Last day. I get up and fold my bedding, fold my clothes (making sure to separate the still clean from the still damp and disgusting), and eat. Stacey and I part ways as she must study. I hop on the now extremely familiar skytrain and head my now familiar route to the dance centre. I had such a good experience tapping yesterday that I decide to go and do a level 1 tap class. There isn't much tap offered at harbour (or most places for that matter). Tap doesn't get much respect these days. These days it seems hip hop and contemporary are the kings of the hill.
I misread the brochure. I thought that I would have the same teacher as yesterday but nope. I have a different old guy. And this old guys style is fairly different. He is much more interested in the "dance" element of tapping as opposed to the "rhythm" element. Although this class from a technique standpoint was a little beneath me I still learned a lot from watching the teacher teach. I was reminded of so much of the foundation of tap and how much of a tool it is for teaching musicality. A fairly good class. Just one more to go.
The last class for me this week is Jo's jazz. I had heard that her jazz is difficult but I figured I would take it, give what I've got and let it be the final mark of the week. So I walk into jazz class (there is not a single jazz shoe in sight) with all "the source kids" and they clearly know whats going on. I find a piece of corner in the back of the room as I'm fairly sure I'm the only person here who hasn't done the class before. Holy $&!% warm-up is intense. I silently wish to myself that we actually do warm-up and stretching all class so that I can continue to hide. I actually failed at hiding when it was time to stretch in 2nd and (for everyone but me) put our heads on the ground. the image I had in my head is that of a wide open field filled with gopher holes and despite all the holes you see nothing but that one gopher who pokes his head up when all the others are safely below the surface. But I'm already here, and it's my last class, so dammit I'm going to throw the ego away and make the most of my last class.
Time for cross floor. The opening cross floor involves an exceptionally fast salsa step. F! I've never done salsa before. So people start going cross floor and there I was at the end of the pack with one other person. She managed to get across the floor in record pace and there I was, literally in the middle of the room with everyone watching, trying to do some fast salsa. Let's just say I got off the floor as quick as possible. Going back the other way I made sure I was in the middle of the pack and NOT at the end. Cross floor continued and I started to find my groove building confidence (doing jumps and turns helps my confidence usually.) Then we get to the combo. To my own surprise I can do this combo. In fact I can get through this combo just fine, much better than either contemporary combo and I know this is a more difficult set. My body just told my mind, "don't worry, we got this" and my mind replied, "ya, I think you're right, I think we do GOT THIS." We run it in groups and I do just fine. There are some amazing dancers in this room. When class is over I thank Jo for not only the class but the scholarship as well (as her and husband gave it to me). Her baby is amazingly cute by the way. Living off the high of class I actually think about doing one more class. I would be pushing time to get to the bus on time if I do that. Then my mind tells my body "we're tired, remember?" "oh ya" replies mind. I have a few small talk conversations with a couple of people and it's time for me to pick out my trophy. I buy a pair of sweat pants that have gold print on the side (appropriate considering it is a trophy after all).
I figured out that I did 15 classes total in 5 days. 3 classes a day doesn't actually sound like much. "fat ass" body mocks mind. But 15 is a substantial number. In the intensive training program that Harbour has, the students must do 13 classes a week. I did more than 13 in less than a week. I'm satisfied with the effort put in. The experience was very positive. Spending time doing something you are passionate about can always only turn out positive, and this was. I love dancing. Let me say it again, I LOVE dancing. I found that the people were never rude but they did get friendlier as the week wore on. I found myself conversing with more and more people each day and everyone was friendly. It was such a good experience that I'm thinking about coming down for GSP a couple days early just to catch a few classes at harbour before the convention.
As great as the experience was I am looking forward to being back home. As my dad told me once told me "no matter where you go and what you do, you should always want to be home at the end of it." That isn't an exact quote, but you get the idea. And as I sit on a greyhound bus typing the last of this I'm even more excited to be home because I'm tired. Also, I'm sitting next to the stinky washroom and the bus is so jammed with people that there are a bunch of people who have to stand. Actually.
Tomorrow I will spend most of the day rejuvenating on the couch before I go back to my "home studio" of KDA" and take yet another class.
Saturday 30 October 2010
Thursday 28 October 2010
Day 4. "you did well for your first time"
So this is supposed to be my biggest day of dance. The climax of it all. Also…… the day I get to tap.
I was going to do back to back tap because my brochure said there were 2 level 2 tap classes (but I was told that the teacher tends to bring the level up to a 2/3. As it turns out the brochure lied and there was actually a level 1 followed by a level 2. I was going to go and do both classes anyway because I would like to do tap as much as possible but I didn't. Not through lack of trying either. I was just running late to begin with and then I had to meet up with Stace to give her her apartment key. When all is said and done I would have been about 15 minutes late for class. I'd rather not be a huge disturbance and I will still get to do the class I want to.
So I go to tap class now. and Sarah has decided to join me, which is nice because I have been in every class without anyone I know so it's just nice to have someone else around. It's tap class now, it's hard for me to describe just how anxious I am for this class. I'm mostly excited because I haven't been in a tap class as the student for sooo long but part of me is nervous because what if his style is different than my mine and he uses a different vocabulary? I have every hope that this Tap class is going to be the climax of my trip. So I do the class and instantly I'm intimidated as the teacher does a "warm-up" that is crazy fast and he doesn't really explain. Just starts tapping fast and expects you to catch on…. yikes. The strange thing is that I was able to. When hearing it and watching it I was able to pick up what was happening and proceed to do it. He used my language using riffs and scuffles… I was home. We do a combo that moves fast but is ridiculously fun. The teacher throughout the class gives me a few pointers here and there as well as the other guy in class. I think he is favoring us. I'm not complaining, I'm here to tap. After we do the combo once the teacher tells me that my tapping was good throughout the entire combo. He didn't say it too loud and was relatively close to me when he said it but for me that put the metaphorical cherry on top. When class ended I had to thank him for class and just talk to this guy. He's super friendly and this class was awesome, everything I wanted and more. It should be mentioned that the teacher is like 60 years old and amazing, I was told he was a big time dancer in LA back in the day.
