Everyday We're Shuffling

Early this month, I shot my second TV Commercial for Melbourne's Cheapest Cars - seriously, the cars are dirt cheap!! No kidding. Not because I am in the commercial. I spent the whole day at the garage in Moorabbin and was quite surprised myself at the low prices.

Anyway, here is the advertisement for their Rocking Summer Sale!! Trust me, shuffling in corporate wear and heels under the hot basking sun was not an easy task. Nevertheless, it was great fun working with the whole team from Brave Films. Extremely organised !! If you are looking for a highly reliable and organised production crew, they are your people. I have worked with quite a number of people in the industry to know that.

REFLEKTOR

Source

Last evening, I decided to give Chris his Christmas present because I-just-couldn't-wait. We exchanged gifts and.... he got me tickets to see Arcade Fire in Melbourne next month!!

AHHHHHHHHHH.....

I iz a happy kid.

By the way, we are catching Vampire Weekend early next month. So I will practically be OD-ed on music. Me likey.

Here's a video to tantalise your ear-buds! Can't wait to see them live!!

Sweet Like Lemons

Christmas is next week!! Can you believe how fast time flew by this year?? It is the time of the month/year where I normally sit myself down and reminisce over my accomplishments *crosses fingers* of the year and the numerous things I have to be grateful for, which I really am. It is also that time where I tick off goals I set for this year, and ponder about what I want to achieve in the new year. I will have to get back to you on that as I have not found the time to do so -excuses- though I will definitely get working on them this week.

My body is recuperating at the moment after the end-year fundraiser show with Bounczn Dance Company. I woke up this morning longing to dance, knowing that this is the last week for classes before every school closes for the holiday season. However, my right ankle is still in pain and I know I ought to let it rest after the weeks of rehearsals we had. On the other hand, my knees are feeling a bit weak too. I do not fancy these limitations occurring within my body. Times like this where I think being bionic serves its purpose - just oil 'em limbs and be ready to go again. 

Back in July this year, I was surfing the internet for possible work while getting to know the industry in Melbourne before I moved here. It was indeed a huge leap of faith, having to let go what I have attained back in KL, though a part of me still felt unsatisfied and was longing for bigger means. It was then that I chanced upon Michelle aka Mamma B's post on Facebook and shot her a message expressing my interest to be a part of the Bounczers. 

Unknowingly, I was welcomed with open arms and everyone in the company is so down-to-earth, talented and inspiring in their own ways. I met most of the dancers when I participated in BDC's Open Community Classes. It was a great initiative bringing such great choreographers each week to teach a one-hour class, at an affordable price! 

Through the open community classes and our first few sessions with Depart 3 choreographers, Jonathan and Gilbert, I rekindled my love for dance. It has been a pretty rough ride on-and-off, with me questioning my path in this line of work. At one point, I even thought of giving up, until I was reminded why I chose to dance.

BDC's got a pretty intensive warm-up, unlike the regular mild stretching/cardio sessions you get in other dance classes. Within the nine weeks of rehearsing for this show, I saw changes in my physique, and even have the strength to plank for no less than 3-minutes (well, exclude the occasional 'I-Can't-Do-This' moments).

Training with the group, especially the choreographers for the show, pushed me beyond my boundaries. I can sense major improvement throughout the training. Mentally, I have learned not to surrender to my slothfulness, knowing that I am stronger than what I think I am. Trust me, there were more than one evening during our routine run-through where I just want to cry and not dance anymore, because my body was exhausted and my legs/feet were aching. Hey! Hard work pays off, I guess.

BOUNCZN Represent with my girl, Beatrice!

Depart 3 - Bounczn Dance Company

SHOWTIME!

Bounczers Chillin' Before Show

A part of our routine got changed the day before our show. I was working on it continuously during rehearsals that the skin on my middle right toe split while doing so. It does not hurt a lot, though it is extremely uncomfortable while dancing. Hence I had to wrap it up during our performance with band aid and surgical tape to make sure it stays intact. Jacob fractured his toe on the first night too. We put our best foot forward and braved through the pain for the love of dance!

Stretching out

It has been a holistic journey participating in Depart 3. The last time I did a full dance performance was during Short+Sweet Dance 2012. Personally, these are the little things that keep that flame within me ignited, and to have people supporting us (me) throughout the process(es). I am blessed to have found my new dance family in Melbourne and can't wait to see what the new year brings for us!

