festive, so I ended up wearing that red-and-white dress that Rosa gave me. Upon arriving at the venue, the scholars greeted me at the door, and I haven't sat on my chair for a few minutes when the guys were already getting us (my Korean classmates were already there) to dance. I willingly went along, considering this is also good practice for class. The catch was I didn't even bother to bring my dancing shoes. Thank goodness I wore my wedges instead of my regular heeled shoes, so I was still kind of comfortable when I danced with each of the guys. It was pretty fun, just dancing with these people. So this was social dancing, ahahaha.

Brando asked if I can do some voice-over duties for the dance show's curtain call, and I obliged. The program started, and I was just in awe with most of the performances. Val once mentioned a few days ago that hopefully I could join them for one occasion in the future. Why not? Hahaha.

More dancing (and even camwhoring) ensued after the show, and I was back on the dance floor. These guys never stop, but I was having fun anyway.

Only a few hours before Christmas day. Hope you guys are having a very Merry Christmas.

3-1.

Like last year, I didn't really have anything planned on my birthday to celebrate. True, I was thinking of doing a couple of things, and I always make a point to do one thing for myself on my birthday. (The year before last, I watched Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, then last year I joined Carlos Celdran's Imelda tour in CCP. I went to both alone.) For this year, I was either thinking of watching the Philippine Madrigal Singers concert in CCP, or Repertory Philippines' closing show of Camp Rock. There was also the CAS party in the evening, but I did tell my team leader that I wasn't sure if I was doing to attend because of the personal special occasion, which she understood.

The day before my birthday, I got a text from Jill, asking if I'd like to watch Camp Rock with her, Bianca, and Ikey. That finally made me decide. Sure, better to watch with friends instead of going alone, so I said yes.

Come Sunday morning, I first attended Misa de Gallo with my parents, as I haven't done so in the past 2 years because I was working. Then I slept the rest of the morning off before heading out to Greenbelt for lunch with Jill, Bianca, and Ikey. Jill was the first one in Cyma when I arrived, and Bianca arrived a few minutes later. When Ikey arrived (with his beer waiting for him at his seat, as we ordered it to surprise him) and immediately greeted me a happy birthday, the 2 girls were so surprised to find out that it was my birthday that very day, as I never said anything about it, hahaha.

We started off with some spinach and artichoke fondue and some roka pasta, then we all ended up ordering the same thing: the salmon. So many quips of "healthy-healthihan", "salmon-salmonan", and "lemon-lemonan" abound, hahaha.

No, we didn't get dessert, but of course, upon realizing that it was my birthday, they did ask for that special (and free, haha) dessert and greeting for birthday celebrants. Hilarious. "Opa!" ("Gangnam style," we add.)

We then headed off to Greenbelt 1 to get our tickets at OnStage for Camp Rock, then we hung around for a while at the candy store next to the theater. Jill wanted to get something for her sister (who's part of the cast) other than flowers, and decided on a Nerd stuffed toy. Yes, those cute little characters on the box of Nerds candy. Super cute, I want one of myself, hahaha.

While we were still hanging out at the candy store, the funniest thing happened. As there was a school who bought part of the show, the kids were all lined up outside the theater. A few kids came up to Ikey and asked if he was from Kitchen Musical. There we go, once he confirmed that he was, suddenly a huge wave of kids mobbed him for autographs and photo ops, which took quite a while as Jill, Bianca and I looked on in amusement.

Onward to Camp Rock. Oh, the energy of the youth. So much dancing and energy all throughout the show. And this goes to show how old we are, as Jill's younger sister Justine is already an "ate" in the cast, while we had no clue what most of the songs were unless we had heard it already from kids. Oh, the youth. But props to you guys for keeping so much energy during the entire show, especially considering it's the closing show. Congrats to everyone!

Ikey got mobbed for more autographs and photos a couple more times after the show, and after a little more chitchat, all 4 of us headed our own separate ways.

I then went off to TGI Fridays in Glorietta for the CAS Christmas party. Sent a text to Jo and Julie saying that I would be dropping by. Yay, I was allowed to barge in. Joined my fellow Blue Griffins at our tables, as a bunch of people greeted me a happy birthday. Faye told me to stay until the awards. I wondered why, and I found out later.

After the buffet dinner, the program began. This year's Christmas party theme was K-Pop. No offense, but this was one reason why I didn't want to go, as I'm not really into K-Pop. Please, QEs, can I suggest a more original theme for next year?

Anyway, each team was required to perform, replicating a K-Pop group's music video. Our team did Sorry, Sorry by Super Junior. Super hilarious, as this is the first time in my entire 2-year stay in the company that all the teams went all out in their performances. Everyone did so well.