Off to contemporary jazz. Even though it's contemporary I figure I should make the most of my experience again and its better to work on my weaknesses then only ever work on my strengths. We get this super cool bit of choreography where we are supposed to be swans, but not pretty swans, more like distorted swans. This should be right up my ally but again, I'm just not feeling it. The song is fairly good and the choreography is sweet but I'm just not feeling it. I just can't get into the combo. I do the class and that's that. As I write this I look at the word contemporary and I think for me it is appropriate as I break the word up as 'contempt temporarily'. You can't win 'em all.
Then it is hip hop 2/3 with a short dude named Jerome. I call him the short dude Jerome because that is what was told to me when I was asking another KDA'er about her brief harbour experience. This class has one of the SYTYCD canada kids in it. I thought he was a douche on the show and seeing him in class proved that 10 fold as towards the end he looked at himself in the mirror and hand combed his eyebrows. The choreography is most like Cat's style of hip hop. It's pretty hard hitting and aggressive. This combo is really fast but uber fun. I thank short Jerome at the end of class and he tells me that he hasn't seen me here. I explain I'm only here temporarily (without contempt for hip hop). He said I did well for my first time in his class. I felt I did well. one more class today though.
I actually have an hour in between classes so I just find a spot to sit and read. The thought crosses my mind to go buy some harbour merch as the front desk isn't busy right now. I tell myself not today, I know I will buy some stuff, but not today. I decide I will buy any and all harbour clothes at the end of my trip…. when I've earned it, when it's all done. The clothes will be my material proof of this trip and scholarship. The sweat pants I will buy will be my trophy. It's kind of laughable to think of sweat pants as a trophy but it is what they will be for me. Anyways, one more class.
House. This is another open level class, and this one wasn't taught by the usual teacher. the guy teaching us today apparently doesn't have a house class of his own. I could tell his teaching skills were just a bit rusty. he did fine though. I found the class moved slow. It was probably just as fast (or slow) moving as locking but I think because I expect house to be fast and because I have done house classes before that I found it a bit slow. once we were doing the choreography with music it was fun because the music was considerably faster then how it was being counted without music. Learned a few things. Another good day but my body is starting to ask for a stoppage in play.
In the first day or 2 I was bewildered and living on the high that was the trip. By about day 3 the body was slowing down but the mind was able to will it onwards. Now, at the end of day 4, the body is starting to win the argument. Because classes ended earlier today then other days I have some time to do more than flop on a couch. Part of me wants to go out and experience some vancouver night life, but then I remember that I'm here alone and that I'm exhausted. Stacey and I order pizza, buy some beer, and watch the oilers (get eaten alive by the sharks.) Bed time.
I was going to do back to back tap because my brochure said there were 2 level 2 tap classes (but I was told that the teacher tends to bring the level up to a 2/3. As it turns out the brochure lied and there was actually a level 1 followed by a level 2. I was going to go and do both classes anyway because I would like to do tap as much as possible but I didn't. Not through lack of trying either. I was just running late to begin with and then I had to meet up with Stace to give her her apartment key. When all is said and done I would have been about 15 minutes late for class. I'd rather not be a huge disturbance and I will still get to do the class I want to.
So I go to tap class now. and Sarah has decided to join me, which is nice because I have been in every class without anyone I know so it's just nice to have someone else around. It's tap class now, it's hard for me to describe just how anxious I am for this class. I'm mostly excited because I haven't been in a tap class as the student for sooo long but part of me is nervous because what if his style is different than my mine and he uses a different vocabulary? I have every hope that this Tap class is going to be the climax of my trip. So I do the class and instantly I'm intimidated as the teacher does a "warm-up" that is crazy fast and he doesn't really explain. Just starts tapping fast and expects you to catch on…. yikes. The strange thing is that I was able to. When hearing it and watching it I was able to pick up what was happening and proceed to do it. He used my language using riffs and scuffles… I was home. We do a combo that moves fast but is ridiculously fun. The teacher throughout the class gives me a few pointers here and there as well as the other guy in class. I think he is favoring us. I'm not complaining, I'm here to tap. After we do the combo once the teacher tells me that my tapping was good throughout the entire combo. He didn't say it too loud and was relatively close to me when he said it but for me that put the metaphorical cherry on top. When class ended I had to thank him for class and just talk to this guy. He's super friendly and this class was awesome, everything I wanted and more. It should be mentioned that the teacher is like 60 years old and amazing, I was told he was a big time dancer in LA back in the day.
Off to contemporary jazz. Even though it's contemporary I figure I should make the most of my experience again and its better to work on my weaknesses then only ever work on my strengths. We get this super cool bit of choreography where we are supposed to be swans, but not pretty swans, more like distorted swans. This should be right up my ally but again, I'm just not feeling it. The song is fairly good and the choreography is sweet but I'm just not feeling it. I just can't get into the combo. I do the class and that's that. As I write this I look at the word contemporary and I think for me it is appropriate as I break the word up as 'contempt temporarily'. You can't win 'em all.