BTS - Depart 3 Teaser

Keep in touch with Bounczn:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BouncznDanceCompany

Website - http://www.bounczn.com
Twitter - @Bounczn

INTERWEBS!!

We are FINALLY connected to the world at our new apartment. Excuse the lack of updates. Even so, I am finding it hard to write, trying to pack my days with productivity - hah! *excuses*

True in a way...

Life has been great thus far. Over the weekend, I booked my second commercial gig here - on my own. Yeshh!! I will reveal more deeds when the commercial is out. We were shuffling under the sweltering heat the whole of Saturday. I might have scored myself a tan too! Here is a behind-the-scene shot I found on Brave TV's twitter page (follow them @BraveAustralia):

Photo credit: Brave TV

On another note, I have been rehearsing for BDC's end-year show - THIS WEEKEND - for the past few weeks. My body is constantly sore, in a nice way (ask any dancer and she/he will tell you how good that feels, kinda). Depart 3 is a product of weeks of blood, sweat, and (almost) tears. There were days where I got so frustrated because I seem to be stuffing up the moves. There were also moments where I felt like giving up because my body was beyond exhausted, though mentally, I kept telling myself that I can push through it, and feel good after.

Planking Challenge

I am so excited for our show. I have not done a full dance piece since S+S Dance Malaysia last year. This is my first Contemporary/African piece too. So if you are in Melbourne on the 13th & 14th December, come check us out at Dancehouse. Tickets are almost sold out, get them online HERE>>

Scenic

We get great sunset views from our balcony when the weather decides to be nice for a change.

Here are some of the views that I'd like to share with you:

1st November 2013

15th November 2013

Derby Kart Street Festival

Spring/Summer means one thing - FESTIVALS!! And I adore the numerous most random (to me) festivals over here. One being the annual Eastment Street Derby Festival in Northcote on the 5th November. It was held in conjunction with the Melbourne Cup Day. Initially I was quite reluctant to checkout the street festival as it sounds like one where people get caught in a claustrophobic environment, get piss drunk and do silly things, which was what happened anyway. Nevertheless, I am glad I got to experience it. Though, as the designated driver, I did not get smashed.

The event starts in the morning with interested individuals signing up for the derby kart race. Basically, there is a mobile elevated platform at the top of the sloppy street (Eastment Street). Participants start from the top of the platform, and upon the sound of the buzzer, race down the slope. Winner is determined by whoever reaches the end of the street first. It was quite entertaining. People (participants, spectators and organisers) were dressed up for the day in quirky outfits. Wish I'd known so I can do so too - hey! It's an odd chance to be able to gear up in something silly.

Crowd playing jump rope after the race

The Smexy One

Sugar Skull Delight

Few weeks back, I modeled for HMUA/Stylist, Pinar Polat.

There were five of us, styled differently for the costume-themed party in Williamstown.

I adore my look that night. I have always wanted to experience being face-painted ala sugar skull.

Working with photographer, Fred Zinggl, was a great experience too. He knows his stuff and communicates with the models, which is a vital for a photographer.

Here are some photos taken on the day/evening, along with the making of the Sugar Skull.

Enjoy!

Transition

Oh, Hello!

Hairography!

Got these killer shoes at the Camberwell Market

Pinar's Delectable Birthday Cake

Check out Fred's photography page HERE>>

Ballet Tea

Body aches to the core.

I am on break from work this week, though not resting from everything else. This week is all for dancing - Contemporary to be exact. 

Last month, I signed up for a membership with Dance House, which is barely a ten minute walk down from where I live. As a new member, I get to do all the classes and workshops during this Tertiary Dance Week for free! My first class was yesterday morning with Russell Dumas. He spoke mainly on the fundamentals, the body, with very little/no dancing, which frustrated some participants as they were expecting a session that will make them move, not a lecture. I, on the other hand, find it really informative, and have been trying to apply it on my body. The most difficult thing about doing Contemporary Dance again after so long is having to break my ballet posture (also mentioned in Russell's talk as he was a professional ballet dancer).

