From Inside Out

Unknown to many, I undertook dance training at quite a 'late' stage in my life, in my early 20's. It is considered late judging from the numerous young talent who started off at the tender age of three or four. Mother enrolled my sister and I into Ballet classes when I was around eight. We did RAD graded ballet for a few years before we stopped, due to some personal matters.

I vividly recall earlier memories when I first fell in-love with dancing. My parents took me to a charity dinner/dance event featuring international ballroom dancers sashaying their way across the dance floor in their glorious ballroom dancing gowns. I was enthralled by all of it. I remember positioning myself next to the dance floor, engrossed with the fluidity in their moves, not taking my eyes off them the whole night. 

Soon, through various performing exposures in pre-school and music school, I got bitten my the performing bug.

Looking back, it was a lot of hard work to catch up from where I stopped. Upon graduating from university and securing a full-time job, I signed up for dance classes again to revive my techniques, or whatever I had through years of amateur after-school dance rehearsal training. I lost the flexibility I had when I was younger, and it took me two years to be where I am today.

I realised that I could not progress any further in my craft back in Malaysia. Most classes are catered to the younger generation. Unlike the opportunities laid out before me over here in Melbourne, there are very few adult classes that focus on equally on technique and choreography.

Weeks, even months, before I finally decided to make my move over here, I did a thorough research on where I could further my training without putting too much strain on my bank account. 

It has been almost two months since I got here, and I have gone to a few classes. My main focus is to continue strengthening my ballet technique. And my major concern is to go under the tutelage of not only a good teacher, a school that is welcoming to students of all forms and ages. 

Few weeks ago, I had one of my most discouraging experience in one of the schools closer to where I am staying right now. Another few weeks prior to that, I attended a casual Beginner's class to determine my 'level' as the school focuses on Russian technique (something I have been gradually catching up on since I got here). I enjoyed the class, though the teacher was employed casually by the school and could not answer most of my questions. She suggested I should drop by some other day in the evening and speak to the school's principal, which I did. And it was not a very pleasant experience.

Thankfully, that was just an alternative option as I found another place to continue my ballet, and I really love it there - City Dance Centre in Armadale. Sakura, the instructor, teaches one of the best adult ballet classes I have ever been to. Not only is she observant and patient (and all the qualities a great teacher possesses), she makes the classes really welcoming to everyone, regardless of age, background or whether they have previous dance experience. If I am not mistaken, it is also the only studio that offers an adult pointe work class.

After my experience with the other school and being away from ballet for a few weeks as I was preoccupied with moving, one can not fathom how happy I am to be back in class at CDC. Since my first class with Sakura in early September, I knew that's where I want to be. It feels like home and everyone in the class is like family. She also takes time to talk to everyone, and that communication part is vital.

Personally, I think it is important to  do something you love in an environment that does not demotivate you. There was a brief period when I was reconsidering my goals in performing arts. I was wondering if I should have just gone corporate, knowing I can pretty much excel in that area with my work experience. However, this week, I fell in-love again with dancing. I may not be a professional dancer, however one wants to interpret the meaning of 'professional' in this context, yet I can not see my life without dancing and performing. Which is why, when asked, I prefer to tell someone that I am a 'performing artist' instead of categorizing my craft in a certain area. As performing artists, we find the joy in performing, not be razzle-and-dazzled by the limelight. 

Before I got here, I managed to get hold of the founder of Bounczn Dance Company and have been in constant communication with her via Facebook. It might seem odd to some that there is this exchange going on between us even before I reach the soils of this country. Michelle is a really good role model for younger people and I am glad she founded the dance company. She has invited some really great choreographers in Melbourne to conduct masterclasses at affordable prices (a standard 60-minute drop-in class here is $20). I think it is a blessing in disguise, that the Universe has allowed our paths to cross. At the moment, I am attending rehearsals with the dance company for their year-end show. I have to say, every rehearsal is always inspiring. The dancers are extremely friendly and talented in their own ways. 

Thanks to Bounczn, I also had the privilege to attend a masterclass by one of the world's leading choreographers, Dave Scott, over the weekend. I think after that spiral downwards in my creative growth, that was the boost I needed. Albeit, hip hop ain't exactly my style, I had fun learning from him.

With Mr Dave Scott

So, that is just about the extend of my dance journey here in Melbourne. In weeks to come, I will share my progress and also write about Depart 3, which, if you are in Melbourne on December 13th & 14th, you should definitely come check it out as the whole group has been working really hard to piece it together.

I guess I need to let out this ball of emotion in regards to my dance journey. I have had many people asking me if it is 'too late to start enrolling into classes'. The answer is, "No". It is never too late. It differs from one person to the other. It may seem easy for some, and to the rest of us, we have to put in that extra effort in order to excel and make up for the lost time. Nevertheless, with sheer endurance and determination, nothing is impossible. For example, one can't expect to be flexible overnight; it takes regular stretching and lots of sweat and tears - literally.

As the year comes to an end, I can proudly say that I have seen major improvements and have reached most of the goals I set out for this year. This learning curve will never cease to grow and I hope it will inspire others too.

Thanks for reading thus far ... 

This post is reflected on my Dancing Tales journal too.