Then it is hip hop 2/3 with a short dude named Jerome. I call him the short dude Jerome because that is what was told to me when I was asking another KDA'er about her brief harbour experience. This class has one of the SYTYCD canada kids in it. I thought he was a douche on the show and seeing him in class proved that 10 fold as towards the end he looked at himself in the mirror and hand combed his eyebrows. The choreography is most like Cat's style of hip hop. It's pretty hard hitting and aggressive. This combo is really fast but uber fun. I thank short Jerome at the end of class and he tells me that he hasn't seen me here. I explain I'm only here temporarily (without contempt for hip hop). He said I did well for my first time in his class. I felt I did well. one more class today though.
I actually have an hour in between classes so I just find a spot to sit and read. The thought crosses my mind to go buy some harbour merch as the front desk isn't busy right now. I tell myself not today, I know I will buy some stuff, but not today. I decide I will buy any and all harbour clothes at the end of my trip…. when I've earned it, when it's all done. The clothes will be my material proof of this trip and scholarship. The sweat pants I will buy will be my trophy. It's kind of laughable to think of sweat pants as a trophy but it is what they will be for me. Anyways, one more class.
House. This is another open level class, and this one wasn't taught by the usual teacher. the guy teaching us today apparently doesn't have a house class of his own. I could tell his teaching skills were just a bit rusty. he did fine though. I found the class moved slow. It was probably just as fast (or slow) moving as locking but I think because I expect house to be fast and because I have done house classes before that I found it a bit slow. once we were doing the choreography with music it was fun because the music was considerably faster then how it was being counted without music. Learned a few things. Another good day but my body is starting to ask for a stoppage in play.
In the first day or 2 I was bewildered and living on the high that was the trip. By about day 3 the body was slowing down but the mind was able to will it onwards. Now, at the end of day 4, the body is starting to win the argument. Because classes ended earlier today then other days I have some time to do more than flop on a couch. Part of me wants to go out and experience some vancouver night life, but then I remember that I'm here alone and that I'm exhausted. Stacey and I order pizza, buy some beer, and watch the oilers (get eaten alive by the sharks.) Bed time.
Wednesday 27 October 2010
Day 3. "give it to me"
I decide today to go for an afternoon class. Jazz at 2o'clock my brochure says. I get there and its actually contemporary jazz…. super. I've done 2 contemporary classes in my life but I'm here so I guess I'll take the class.
We do a super long warm-up and then some cross floor. She sets out a cross floor exercise of turns. I think to myself "sweet, I'm good at turns" and this cross floor is insane. It's so fast and I'm spinning out of control trying to change my spot, change directions, and still whip out the turns. I get through but I haven't felt like I've flailed that bad turning in some time.
We then do a combo that I do but I'm not exactly fired up about: plenty of reaching, breathing, and soft movement. This isn't a dance I would necessarily choreograph, but I do it. Class ends, I've got some time to kill before the evening grind of classes so I meet up with an old friend from camp and we catch up and reminisce about camp days and the wonderful impact camp has had on our lives. It was a great lunch where we pretty much just sat around and laughed. Plus, I tell my friend that with all the classes my energy is low so I get my calorie on by having a huge bacon burger with fries and a beer…. It was great. Conversation must end though and I have to go back to class.
First class of the night is "intro to break dance." Teacher goes over some basic moves and I learn a few variables of warm-up exercises we do back at KDA. Pretty fun top rock part of class but then we get into the floor work. I don't fare quite as well at that. "HIPS UP" I tell myself about 23 times because my ass looks like it weighs about 60 pounds. Teacher then tells us that a lot of breakers put different styles into their breaking like house. I think about throwing some tap in there. As I fart around with different ways to move (tap/break style) while yelling at myself to keep my hips up teacher tells me that what I was doing looks cool. Thanks teacher. I enjoy you being supportive.
Next up is hip/hop 2/3 with a teacher who looks like Taylor Swift…. but ghetto. The room is packed (we aren't in the glorious studio this time) and I am at the back. It's kind of hard to see what is going on. I can tell that my body is tired. Mentally, I'm slowing down and physically I find I'm marking more often and doing combos full out less often, and my feet hurt. I must continue. Like so many of the combos I have done already it is a bit weird at first but as I put it more into my body I get a better feel for it and get through it. This combo was fast an intricate.
After we all learn the combo and start doing it in groups G'd up Taylor swift tells us that we are to free style for 32 counts. "NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" free styling already makes me nervous when I'm back at my "home studio" with people I know. Here I am with nobody I know in a room of pre-professionals! I manage to put some piece of garbage together for 32 counts and get off the dance floor ASAP. Of course, we do it again and I force myself to think to make the most out of it and do the best I can. So the next time up after the combo for the 32 counts I string something together that isn't garbage but it is certainly FAR from amazing. Class ends soon enough with and my tail is between my legs. I'm so tired at this point that I'm contemplating calling it a day. I tell myself to do one more class at least.
LOCKING. It's an open level class so there are an interesting mix of people ranging from very experienced to very beginners. This class was hella fun. A lot of time is just spent grooving and walking around to music. We do a combo that is pretty straight forward as far as the steps go but somehow it is amazingly fun. At one point the teacher came over to correct my arm placement on a move. I didn't understand what she was looking for at first and while she was saying "give it to me" I thought she wanted me to move my body forward more and not my hands. So there I was thrusting my body forward for a few counts before she corrected me and told me to use my hands. I'm sure I looked ridiculous. When all else fails just groove it out. As much fun as I'm having my feet are killing me and I'm exhausted but I'm signed up for one more class. I throw in the towel. Another open level class of "popping and boogaloo" but I decide not to do it, mostly because of my fatigue but also because I want to have a huge day tomorrow so I will need to rest up.
I get back to Stace's and flop on the couch in a heap. Goodnight world.
We do a super long warm-up and then some cross floor. She sets out a cross floor exercise of turns. I think to myself "sweet, I'm good at turns" and this cross floor is insane. It's so fast and I'm spinning out of control trying to change my spot, change directions, and still whip out the turns. I get through but I haven't felt like I've flailed that bad turning in some time.