There were awards given out after every 2 teams' performance, and this was when I found out why Faye wanted me to stay. I bagged not just one award for this year, but FOUR! Hate Late, Clean Slate, Best in Productivity, and one of the Top 11 Agents of the year! Haha, Tom even quipped that it was my recognition day that day because of the awards I got. And Carla got pretty creative, as she used 4 different Facebook profile photos for each of my awards whenever they were shown on the projector.

OK, so I guess I'm glad I did attend the Christmas party, despite the fact that it was my birthday. I had so much fun and laughs.

And all in all, this was one of the funnest birthdays I had. And not just that, so many things had happened this year, which makes me look forward to more on my 32nd year. Huwaw, 31 years old. Yes, believe it. =P

On my first medal exam.

I'm the most awkward person, even just while standing up. I may not have the poise that other ladies have. Heck, I'm also very accident-prone. And I have no prior training nor even knowledge in dance whatsoever before I took up ballroom dancing about 8 months ago.

So even with one summer recital and one little psuedo-performance under my belt, I was very nervous about my first medal exam for Bronze in Latin ballroom last Tuesday.

Alvin and I had been practicing together in the studio as much as we could the week before, and I knew what I needed to work more on, as long as I stick to it.

I left work an hour early on Tuesday morning, then met up with Rach (thanks for recommending her, JB!) at RCBC so we could go to Makati Cinema Square together. I was glad she was a very bubbly and chatty person, as I needed that to forget all my nerves while prepping up for the exam.

When we arrived at the studio, the others were already having their hair and makeup done in front of the big mirror. Rach and I settled on the other mirror on one side of the floor and got started on my makeup. I loved her stuff, and she did a really good job on my makeup. Even though I was a little antsy when she was doing her final touches, her bubbly demeanor did ease things up a bit, even though I was the very last one to be finished with makeup and last to get dressed (didn't do much to my hair except slick it back with lots of hairspray). I just had to laugh when I saw Alvin dressed in black pants and a red top, because it was obvious we didn't talk about coordinating our clothes before the exam, as I had brought a two-tone blue ensemble.

Why is it that I can't get the schedules right? I hear one thing, and it's actually another. Like for instance, I was told of the Latin and Standard class yesterday, at 5:30pm and 6:30pm respectively. And when I arrived at 6pm, it was the Standard that had the 5:30 class and the Latin came right after. Anyway, it happened that very Tuesday. I heard from Val the week before that the exam was at 1pm, call time at 10am. Call time was correct, but then while I was having my makeup done, I heard that the exam would start at around 11am. Huwat? Thank goodness I only told a handful of people, but of course that would still be a hassle. I immediately messaged Rosa about the time, and she managed to make it, even though she didn't get to see my own dance.

Anyway, moving on.

When everyone was ready, Val did a company call for all the examinees. As it turned out, examiner Paul Harris couldn't make it. In his place, Brando would be the one to grade us, which was good news, Val had said. Haha, we joked that it was sort of bad news, because he was already our teacher, and knew all of our weaknesses, so he knew what to watch out for in every one of us. After a little prayer, Alvin and I ran through our chachacha and rumba one last time before settling with the other examinees on stage right (of the dance floor, anyway) where the sequence was. I was the third to dance in Bronze Latin. Number 3, my favorite number, hahaha.

When the Bronze Latin began, I started pushing the walls to get rid of excess nervous energy, then closed my eyes when the 2nd examinee (was it Minnie? I forgot) started their rumba. When I was called out, I immediately put my "game face" on and projected my best smile as I walked out to the floor with Alvin. "Let's do this!" I remember shouting in my head.

When the music began, I remember that I wasn't thinking about the steps nor the technique anymore. Heck, I already knew this, so why the hell was I so nervous in the first place? I was just merely dancing my ass off. And I suddenly felt that the smile on my face was already genuine because I was having fun out there. This is my moment, I said. I'm not one to call attention to myself, but I was really enjoying my moments out there on the floor. From the energetic chachacha to the slow rumba, I gave it all I got.

With a "Do you want more?" smile on my face as I made my final bow, Alvin and I exited with poise. Once I was off the dance floor, even though my smile was real out there, it was actually pretty tiring. Hahaha. I hung out in the gallery area (the old balcony area when the venue was still a cinema) with the other examinees who were already finished, and watched the rest of the exams.

Rosa arrived when the scholars were done with their own exams, and it was just the Bronze Bar (for Mitzi) and Silver (for Val) left. Talked the dances out for her to orient her on what dance it was and what was going on.