Following the morning class, I stayed on for the workshop session with Steph Hutchinson, having no clue what I was about to receive from those two hours. Well, I briefly read the workshop details but did not plan to participate, hence did not have much of a thought about it. She started off with a bootcamp - great way to wake up my lazy ass and start my week, followed by .. TUMBLING!! It was my first time tumbling, and man, it is addictive!! I always have this fear of doing a handstand, though I just kicked up and flopped onto the mat (not gracefully, yet, unfortunately). Maybe it's because I knew I was in good hands, or maybe I felt pressured that the four other participants were actively going at it. Either way, I had to suppress my 'fear' and just went for it. No regrets! Then she gave us two highly advanced (for me) choreography, which I tried my best to catch up though my mind felt like mush at that time. Overall, it was a great session.

This morning, I did a class with Becky Hilton. She is HILARIOUS!! I wonder if she teaches regularly, I would love to do her class. I shall look on that in a bit. Google has been my best friend since I got here, that's how I discover all these workshops/classes. No doubt, I find it so much easier to move when I 'let go'. However, I am so used to having this sense of control over my upper body (especially), like what we were trained to do in ballet. I still lack coordination, though I am definitely improving (a lot!) from before.

In addition to Tertiary Dance Week, I am also rehearsing for Bounczn Dance Company's end of the year show, Depart 3. Last night, I opened up to the group on some struggles I am facing, having to literally drop everything I had back in Malaysia to move here with so much uncertainty. As highlighted briefly in my previous post, I have developed more than I did in the first half of 2013, which is pretty amazing, if I may say so myself. We are working with two great choreographers for the show. I admit, I lack the stamina needed and have to continue building my strength. Nevertheless, I am glad these guys pushed us beyond our limits. Did I tell you they are extremely welcoming and encouraging? It feels like being in a big family of dancers from different backgrounds.

That pretty much sums up my dance journey for the past two months. I am trying to upload some photos, but the internet connection in the library is pretty sucky at times (when some inconsiderate person watches Youtube or does something that requires heavy bandwidth).

Till then, I will continue updating about Depart 3 in weeks to come. 

If you are in Melbourne on the 13th and 14th December, you should come watch us. Pre-sale tix will be released soon, and there is only a limited number of tickets due to seating. Guess where it's gonna be held? Dance House!!  :)

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.

Psychedelic Pill

If you have been an ardent reader of my blog the past few years, you will know that I have the random-est titles for my blog posts. I am trying to keep things out of the ordinary and type in whatever catches my eye at that moment.

For the past week, I have been extremely preoccupied with our move from the suburbs into the city. I was dropping by the apartment a few hours each day, carrying boxes of stuff over and cleaning the place. It is a semi-furnished unit, with only kitchen cabinets, a fridge, stove and oven (yes!!), pretty complete bathroom with a tub and vanity, a washing machine and a dryer. Nevertheless, some of the electrical appliances in the unit are so dirty, I can not decide which is more disgusting - trying to clean a fridge with moss, the washing machine with brown stuff (looks like insect eggs, bleargh!), or the brown toilet bowl with traces of feces in it. 

I remember reading an article/note some where, that cleaning does not feel like a chore if done an hour or two daily, or at least 10 minutes daily. Which is true, as I gave myself two hours to clean non-stop, then am done for that day. Besides that, I had to go shop for stuff for the unit too. Ahh.. so much to do. Luckily Chris does not work on weekends. I need another brain to help me shop. At the moment, we are almost settled in, just lacking storage compartments for my clothes, and a few shelves and a dresser for our room.

My best discovery today - the post office is less than a five minute walk from our new place!!! I love it! It looks like a well-stocked post office too, with a good variety of post card selections, even better than those tourist shops in the city. Postage is pretty expensive though. To send an international post card, it costs me $1.70. An international letter/card costs $2.60.

I strolled down another five minutes from the post office and came to the neighborhood library. And you know what's the best thing about it? It is part of the Yarra Libraries, and I just upgraded to a full-membership. Yes!!! That entitles me to borrow up to 30 items from any Yarra Libraries. I usually go to the Fitzroy branch, but since this is a stone's throw away, I guess I found my new hangout place. In addition to that, we have no internet at our new place too and I need to work 'from home' few days a week. The internet is pretty slow at times, I am talking about agonisingly slow! Makes me feel like walking to each computer user and check who's downloading huge files with the library connection. That's really inconsiderate as there are people here who need to work (I had to keep refreshing a page because it won't load).