We then do a combo that I do but I'm not exactly fired up about: plenty of reaching, breathing, and soft movement. This isn't a dance I would necessarily choreograph, but I do it. Class ends, I've got some time to kill before the evening grind of classes so I meet up with an old friend from camp and we catch up and reminisce about camp days and the wonderful impact camp has had on our lives. It was a great lunch where we pretty much just sat around and laughed. Plus, I tell my friend that with all the classes my energy is low so I get my calorie on by having a huge bacon burger with fries and a beer…. It was great. Conversation must end though and I have to go back to class.
First class of the night is "intro to break dance." Teacher goes over some basic moves and I learn a few variables of warm-up exercises we do back at KDA. Pretty fun top rock part of class but then we get into the floor work. I don't fare quite as well at that. "HIPS UP" I tell myself about 23 times because my ass looks like it weighs about 60 pounds. Teacher then tells us that a lot of breakers put different styles into their breaking like house. I think about throwing some tap in there. As I fart around with different ways to move (tap/break style) while yelling at myself to keep my hips up teacher tells me that what I was doing looks cool. Thanks teacher. I enjoy you being supportive.
Next up is hip/hop 2/3 with a teacher who looks like Taylor Swift…. but ghetto. The room is packed (we aren't in the glorious studio this time) and I am at the back. It's kind of hard to see what is going on. I can tell that my body is tired. Mentally, I'm slowing down and physically I find I'm marking more often and doing combos full out less often, and my feet hurt. I must continue. Like so many of the combos I have done already it is a bit weird at first but as I put it more into my body I get a better feel for it and get through it. This combo was fast an intricate.
After we all learn the combo and start doing it in groups G'd up Taylor swift tells us that we are to free style for 32 counts. "NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" free styling already makes me nervous when I'm back at my "home studio" with people I know. Here I am with nobody I know in a room of pre-professionals! I manage to put some piece of garbage together for 32 counts and get off the dance floor ASAP. Of course, we do it again and I force myself to think to make the most out of it and do the best I can. So the next time up after the combo for the 32 counts I string something together that isn't garbage but it is certainly FAR from amazing. Class ends soon enough with and my tail is between my legs. I'm so tired at this point that I'm contemplating calling it a day. I tell myself to do one more class at least.
LOCKING. It's an open level class so there are an interesting mix of people ranging from very experienced to very beginners. This class was hella fun. A lot of time is just spent grooving and walking around to music. We do a combo that is pretty straight forward as far as the steps go but somehow it is amazingly fun. At one point the teacher came over to correct my arm placement on a move. I didn't understand what she was looking for at first and while she was saying "give it to me" I thought she wanted me to move my body forward more and not my hands. So there I was thrusting my body forward for a few counts before she corrected me and told me to use my hands. I'm sure I looked ridiculous. When all else fails just groove it out. As much fun as I'm having my feet are killing me and I'm exhausted but I'm signed up for one more class. I throw in the towel. Another open level class of "popping and boogaloo" but I decide not to do it, mostly because of my fatigue but also because I want to have a huge day tomorrow so I will need to rest up.
I get back to Stace's and flop on the couch in a heap. Goodnight world.
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Day 2. "I thought she was going to eat me"
I get up and find that I'm sore. What? it's only been 2 classes! I would have done 3 classes if I stayed in Kamloops last night. Oh well. I get a fancy blue highlighter and plan out my days on my fancy brochure schedule.
I was told yesterday that I can't sit in on classes so there goes my plan of just bumming around the studio trying to be the spongiest sponge of knowledge I can be. I decide to take a level 1 jazz class at noon. This class won't have any of "the source kids" in it, they are probably all working their retail jobs to pay for classes. I'm sure I will see them later tonight and this class doesn't have one of them. This class is filled with a nice mix of people. Mostly older some I think are professionals who want some mid-day exercise, some who maybe used to dance in their younger years and still enjoy it, some who are new to dance but have a passion and are in the studio every chance they get, and this one guy who was about 40 who looked like he had never been in a dance class in his life my only thought was that he must be there to win the affections of someone in his life. There are lots of jazz shoes in this class.
I think that this class will be a nice mid day way to spend my time, to work on technique, and to simply take advantage of my time here. Holy $&!% again. I am dripping with sweat 10 minutes into the warm up, but I don't feel too bad about it. I was nowhere near as sweaty as the dude next to me. He took on the mental nickname "shirts" in my head. He came into class about 5 minutes late and looked like he came out of a hot yoga class he did in his shower. In addition to the drenched shirt he was wearing he had 2 shirts on hand for the sole purpose of wiping down is far too wet body. I am not exaggerating either. At one point he left class only to return in a different pair of pants.
This class goes well. A nice slow pace. After the 50 minute warm-up/conditioning bit we do some cross floor. Turns. He set out a turn combo I have done plenty of times before, and I do well. The teacher even calls on me to demonstrate for the class "hey, red shirt what's your name?" "me?" (I had just finished turning and was slightly disoriented. I demonstrate and people politely clap because they feel hay should.
The rest of class is relatively uneventful with one exception. The teacher is me. During the warm-up I thought that the teacher kind of reminded me of myself. Similar flexibility, height and build. He is a much more polished dancer though. cI hadn't thought much of it until going over the combo he asks the class "any questions, comments, concerns?". My brain perks up, "That's my line!" I yelp internally. "what's he going to do next, say cahier or kayak?" I ignore it and think of it as just a coincidence. A few minutes go by and he says it again "any questions, comments, concerns?" I try to ignore it. Then he says it! he added on! the way I add on! except he throws out a new one altogether "corvette's". I hadn't thought about corvette's being extended to the list but I suppose it could have a place. Clearly I am similar to this teacher.