After everyone was done, it was time for photos. Group photos, then photos for each examinee and their partner, then more group photos (as Miss Luz wasn't around for the first round of group photos).

Congratulations galore from the teachers, and when Brando approached me, he said that I did a strong performance. That comment made my day.

After Le Bran class on Wednesday morning, as Minnie, Mitzi and I were there, we were each given 5 minutes with Brando to discuss our exam results. During my turn, he first congratulated me for my performance. He said that I knew how to present myself from the very beginning, as I kept my performance level up from when I first walked into the dance floor right on until after I had walked out. Then he mentioned that I have strong knees, and I must really look at it as a strength rather than a weakness (as I sometimes fail to lock my knees). I got a grade of Very Good, which is pretty suitable because I still have so much on regarding my footwork on the chachacha. The rumba was a different story. I got a grade of Honors/Honorable Mention, which was the 2nd highest grade (which was Distinction), and I was mighty proud of that. My only note was that I have to focus on my balance. Overall, I was darn proud of myself. I didn't get a grade of Distinction, but at least I knew I did my best and I did pretty well for my first medal exam.

I'm going to keep this up until I reach the Gold level. Let's do this!

My birthday/Christmas wishlist.

Christmas is less than two weeks away, but before that happens, I'm hitting the big 3-1! Big huwaw, can you believe it?

Anyway, I'm not really the type who makes wishlists, nor really asks for anything much, but please, indulge me just this once. Or better yet, please do make me happy and get at least one of the following for me. Hahaha!

My birthday/Christmas wishlist (in random order):

• A ticket to the Philippine Madrigal Singers concert in CCP on the weekend of my birthday
• A new Starbucks tumbler
• An iPod Touch 5th generation (or 4th gen would be fine, though it annoys me to death when people call it an iTouch. WTH?)
• An iPhone wouldn't hurt also, or a Samsung Galaxy S3
• A more decent digital camera
• A new pair of earphones (not earplugs, nor headphones, please)
• A 1-terabyte hard drive
• A smaller laptop that I can lug around instead of my 17-inch one
• That pretty strapless little black dress that I saw at the Ramp
• A pair of classic black Dr. Martens boots
• A Bop It! game
• A Cluedo board game
• A navy blue Longchamp bag
• A decent makeup kit (as I really need to learn to do my own makeup for certain events. Yeah.)
• An "I <3 Nerds" hoodie (or even a T-shirt will do) from David and Goliath (though they don't sell it here)
• A classic Mickey Mouse stuffed toy (yes, the one where he's just wearing his trademark red shorts and yellow shoes)
• A weekend at a spa would be nice
• Another sponsor to continue my ballroom classes. PLEASE. I really do need this.
• How about that "real date" I had mused about on Twitter? Hahaha!

Will probably edit this if ever I come up with anything else, ahehehe. =P

How's everyone's day going?

An exam.

I've been coming in to the studio every day this past week. It's been about 5 months since I last danced at least an hour a day. And for this week, I've been doing it for 2 hours daily.

Thursday of last week, Brando made an announcement in class that there will be an exam for us. An examiner from the UK will be coming in to watch us dance and grade us for our respective levels. At first, I thought they were going to delay my own exam for next month, but Brando would have to check first if I'm already ready to take it.

So I came in the following day, as our pre-assigned partners were all coming to the studio. My partner was Alvin, who I remembered competed with Myrone in the individual male Latin category in last month's PDTA syllabus competition. I still needed a lot of work on my technique, and Alvin focused on my weaknesses with Brando checking up on all of us. When the practice session was over, Brando finally said that I can take the Bronze exam along with the rest of the girls in the class. Being the only Filipina in the class (most of them are Korean ladies, and then there's one Japanese lady), it was easy for the teacher to give me notes on the spot, pinpointing all my mistakes, while he had to wait for the others to listen to him as a group so they could also get their own notes. Because I was easily singled out all the time, I still felt like a novice in class.

So because I needed so much work, I decided to come to the studio every day, even for Le Bran. I can work a little on my technique during dance fitness, then polish wherever needed during the Bronze Bar class or during practice sessions with Alvin. There are times when I get so frustrated because I still don't have the consistency in my footwork, and I even felt kind of sorry for Alvin for getting stuck with me as his partner. But props to him for being so patient with me.

When I had rehearsed after Le Bran yesterday, we (one of the other Korean ladies also came in to practice with her own partner), I was finally told to actually perform, as I always had a look of concentration because I was thinking of the technique, so I tend to forget to smile. I needed to commit more on my performance, forget about trying to do the right technique, and just let go.