This is a brief update for today. I have so much to share, though I will save it for next time. Gotta head back and get ready for ballet!! I haven't gone to class for .... two/three weeks.

It is a wet day in Melbourne today. Hope the weather improves tomorrow.

Ta!!

ps: There is also a yoga centre near the post office. Ace!

Weekly Digest #001

Let me see how long I can keep this up. I have decided to started logging a 'weekly digest' to compile random stuff that I saw or did in a week, which I have been too busy/lazy to update. Yea... that's pretty much how I roll.

Few weeks ago, Chris and I were at the Darebin Music Festival in Northcote. There was an Awkward Family Photo booth offering shots for FREE, inspired by the website with the same name. I just HAD to snap some with le man. Come on, it's fun!! Anyway, I finally saw the photos posted by the photographer on her Facebook page.

My Favorite, out of the two

Wednesday was pretty hot in Melbourne. I had to buy a skirt from Christopher Ari and change into it as I went out early in the morning (when it was cooler) dressed in jeans. Okay, fine .. it was also a crocheted black skirt that looked really pretty. haha!!

Isn't it lovely??

I strolled into Carlton Gardens on my way to meet Chris near Melbourne Uni from the Fitzroy Library. It was such a beautiful day to be outdoors ... to lay my festival sheet on the grass under a tree, with snacks and a drink, and my nose under the book. Perfect!

It is not hard to fall in love with Melbourne. The city is so people-friendly, with parks, pedestrian lanes, bicycle lanes, ... It is the amount of consideration placed into making it easily accessible, at the same time,  staying environmentally friendly.

I have been hanging around Fitzroy almost every day, mainly because Chris works around that area. Brunswick Street has its own charm. And my favorite place, besides the Christopher Ari shop (haha!) is the Fitzroy Library. I enjoy spending my afternoons there, I even managed to get some work done on Wednesday.

Random artwork plastered on the wall on Rose St

Last week, I started painting again with Chris' mum. I am so rusty at it, the last time I did a scenic water colour picture was when I was still in high school, when my mum would send me to art classes every week. I pretty much .. well, not suck at it, but lack the flair in art as compared to my older sister. What can I say, I am more of a performing arts person.

Painting on the deck at Chris' home

Aside from painting, I cooked a fair bit too. Geeezzz... I am turning more domestic by the minute. Or maybe I am all along, just that I lacked a good kitchen to work in. So far I have made .. Sago Gula Melaka, lasagne, satay sauce (from scratch!!), pizza (dough from scratch, yo!), (failed) beef rendang - the instructions on the packet are too confusing, I should stick to making stuff from scratch!!, and last night's attempt ... Banana Cake!! I am a fan of banana cake, hence am quite particular with how it turns out. I didn't even let Chris to do it, well, except to help me cream the butter. I swear, women in the olden days, before technology and gadgets manipulated the whole baking industry, were so strong. Creaming the butter old school way is not easy. It is really tiring!! Anyone who bakes know that. "Well, then use an electric whisk" - thank you, smarty-pants. But that beats the whole point of it.

On the not-so-leisurely side of things, I went for a few auditions/interviews .. doing some casual work at the moment to replenish my bank account, .. did a couple of shoots the past month which I will update as soon as I can, and... booked my first gig on commercial TV - Foxtel. Yay!!

Okay, I will update again some time over the week. I want to turn off my laptop and immerse myself in my book. I am reading 'After Auschwitz' at the moment, by Eva Schloss, one of the survivors and the stepsister of Anne Frank. 

Till then,

xx

Drinking Responsibly

.. somewhat related to the title of the post...

I FINALLY sat for my Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course. 

For those who aren't aware, the Victorian laws require any employee dealing with or serving alcohol to be RSA-certified. Well, that's if you want to work in a licensed venue in Melbourne and greater Victoria. Bet you didn't know this, the RSA was created in Victoria. Haha! I only found out during the four-hour course.

Well, as working in most festivals or events require one to be RSA-certified, I just sat for it. However, on a personal note, I think it is a very useful course for everyone regardless whether they need it or not, and it should also be introduced back home. After observing how people behave in clubs and the lack of control back home, the RSA training will give people dealing with alcohol-related business a good insight on how to take charge of situations in a professional manner when dealing with extremely intoxicated people.