Class ends and I have nothing but time to kill until the next class at 5:30 so I eat on a patio for lunch and then go sit in starbucks to type this out and finally walk over to the library to read my book a bit more. Back to the studio!
Jazz 2/3 with kevin Tookey. I'm looking forward to this class as I have taken a class from him before and he grew up dancing in Edmonton so I kind of know what to expect. The class feels very beautifully simple (and as expected, there are no jazz shoes in this class). Absolutely nothing complicated about any part of the class including wiggling around on the floor for a core warmup. Nice class, but it goes over time and the next teacher is eager to get started.
I have to change and physically sign up for the class and so I walk in 5 minutes late and 2 counts of 8 into the choreography. It's level 2 hip hop which I learned yesterday doesn't feel like an intermediate class. The movements are small and intricate with an emphasis on how the moves are to be done. The teacher tells us halfway through the class that we are too light, too soft, and simply not having an impact on him. He feels nothing from the class. Over the next half of the class he asks for more out of us and in many different ways explains what he wants and what we need to do to give it to him. Everyone picks it up, the swag and the sexiness picks up. We are supposed to be the sexiest and cockiest dancer in the room. We get split into 7 groups of 4 and you can see the anxiety of some people in the class and the teacher tells us this is good because most of the time we dance when it counts we are nervous whether a show, competition, or audition. "Practice dancing nervous." That's great advice I think. The class starts winding down and people are bringing more and more sexy cockiness. Some girl started dancing next to me (for more space, not because I'm special in any way) and while doing the combo the teacher was getting in her face trying to bring more character out of her and holy $&!% she was sexy in that moment. I thought she was going to eat me. And the thing is…. I wanted her to. I even said it to the teacher after class, while I thanked him, that I thought she would eat me, he laughed and understood how when the ladies get going it can be slightly distracting.
This brings me to a picture in the studio. In the one room I have had all my classes to this point there is a huge picture on the back wall of a women doing some sort of jump while dancing. The expression on her face is that of joy and ecstasy. The picture is also somewhat sexual as the lady is wearing a body suit that is see through with her nipples clearly on display. I think this is a good picture for a studio like this. It is for more professional and developed dancers, hopefully at a stage where they are aware and in tune with their sexuality. I think there is a some level of sexuality with most dancing and in a studio for young professionals it is appropriate. Certainly not a picture I would put in a family oriented studio. We do not need a bunch of pre-teens with exposed nipples jumping all around the place.
Again, the classes today were tremendous. I walked out of Harbour on a cool rainy dark Granville street with a smile on my face. This could easily be the backdrop for despair and loneliness but I am in a great mood from the classes I have taken and my time in Vancouver.
Back on the skytrain where I have a brief conversation with a girl who looked nervous and a couple of drunk guys telling me to invest. Yes, another great day.
I was told yesterday that I can't sit in on classes so there goes my plan of just bumming around the studio trying to be the spongiest sponge of knowledge I can be. I decide to take a level 1 jazz class at noon. This class won't have any of "the source kids" in it, they are probably all working their retail jobs to pay for classes. I'm sure I will see them later tonight and this class doesn't have one of them. This class is filled with a nice mix of people. Mostly older some I think are professionals who want some mid-day exercise, some who maybe used to dance in their younger years and still enjoy it, some who are new to dance but have a passion and are in the studio every chance they get, and this one guy who was about 40 who looked like he had never been in a dance class in his life my only thought was that he must be there to win the affections of someone in his life. There are lots of jazz shoes in this class.
I think that this class will be a nice mid day way to spend my time, to work on technique, and to simply take advantage of my time here. Holy $&!% again. I am dripping with sweat 10 minutes into the warm up, but I don't feel too bad about it. I was nowhere near as sweaty as the dude next to me. He took on the mental nickname "shirts" in my head. He came into class about 5 minutes late and looked like he came out of a hot yoga class he did in his shower. In addition to the drenched shirt he was wearing he had 2 shirts on hand for the sole purpose of wiping down is far too wet body. I am not exaggerating either. At one point he left class only to return in a different pair of pants.
This class goes well. A nice slow pace. After the 50 minute warm-up/conditioning bit we do some cross floor. Turns. He set out a turn combo I have done plenty of times before, and I do well. The teacher even calls on me to demonstrate for the class "hey, red shirt what's your name?" "me?" (I had just finished turning and was slightly disoriented. I demonstrate and people politely clap because they feel hay should.
The rest of class is relatively uneventful with one exception. The teacher is me. During the warm-up I thought that the teacher kind of reminded me of myself. Similar flexibility, height and build. He is a much more polished dancer though. cI hadn't thought much of it until going over the combo he asks the class "any questions, comments, concerns?". My brain perks up, "That's my line!" I yelp internally. "what's he going to do next, say cahier or kayak?" I ignore it and think of it as just a coincidence. A few minutes go by and he says it again "any questions, comments, concerns?" I try to ignore it. Then he says it! he added on! the way I add on! except he throws out a new one altogether "corvette's". I hadn't thought about corvette's being extended to the list but I suppose it could have a place. Clearly I am similar to this teacher.
Class ends and I have nothing but time to kill until the next class at 5:30 so I eat on a patio for lunch and then go sit in starbucks to type this out and finally walk over to the library to read my book a bit more. Back to the studio!
Jazz 2/3 with kevin Tookey. I'm looking forward to this class as I have taken a class from him before and he grew up dancing in Edmonton so I kind of know what to expect. The class feels very beautifully simple (and as expected, there are no jazz shoes in this class). Absolutely nothing complicated about any part of the class including wiggling around on the floor for a core warmup. Nice class, but it goes over time and the next teacher is eager to get started.