Most of us came to the studio today (Saturday) to rehearse the sequence of the exam program, as the emcee would be there to rehearse as well. I was kind of overwhelmed because the other scholars were there too, but I guess I was glad that I won't be the only one taking the Latin Bronze exam. Imagine what it would feel like if I was in Mitzi's place, who was the lone entry in Bronze Bar.

Anyway, I finally got the feel of the actual floor that we would be dancing on, and we rehearsed our entrances and exits. I have to admit, I felt kind of confident when I made my entrance earlier, but I sure hope I can do it as well on Tuesday. So many emotions are battling it out inside me now that the big day is nearing. Excited, nervous, anxious, scared even.

But I can do this. I know I can.

Remembering how I used to blog.

A number of friends and I have noticed that almost all of my blog posts lately have been about my ballroom dancing experiences. Some of you are probably sick of reading about them already, hahaha.

Ever since I had shifted from working backstage in theater to learning how to dance ballroom, I've been talking nonstop about it. I can't help it. I've fallen in love with the craft as much as I fell in love with theater arts.

Met up with Erik yesterday afternoon to check out this new little cafe in our village called Kat's Cafe. It was pretty small, with only a couple of booths inside, then all the rest of the tables were outside. So many quirky, kitschy stuff were inside, especially the books! They had so many pop-up books, trivia books, and lots of others. It took us quite a while going over a Q&A trivia book, and then we read the Aladdin pop-up book to refresh our memory on the original Arabian tale (for the few who can remember, there was also a lesser genie in the story, the Genie of the Ring).

The topic of auditions came up in one of our conversations, as the Miss Saigon auditions had ended last week, and there's this week's auditions for the upcoming productions under Atlantis. Erik had mentioned something that Robbie had told them at one audition. That people get nervous during auditions because they're already aiming for a role, not realizing that audition panelists actually judge you as yourself as a performer, unlike in plays were audiences already judge a character.

Very interesting indeed.

I guess that's why there are some moments in workshops and workshop recitals that I get nervous, and other times that I'm not at all. During the latter, I guess it's because I'm already confident in my performance that I don't have to worry much about the character. But whoops, I guess I haven't had much experiences in auditions, though.

Then it felt different for me when I had danced in my first dance recital. I had no character to hide behind, as I was performing as myself. So if I looked funny or stupid or awkward, it's because that's how I feel as myself and not as any role or character.

During a chat with Myrone last night, he reminded me not to feel so insecure about myself about my dancing, because that will be my prime weakness that will make me lose my focus. So I guess it goes back to being confident in myself, and as myself.

Let's talk about some other kind of randomness, shall we? I haven't done these kinds of posts in a while.

Yeah.

Anyway.

I've forgotten what it felt like to have that kind of crush. It's like being back in high school. There's the giddy feeling when you think and remember that person, and also that different kind of giddy feeling when you're with him.

I don't think it was under the influence of other friends' teasing us together, but I ended up liking this friend that I already knew for years.

I'm someone you would call "torpe," as I would be the type who would never admit out loud about who I like, and even try to let that person know that I'm interested. But considering all the little leaps of faith that I had done this year, I decided to do something different.

So I told him.

And got friend-zoned.

I already expected it, as he had mentioned one night during one of our previous out-of-town trips with a bunch of friends about not really looking for relationships right now. He did say that I'm one person he was very comfortable with and love hanging out and talking to, that he's very happy to have me as a friend that he likes and trusts. Wow, so showbiz, but that's the way the cookie crumbles.

The funny part of it all? I had admitted all that through text, just a few days after we had gotten back from another out-of-town trip because of work. I had not seen him in person after that.

Until this weekend.

I was so relieved that things weren't all that awkward between us after my crazy bout of honesty. It's like nothing had happened. Still the same old us, good vibes and all. But of course, the giddy feeling is still there. I just enjoyed the moment. That's just how it is, I guess. I'm contented enough with what's already there.

It's been a while since I've been this honest in a blog entry. It feels really great to write like this again.

So how are you, dear reader? Thanks for dropping by and don't be shy to leave a comment.

An openly-trained noob watching a syllabus competition.

"If you master the syllabus, I assure you, you will not be sorry."

Those were some of the words from PDTA (Philippine Dance Teachers Association) chairman Ma. Cecilia Katigbak during her welcome remarks at yesterday's 1st PDTA Syllabus Competition.

As I recently just started taking a syllabus class, I was pretty curious as to what a syllabus competition was like. Julius had once explained to me that the choreo that you had to dance was what you had learned in your syllabus class, but that was the only extent of what I know.