I have to change and physically sign up for the class and so I walk in 5 minutes late and 2 counts of 8 into the choreography. It's level 2 hip hop which I learned yesterday doesn't feel like an intermediate class. The movements are small and intricate with an emphasis on how the moves are to be done. The teacher tells us halfway through the class that we are too light, too soft, and simply not having an impact on him. He feels nothing from the class. Over the next half of the class he asks for more out of us and in many different ways explains what he wants and what we need to do to give it to him. Everyone picks it up, the swag and the sexiness picks up. We are supposed to be the sexiest and cockiest dancer in the room. We get split into 7 groups of 4 and you can see the anxiety of some people in the class and the teacher tells us this is good because most of the time we dance when it counts we are nervous whether a show, competition, or audition. "Practice dancing nervous." That's great advice I think. The class starts winding down and people are bringing more and more sexy cockiness. Some girl started dancing next to me (for more space, not because I'm special in any way) and while doing the combo the teacher was getting in her face trying to bring more character out of her and holy $&!% she was sexy in that moment. I thought she was going to eat me. And the thing is…. I wanted her to. I even said it to the teacher after class, while I thanked him, that I thought she would eat me, he laughed and understood how when the ladies get going it can be slightly distracting.
This brings me to a picture in the studio. In the one room I have had all my classes to this point there is a huge picture on the back wall of a women doing some sort of jump while dancing. The expression on her face is that of joy and ecstasy. The picture is also somewhat sexual as the lady is wearing a body suit that is see through with her nipples clearly on display. I think this is a good picture for a studio like this. It is for more professional and developed dancers, hopefully at a stage where they are aware and in tune with their sexuality. I think there is a some level of sexuality with most dancing and in a studio for young professionals it is appropriate. Certainly not a picture I would put in a family oriented studio. We do not need a bunch of pre-teens with exposed nipples jumping all around the place.
Again, the classes today were tremendous. I walked out of Harbour on a cool rainy dark Granville street with a smile on my face. This could easily be the backdrop for despair and loneliness but I am in a great mood from the classes I have taken and my time in Vancouver.
Back on the skytrain where I have a brief conversation with a girl who looked nervous and a couple of drunk guys telling me to invest. Yes, another great day.
Monday 25 October 2010
harbour week 1.
day 1. "a little tight, but I'll be fine"
In the time building up to my trip to harbour I was experiencing different emotions. Part of me was really excited to go and train hard for a week and devote this time to a real passion of mine. Another part of me was not looking forward to it at all. I mean it's kind of a pain in the ass. I had to book the time of work (without pay) and of course a week in vancouver ain't cheap either. But I was committed to do this and this week will be great!
So it starts with the bus trip down. The first things I notice is how great it is to people watch, which I did sitting in the greyhound station, when I haven't done that in a while. The highlight definitely being a mother and daughter do the money dance…we've all seen it…. something like this:
mother: do you have enough money? (concerned for child)
daughter: I'm a little tight, but I'll be fine (I don't NEED the money but feel free to give me some mom)
mother: ok
About 40 seconds go by
mother: are you sure you'll be fine (I know you want it but you must ask)
daughter: maybe I should take it (that was easy)
mother: here you go (damn, still not too proud to take money from her mother)
Anyways.. then I'm on the bus. Hardly anyone there. Nobody beside me in front of me or behind me which means I can stick my elbows out, feet front, and lean back without being concerned for anyone else's "bubble". I sit reading most of the bus ride and didn't listen to my ipod once. Just enjoying the book, the travel, the silence, the journey I was on. This week will be great.
Off the bus and onto the train. Skytrain that is. First time on the skytrain… but don't worry I looked like I had ben on the train 100 times. Act tired instead of bewildered. Works overtime. Then I actually go to harbour.
I wasn't really sure what to expect form harbour. My first impression was that I felt like I was in the opening scene of "Fame." Tight crowded hallways full of experienced dancers who are all friends. This is their head quarters, their "home studio" if you will. So here I am bustling through all these people and "the source kids" with my two huge bags asking about a thousand questions at the front desk while the regulars are waiting for me to move just to swipe their membership cards. So I go and change in the change room…. there is a change room just for guys! and it's a decent size! and it has a bathroom! clearly this is a place "for men to dance." So I come out of the change room and the hallways are still packed while everyone waits for the class before to end.
It is important at this time to mention that I didn't get a "snobby vibe" from anyone. I got the impression that when looked at people simply thought "another new guy, whatever" as opposed to "WHO is THIS? he isn't like US! I'm the BEST!"
So then class starts. Level 2 hip hop. Level 2 is for intermediate dancers…..I should be fine. We start learning this combo in a wonderfully large, wonderfully loud, wonderfully artistic, wonderfully unkempt studio. The steps to the dance are fine. The combo has a smooth sexy feel to it with plenty of body rolls to go around. It doesn't hurt that the room is filed with very FIT and ATTRACTIVE young LADIES ranging from ages 17-23 doing their SEXY body rolls while sweating. This helps me get into character of course….. strictly professional. I'm off topic.
So the steps were going fine. And then the teacher puts on the music and holy $&!% this is fast…. but "don't worry" the teacher re-assures the class. "Take your time". Perfect, all I have to do is take my time while the music beats me up and taunts at me to keep up with it. I get through the combo alright but by no means was a stand out performer. This is proven when towards the end of class the teacher hand selects some guys to do the dance "give it up for the fellas" he says to the class. The problem is that there is me and 2 other guys who apparently aren't one of the 'fellas' chosen to perform for all the sweaty, pretty, young, body-rolling….. I'm off topic again. The class ends with the teacher doing the combo as well as continuing to what we have yet to learn. He is amazing! This is why I am here.
Second class. Street jazz. I wonder what shoes I should wear. My hip-hop shoes? bare fee? my jazz shoes? can't be jazz shoes because everyone in this room I bet is too cool for jazz shoes. I bet they would probably all rather wear their fancy funky socks they paid $28 dollars for. I find out soon enough. I see a couple people entering the room with runners and high-tops on. "OK" I think to myself. "red nike's, here we go again"
This class I know I will have fun in. The teacher starts by telling us about the music being "Jannelle Monae" whom I already love. We start the combo as waking up cyborgs…. I KNOW I will like this class. The steps are easier then hip hop but the combo requires even bigger movement and there is considerably more people in this wonderful dancing room. I'm actually concerned about kicking the girl behind me in the face at one point. As a quick side note, I stepped on my dancing neighbour later in the class. she took it in stride though. The class progresses and although I don't struggle with doing the steps I struggle big time with remembering the steps. My brain hurts. It's been a long day. I became very inconsistent. Sometimes when running the combo I nail it feeling like I was performing amazingly. Other times I can visualize myself being boo'd off the stage by the invisible audience for not being able to remember a level 1/2 combo!
I hop back on the skytrain (like the skytrain pro I am) to get to Stace's house (who has generously let me stay with her for a few days). We chat for while. I talk to my significant other, she talks to hers. I test her on flashcards she has made up for her upcoming test this week on every muscle and nerve in the body. The night end calmly as I fall asleep on the couch. A good day 1.
In the time building up to my trip to harbour I was experiencing different emotions. Part of me was really excited to go and train hard for a week and devote this time to a real passion of mine. Another part of me was not looking forward to it at all. I mean it's kind of a pain in the ass. I had to book the time of work (without pay) and of course a week in vancouver ain't cheap either. But I was committed to do this and this week will be great!
So it starts with the bus trip down. The first things I notice is how great it is to people watch, which I did sitting in the greyhound station, when I haven't done that in a while. The highlight definitely being a mother and daughter do the money dance…we've all seen it…. something like this:
mother: do you have enough money? (concerned for child)
daughter: I'm a little tight, but I'll be fine (I don't NEED the money but feel free to give me some mom)
mother: ok
About 40 seconds go by
mother: are you sure you'll be fine (I know you want it but you must ask)
daughter: maybe I should take it (that was easy)
mother: here you go (damn, still not too proud to take money from her mother)
Anyways.. then I'm on the bus. Hardly anyone there. Nobody beside me in front of me or behind me which means I can stick my elbows out, feet front, and lean back without being concerned for anyone else's "bubble". I sit reading most of the bus ride and didn't listen to my ipod once. Just enjoying the book, the travel, the silence, the journey I was on. This week will be great.
Off the bus and onto the train. Skytrain that is. First time on the skytrain… but don't worry I looked like I had ben on the train 100 times. Act tired instead of bewildered. Works overtime. Then I actually go to harbour.
I wasn't really sure what to expect form harbour. My first impression was that I felt like I was in the opening scene of "Fame." Tight crowded hallways full of experienced dancers who are all friends. This is their head quarters, their "home studio" if you will. So here I am bustling through all these people and "the source kids" with my two huge bags asking about a thousand questions at the front desk while the regulars are waiting for me to move just to swipe their membership cards. So I go and change in the change room…. there is a change room just for guys! and it's a decent size! and it has a bathroom! clearly this is a place "for men to dance." So I come out of the change room and the hallways are still packed while everyone waits for the class before to end.
It is important at this time to mention that I didn't get a "snobby vibe" from anyone. I got the impression that when looked at people simply thought "another new guy, whatever" as opposed to "WHO is THIS? he isn't like US! I'm the BEST!"
So then class starts. Level 2 hip hop. Level 2 is for intermediate dancers…..I should be fine. We start learning this combo in a wonderfully large, wonderfully loud, wonderfully artistic, wonderfully unkempt studio. The steps to the dance are fine. The combo has a smooth sexy feel to it with plenty of body rolls to go around. It doesn't hurt that the room is filed with very FIT and ATTRACTIVE young LADIES ranging from ages 17-23 doing their SEXY body rolls while sweating. This helps me get into character of course….. strictly professional. I'm off topic.
So the steps were going fine. And then the teacher puts on the music and holy $&!% this is fast…. but "don't worry" the teacher re-assures the class. "Take your time". Perfect, all I have to do is take my time while the music beats me up and taunts at me to keep up with it. I get through the combo alright but by no means was a stand out performer. This is proven when towards the end of class the teacher hand selects some guys to do the dance "give it up for the fellas" he says to the class. The problem is that there is me and 2 other guys who apparently aren't one of the 'fellas' chosen to perform for all the sweaty, pretty, young, body-rolling….. I'm off topic again. The class ends with the teacher doing the combo as well as continuing to what we have yet to learn. He is amazing! This is why I am here.
Second class. Street jazz. I wonder what shoes I should wear. My hip-hop shoes? bare fee? my jazz shoes? can't be jazz shoes because everyone in this room I bet is too cool for jazz shoes. I bet they would probably all rather wear their fancy funky socks they paid $28 dollars for. I find out soon enough. I see a couple people entering the room with runners and high-tops on. "OK" I think to myself. "red nike's, here we go again"
This class I know I will have fun in. The teacher starts by telling us about the music being "Jannelle Monae" whom I already love. We start the combo as waking up cyborgs…. I KNOW I will like this class. The steps are easier then hip hop but the combo requires even bigger movement and there is considerably more people in this wonderful dancing room. I'm actually concerned about kicking the girl behind me in the face at one point. As a quick side note, I stepped on my dancing neighbour later in the class. she took it in stride though. The class progresses and although I don't struggle with doing the steps I struggle big time with remembering the steps. My brain hurts. It's been a long day. I became very inconsistent. Sometimes when running the combo I nail it feeling like I was performing amazingly. Other times I can visualize myself being boo'd off the stage by the invisible audience for not being able to remember a level 1/2 combo!