Because Ian's workshop hasn't pushed through yet, my Sunday yesterday was free. So off I went to the Meralco multi-purpose hall to watch the competition. It was pretty much a five-minute walk from the theater, where Atlantis Productions' Aladdin is currently showing.

It felt different from the 2 major dancesport competitions that I've watched. First, it was basically a smaller venue, with fewer participants. And second, there was the appearance of the participants' costumes. Simple dresses, no adornments whatsoever, unlike the glamorous sparkly and feathery costumes at the the DSCPI competitions.

For a change, it was comforting to see more familiar faces to say hello to, as they were the same people I see in Dancing Queen studios. I got to watch Karen, Myrone, Joemari and Alvin practice their routines while waiting for the competition to start.

After 4 years since the first time I saw the PDTA people at the Pasinaya festival in CCP, I saw them in person again. Ednah Ledesma, PDTA's vice president, was the one who taught us the chachacha for one half hour segment. Then there's Ariel Llanillo, PDTA's president. He was the one who approached me that fateful day at the Pasinaya, asking me if I wanted to dance competitively. I sort of blew him off that day because I was in a rush to meet my other friends and see all the other events of the festival, even though I was really interested already that time. Plus I didn't have the time or the budget to go for it. So to Sir Ariel, even if you don't remember me, if you chance upon this post, my apologies. I really wanted to dance ballroom all this time, and I only made the opportunity for myself this year.

So anyway, watching the syllabus competition was quite interesting. It was much simpler than the competitions I've watched, as the participants just seem to really basically just dance the choreography or routine that was part of their syllabus classes. Thanks to Ian, despite the fact that I'm still in the bronze level, I already somewhat knew half the syllabus of the gold. Myrone had casually asked me at one point why I wasn't competing, and i just gave a nervous laugh and told him that I don't think I'm ready to compete yet. What I couldn't believe was that for some of them, that syllabus competition was their first time ever to compete, including him. Seriously? I didn't look that way while I was watching them dance. Anyway, considering my previous (open) training, I don't really mind not competing yet. I guess I just want to finish all the medal programs first from bronze to gold.

Joemari and his partner during the (youth) standard competition.

Myrone and Karen during the (adult) Latin competition.

Dancing the rumba.

Alvin and Myrone dancing the samba for the 1-dance individual category.

Like I had said in my post on Instagram yesterday, every dancesport competition that I watch is quite the learning experience. And I'm also glad that I'm also making new friends in the process.

Learning and unlearning with an open mind.

When I first started taking ballroom classes, it was basically an open class, with me being the only regular student who attended the class everyday. Because of that, the lessons depended on who were attending on a particular day. If I was the only student, we'd keep moving forward on what I've been learning already, and focus on some techniques. If another occasional student was there (with the exception of Abby, Ate Helen, and sometimes Bernard), we'd tackle something different and new. So in a way, my lessons were kind of inconsistent.

(Photos courtesy of Big Shift DANKA)

I've only recently heard of the syllabus classes in ballroom through Julius, when I first attended his sampling class at Big Shift (though I have no idea why they got another ballroom teacher while I was the only regular student). When I did a little bit of research, I realized that some of the lessons that I've been learning as a beginner are already way too advanced steps and techniques.

I decided to take the syllabus class that Bran's teaching in Dancing Queen. In previous blog entries, I had already mentioned that the Bronze bar class was starting, and considering I haven't studied under them for the Bronze class, I had to catch up via one-on-one private lessons.

On Tuesday of last week, the class after Le Bran was actually a review of the entire Bronze syllabus, so I got to catch up on all 5 dances. I still have a huge weakness for the samba, as I only got to run through the entire syllabus routine right then and there, but I managed to barrel through. It was also my very first time to dance the paso doble, which was kind of a challenge for me. Another challenge that day was after every time we dance, we change our partners. The connection is different with every person who leads us.

Classes started Thursday of last week, but I didn't get to attend. I only got to attend this past Tuesday. We studied the chachacha, and for some reason, I couldn't quite catch on as well as the rest (the other students were Korean ladies). It seems that I can't put everything together simultaneously--my posture, pushing the floor with my feet, the hip movements and twisting of the body, and connecting with the partner through slight pushes and pulls. I felt like such a newbie all over again. It was like I'm Jody in the movie Center Stage. I know the basic footwork, but in terms of technique, I still have so much to learn.