I hop back on the skytrain (like the skytrain pro I am) to get to Stace's house (who has generously let me stay with her for a few days). We chat for while. I talk to my significant other, she talks to hers. I test her on flashcards she has made up for her upcoming test this week on every muscle and nerve in the body. The night end calmly as I fall asleep on the couch. A good day 1.
Monday 4 October 2010
25 years of life
so I just turned 25. A quarter century. a Piece of pie.
In the past few weeks leading up to my birthday I have found that I have been extremely reflective of my life to this point. I normally don't even care too much about my birthday and I'm not sure if my talent for staying alive is worthy of celebrating or acknowledging. hurray! I keep surviving! For some reason this year is different. I have been thinking quite a bit about my childhood, past experiences, and the person I am these days and here are some of my thoughts.
when I think about childhood almost all of my memories are positive. playing with my siblings, sunday afternoons at grandmas house, playing with the neighbors in the summer, sunday night dinners, and of course all of the special occassions like thanksgiving and christmas.
My girlfriend asked me just yesterday to name the 5 best moments in my life, and to my own surprise, I almost instantly was able to come up with my top 5. none of my top 5 involve getting married or having kids but I must say that I have enjoyed the journey and the next 25 should be interesting as well.
What I've been thinking a lot about lately is my life currently. At this stage of life, more than any other I have had or will have, I feel able to make my own life without having to worry about how my decisions impact others. I have the resources and knowledge to literally do anything or pursue any venture and not have a house and kids to worry about... to be tied down or set roots. What is interesting about having the world at my fingertips is that I am doing quite the opposite. I am looking to get a long term full time position with a good salary and stability. It is amazing how practicality can impact me. It is also amazing how dreams can conflict with each other. So when I think about my life now, I think about all the things I could do if I drop everything and how dropping everything would destroy so much of what I have worked for to this point.
When I really think about my life what stands out to me and the thing I want to do right now most is impact the lives of others. I feel like I have so much to give to the world and the people around me and that it almost always falls flat. this world we live in is so rushed, so saturated, so isolating that I find it discouraging that there are so few times we as people really connect. and I mean truly connect as human beings. We are too busy and too afraid to share how we feel and too worried about what social norms tell us are acceptable to break them. As I criticize it I know I am part of the problem. I would love very much to just sit and talk and listen with the people around me and connect with them but I am busy, I brush things off, I refuse to hear and see what is going on around me. I see the problem and am part of it. There is always something that needs to be done, always a time limit, always something prevents growth.
Of course, I have had many instances where I have been impacted by the people around me, often in ways they would look back on as insignificant. Profound for me. I hope I have done the same for others
My life has been good to this point. It will remain good I am sure but I miss being care-free and without restrictions.
I will end emphasizing that my life has been very good to this point and I have very few regrets. I will end with a couple of quotes.
"habit it a poor substitute for happiness"
"what would you do if you weren't afraid?"
In the past few weeks leading up to my birthday I have found that I have been extremely reflective of my life to this point. I normally don't even care too much about my birthday and I'm not sure if my talent for staying alive is worthy of celebrating or acknowledging. hurray! I keep surviving! For some reason this year is different. I have been thinking quite a bit about my childhood, past experiences, and the person I am these days and here are some of my thoughts.
when I think about childhood almost all of my memories are positive. playing with my siblings, sunday afternoons at grandmas house, playing with the neighbors in the summer, sunday night dinners, and of course all of the special occassions like thanksgiving and christmas.
My girlfriend asked me just yesterday to name the 5 best moments in my life, and to my own surprise, I almost instantly was able to come up with my top 5. none of my top 5 involve getting married or having kids but I must say that I have enjoyed the journey and the next 25 should be interesting as well.
What I've been thinking a lot about lately is my life currently. At this stage of life, more than any other I have had or will have, I feel able to make my own life without having to worry about how my decisions impact others. I have the resources and knowledge to literally do anything or pursue any venture and not have a house and kids to worry about... to be tied down or set roots. What is interesting about having the world at my fingertips is that I am doing quite the opposite. I am looking to get a long term full time position with a good salary and stability. It is amazing how practicality can impact me. It is also amazing how dreams can conflict with each other. So when I think about my life now, I think about all the things I could do if I drop everything and how dropping everything would destroy so much of what I have worked for to this point.
When I really think about my life what stands out to me and the thing I want to do right now most is impact the lives of others. I feel like I have so much to give to the world and the people around me and that it almost always falls flat. this world we live in is so rushed, so saturated, so isolating that I find it discouraging that there are so few times we as people really connect. and I mean truly connect as human beings. We are too busy and too afraid to share how we feel and too worried about what social norms tell us are acceptable to break them. As I criticize it I know I am part of the problem. I would love very much to just sit and talk and listen with the people around me and connect with them but I am busy, I brush things off, I refuse to hear and see what is going on around me. I see the problem and am part of it. There is always something that needs to be done, always a time limit, always something prevents growth.
Of course, I have had many instances where I have been impacted by the people around me, often in ways they would look back on as insignificant. Profound for me. I hope I have done the same for others
My life has been good to this point. It will remain good I am sure but I miss being care-free and without restrictions.
I will end emphasizing that my life has been very good to this point and I have very few regrets. I will end with a couple of quotes.
"habit it a poor substitute for happiness"
"what would you do if you weren't afraid?"
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