On Thursday morning, I wanted to redeem myself. I also couldn't help but pray and hope that we do the rumba instead of the chachacha. After Le Bran class, I couldn't help but smile widely when Bran said that we'll be studying the rumba that day.

There were actually key points that I learned about the technique that wasn't discussed in detail yet in my classes with Ian, so I was glad to pick it up. Then Bran actually commended my curacha/Cuban rock, as I did it with ease. He had no idea that I've been practicing that everyday for almost 8 months now. After that, we worked on a bit more technique as we danced the syllabus routine until the spot turns, changing partners after each dance.

Then we were given "homework." Bran showed the basic rumba walk that Ian had been teaching me, with a lot more technique. What Ian kept referring to as keeping the heel down, it meant keeping the back foot turned out, at the same time letting the hip follow. It looked much clearer to me that day, even though I looked so awkward during the first couple of times we had to cross the floor. Once we started doing it to the music, it felt more comfortable, and Bran noticed the change. He approached me after the class and told me that I made a big improvement compared to Tuesday's class, and Maui (sp?), whom I had danced with on both days, said so as well.

Bran kept reminding me of simple concept that I've learned in theater. Learn, unlearn, and re-learn. Because I got used to taking an open class, even with the techniques I've learned there, there are still so many endless ways of learning. There's nothing wrong with taking a syllabus or an open class, as long as you keep an open mind.

Ian's workshop starts tomorrow. I can't wait for that as well.

Hello, November. Let's do this.

I was reading the last couple of chapters of "A Little Bit Wicked," Kristin Chenoweth's autobiography, this evening. I loved all the little bits of words of wisdom and advice that she said all throughout the book, and I especially loved this particular one:

It's been said a thousand times, and it's true: if there's anything else you could be happy doing, you should do it.

I've been taking Le Bran classes at Dancing Queen studio once or twice a week, plus one-on-one sessions every once in a while. Julius was out of town this past week, so Bran was the one who took care of me when I came to the studio this Wednesday. He paired me up with Myron, one of their scholars (and the tallest one, at that), and had me learn the Bronze syllabus so I can quickly catch up with the Bronze bar class that will begin this week. Myron and I managed to cover the chachacha, the rumba, and the jive. We didn't have time to cover the samba and the paso doble, but Bran and Val got us to dance and review the chachacha and rumba with the others, and even took a video of it. I was glad that Bran liked that I managed to memorize the syllabus routine in such a short span of time.

By the way, when I was talking out the syllabus with Myron while I was writing them down, I mentioned a term for one of the steps in chachacha, and he said that the term was too advanced already. So when I looked them up online, I realized that Ian was already teaching me stuff from Bronze all the way to Gold, especially for the rumba!

Anyway, so the Bronze bar class will begin this Tuesday, and even though I have no idea how to come up with the money to pay for it (but Val and Bran did mention an early bird discount), I'm really considering taking the class so I won't get rusty until Ian takes me under his wing again.

I texted Ian earlier this evening about taking the classes at Dancing Queen, unless we start the workshop soon. I told him that I had to ask him first, given that I consider him his mentor, despite the fact that he teaches open classes instead of syllabus.

Ian called minutes after my text message, while I was reading the quote by Kristin Chenoweth that I posted at the beginning of this entry. He said that we'll be starting the workshop soon... next Sunday! He said we need to start soon because he really wants me to make my dancesport debut in March. So I need to keep practicing, as we'll be working at his studio with Simon by then. He told me to work on my turns (one of my biggest weaknesses), and stretch my body as much as I can so I can execute splits. I'm somewhat pressured, as this guy that will be my partner had already ranked 3rd in competitions.

Yikes. Can I do this? I'm excited, anxious, and nervous all at the same time!

Just a little busy, but not quite.

It's been a while since I had a free Saturday to myself. I miss having full weekends just lounging around in my room.

In my last post, I had mentioned taking the Le Bran class. I went back the following Friday, with JB in tow, as she wanted to try it out as well. I'm glad she enjoyed it, and I do hope she comes back to attend more classes.

After Le Bran, I had a little breather, changed my sweaty top, and started my one-on-one class with Julius. We did a review of 4 of the 5 Latin ballroom dances used in competition (rumba, chachacha, samba, and jive), then spent the rest of the hour focusing on my footwork and hip movements in chachacha. I have lousy footwork, especially when doing the New York and the time step, plus I haven't developed the high hip, as my hips automatically drop all throughout a dance.

I know it's wrong to compare, but I noticed the similarities and differences between my 2 teachers. They're both perfectionists when it comes to technique, but they have their own ways of being strict with me. And both of them even text me, telling me to keep practicing.

Anyway. In other news...

Last Saturday, our clique is now one more bachelor down. Aris married Karla in Tagaytay, and a bunch of us trekked all the way to the venue, no matter how misleading the maps provided were, hahaha. I lost my voice all week due to cough, but I had enough vocal rest to get me through that day, as I was tasked to do the first Liturgical reading, along with Iam (responsorial psalms) and Ramon (second reading).

What amused me at that wedding was that the world keeps getting smaller and smaller. I already knew that Chinie is one of Karla's first cousins, but I saw more familiar faces. I saw Isabel, a classmate from my first couple of terms in CSB, plus Jayar, a fellow technical theater major.

Hilarious reception, as Seph (as best man) and Josh (as one of the groomsmen) had to give a speech. Knowing Aris' history in our clique, they had to tiptoe around certain stories, but with their wit, they pulled off their speeches real well. The only thing that we regret seeing that evening was watching Aris dance the jive that I've taught him, Karla and Tito Fred. Hahaha! Some things just cannot be unseen. But I'm glad Karla and Tito Fred's part of the dance was done well.

I was supposed to attend Le Bran and take another one-on-one class this past Wednesday, but because I still had an uncontrollable cough that went along with my lousy voice, I couldn't go. I didn't want to risk coughing all over the place.

I did come back yesterday, Friday. And because Opa wanted to learn a little bit of ballroom for the play that she's doing, I got her, with her sister Hannah (Joanne?) in tow, to attend Le Bran. I sure hope they enjoyed it, and I also do hope they also come back. When Bran had approached us after the class, I introduced them and he said that he had noticed that they seem to already have certain dance backgrounds already, moreso with Opa's sister (ballet).

They stuck around the dance studio while I had my one-on-one lesson with Julius. We just focused on the chachacha that day, still working on my crazy footwork. I think part of the reason why I can't get certain things right because I grew up with feet mostly turned in, hence my lousy turnout and bad footwork for the New York. Plus there was too much to take in in such a small amount of time. I have to consider where I put my weight, how to push the floor with my feet, how my hips move, where my feet and upper body goes, and of course, the fact that I have to respond to my dance partner's push and pulls on my hands and arms. During a couple of times, Bran even walked over to us and assisted Julius, and there were some things that were a lot clearer to me. And of course, he also reminded me of the never-ending lesson of learning and unlearning. I learned something new that day about terminology, plus how the lock step was done correctly.

I remember posting a little realization on Twitter yesterday, about why Ian kept telling me over and over again about keeping my heels down when doing the rumba walk. It's still very essential when doing the chachacha, because that's what I needed to work on for the New York, as well as for the time step.

After the class, Julius had mentioned the syllabus competition next month, and told me that I should try to join, even just for the solo event. Eep, I don't think I'm prepared for that, so I told him that maybe I'll just watch. He then said that he'll just see how I'll turn out before then.

I still miss Ian, though. I miss his classes despite the fact that it's open instead of syllabus. I miss the fun factor when I attend his classes, plus we get to talk and somehow bond afterwards. I guess that's why I can't wait for November. I really hope that he really follows through with the workshop that he mentioned. In the meantime, I'll just take more classes at Dancing Queen until I go back to training under him.

Voiceless, but that's no excuse to practice.

So I lost my voice again. This sucks. And I have to go back to work tomorrow, plus I'm getting back in shape before my teacher takes me under his wing again next month. So I'm going to be mute when I take another dance class tomorrow.

When I was at the nationals last Saturday, Julius invited me to join a class at this dance studio in Makati Cinema Square. I was curious, but not quite yet. Then Ian told me (as a comment on one my photos of the nationals on Facebook) that we start my workshop with him this November, and possibly with Simon, the partner that he found for me. Well, that's what he said.

Of course, I didn't want to just sit around idly waiting for that. I needed to practice so I won't get rusty. And because there wasn't a ballroom class at Big Shift this season, I decided to ask Julius about that class that he mentioned. It was actually a dance fitness workout class held everyday, so I clocked out early from work yesterday to check it out.

Dancing Queen studio was still closed (like the rest of the shops) when I had arrived at MCS, so I waited until 10am, when Julius and his co-worker, Brando (who was the one conducting the class), arrived.

I got introduced to Brando and Val (the nice lady who gave me a flyer and a form to fill out), and then class immediately started, with me only having enough time to quickly strap on my shoes.

The dance fitness workout is called Le Bran, and like Zumba, it's focuses on fitness, weight loss, toning, and all that jazz. The only difference is that it's actually designed from the Latin ballroom dances. And yes, you probably guessed it, the one who designed it was Brando himself. During the class, I was back to dancing the rumba, the chachacha, the samba, the jive, and even some salsa. Super fun!

After the class, I got to talk to Brando, Val and Julius about the Le Bran sessions plus the other ballroom dance classes, and I couldn't believe my ears when they said that I've got the potential. They had noticed I knew most of the 5 Latin competition dances (I haven't been taught the paso doble), and they had assessed that I can easily catch up with the Bronze bar level class next month if I take special classes now with Julius. Wow, a syllabus class. I never experienced a syllabus class because I'm the only regular student at Big Shift while the rest just come and go, so Ian just teaches an open class.

I'm coming back tomorrow for Le Bran and a class with Julius. And if the price is right, I might keep this up along with Ian's workshop to prep myself up for my first competition ever.

In other news, due to a cough, I lost my voice again. This is the third time this year. I don't really mind, really, but it means clocking in less hours at the office, when I need to be earning more to pay for classes. Plus I'm doing the first reading in the mass of Aris and Karla's wedding. What a lousy time to lose my voice.

Dance to stand out, and some musings while watching a competition.

Last month, I got to watch A Chorus Line (the 1985 film) for the first time.

Of course, we all know the story of the play. Chorus dance auditions. Precision, moving as one. Then there's Cassie, a dancer in need of a job, but she was told that she was too good to be in the chorus. When she was allowed to audition along with the rest, she couldn't blend in at first.

That's when I started thinking about it. I took all those theater workshops, and I was just content to just be cavorting in the chorus. Did I really want that?

Then I started watching dancesport competitions. Last Saturday was the second competition that I got to watch. You had to dance your ass off in order to be seen. No blending in with the rest of the dancers. You just have to keep showing off what you can do best.

So yeah, I went to watch the 16th DSCPI National Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Saturday. I was glad the venue was closer this time, so it's easier to go there. I went by my lonesome, but I didn't really mind. At least I get to sit anywhere I want if and when I need to transfer, and don't have to drag anyone along with me.

The first part of competition was the Standards, so I didn't have to rush in the morning, because I wanted to see all of the Latin events. But of course, it was still a delight to watch the Standards because of its elegance and beautiful dresses. But I still don't get why anyone would choose a color like neon orange, neon pink, neon green, or even florescent yellow? Aside from the fact that you really will stand out in those, I mean.

Another thought that came to mind that day was that I actually enjoyed my anonymity. Like in the local theater scene, practically everyone knew everyone else. In that venue, I felt like an alien in another world. Every time someone would pass by, even in our area for spectators, someone would wave and say hi to a whole bunch of people. And there was me. Someone who sat next to me did ask who I was watching. I mentioned the name of my teacher, and he instantly knew who I was talking about. Of course, he did assume right away that Ian and Bon were actually twins, and I just had to laugh.

Then there's also the fact that you have to compete with your friends. I wonder what that felt like, considering that you both want that pretty trophy, or at least rank the highest that you can possibly can.

Pushing that last thought aside, it amused me how supportive everyone can be. By the time the Latin part of the event rolled around, a lot of people started cheering for the participants, shouting out their numbers all throughout the events.

For this competition, they added a Latin Wheelchair event, which totally amazed me.

Even in those wheelchairs, those dancers rocked the floor! There was even one couple where the guy in the wheelchair managed to somehow wheel over his partner while she was on the floor during one dance (was it the jive?). Everyone went crazy and cheered when they saw it. Too bad I didn't get to take a video of it.

Ian and Ate Helen placed 2nd in one of their 2 events (Special Event 2F C: 3-dance). The couple that came in first had a plus-sized girl that I had actually been watching since the midyear ranking. I admired her because even though she was plus-sized, she danced as fiercely as the rest of the skinny girls, and she made the champion title. And who said that just because you're skinny and pretty, you can have them all?

In the other event that they were in (Special Event 2A: 5-dance), Ian and Ate Helen placed 4th, while Bon and his partner Beth came in 2nd.

This is only the second time that I watched a dancesport competition live, and I always leave it inspired. It made me feel a little more excited when the time would come that it would be my turn to compete.

I found Ian, Ate Helen and Bon outside the stadium after the whole event, so I said hello and congratulated them. Ian then told me that he already found a partner for me, and that I resume classes with him soon to prep up for next year's first quarter ranking and competition. My golly, he really wants me out there by next year. So yeah, after brief exchanges on Facebook after I had posted photos and videos of Saturday's event, I start next month. I have 2 weeks to get back in top shape before I go back under Ian's wing. Let's do this!