In general, the course is really informative. I learned about the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), the amount of alcohol in one standard drink (differs in spirits, beers and wine), and of course, the necessary hospitality services and tricks when confronted with intoxicated people who are not aware of their condition and aim to get completely smashed.

So, if you are in Melbourne and interested to do something out-of-the-ordinary (beyond the context of tourist books) .... and four hours to spare, check out the course. I took mine at the Hospitality Training Australia for $50. The instructor is pretty good too; he made the whole course interesting by cracking jokes. The centre is strategically located in Melbourne CBD, on Collins Street. They offer quite a number of hospitality courses too.

Check out their website HERE>>>

RAW Melbourne presents TRANSLATIONS

On September 19th, I walked my very first runway in Melbourne during the RAW showcase. The event was held in The Melbourne Pavilion, in Flemington. They transformed the whole venue into an artsy fartsy platform, with artists exhibiting their work in one section, a graffiti artist at work in front of the bar, jewelry and fashion designers had their pieces for sale to the guests, and hair stylists, make-up artists and stylists collaborating for the runway.

I walked for Double Dutch Design (checkout the jewelry), with crazy funky hair done by Tegan Cramer, and make up by Scarlet Keatinge. The whole setup was insanely magnificent. I love my whole look that night!

Here is a video of the runway compiled and edited by Sandra of DDD

Strip That Cha-Cha

One of my 'primary' concerns a few weeks (or months) before I moved to Melbourne is having to locate a good, reliable yet affordable brazilian waxing salon. There are so many beauty salons in the city itself, though the reviews online are pretty scarce. As I have had horrible waxing experience, I am extremely cautious of where I get my wax done. I spotted a few around Fitzroy but was not sure if they are any good. 

After spending 'way too much time' on Google, scouting for good reviews, I found one place in the CBD and booked my appointment last Friday morning. Hence, to add to the existing tiny pool of reviews on the OuterNet, I shall contribute a log of my brazilian waxing experience at ZIP ZIP WAX with you or whoever is going through similar distress (yes, it is one).

ZIP ZIP WAX is located strategically in the center of Melbourne CBD, on Little Collins Street. The salon that specializes in waxing and tanning services is tucked away in the 'heritage' Melbourne Chambers Building. It is a fairly old building with carpeted stairs, no lifts. To be honest, it is easy to miss the entrance into the building, so spot for 'Michael Hill' and 'Keshetts' Jewellers - the entrance into the building is in between the two. Flinders St Station is just a few minutes' walk away. Thus, Accessibility - Checked!

Aside from my aforementioned preferences, I was also looking for a place that allows me to make an online booking and pay online. These are the services offered by Zip Zip Wax. To schedule an appointment, one can do so via their online schedule, which allows you to choose your preferred therapist and check her availability on the date/time selected. Since it was my first time there, I was not really fussy with whoever's gonna wax me. My appointment was booked and paid for in less than 10 minutes, easy-peasy.

I was 15 minutes early for my appointment and had a brief chat with Nikki(?), and she told me that I was one of the few who actually followed the booking instructions on the website. Ah, well.. I do read fine-print. For first-timers at Zip Zip Wax, a payment is required upon booking your appointment. Best of all, they accept payment via Paypal - plus point! The salon accepts payment via Cash, EFTPOS and Credit Card too. Convenience - Checked!

To book your appointment with Zip Zip Wax, Click Here>>

My session with Elodie was pretty quick. It took barely 20 minutes. Unlike what I was used to back home, only hard wax was used for the brazilian (all-off). It is almost-painless and there was no soreness after that. If you have done brazilian waxing, you'd get what I am referring to. At times, it tends to feel really sore the whole day after waxing. Also, I'd be lying if I say it is completely painless. Elodie is really friendly and we were chatting away throughout the session. Service & Friendliness - Checked!

By the way, a brazilian wax (all-off) is $39. One of the cheapest (and well recommended) I managed to find in Melbourne. Affordability - Checked!

Despite being in an old building, the salon is pretty much spotless and exudes a welcoming and homely ambiance. Cleanliness - Checked!

I will definitely be going back to Zip Zip next month for my appointment. So if you are looking for a place to do yours, check them out. More information can be obtained on their website HERE>>

Address

Level 2 Suite 17

329 Little Collins Street

Melbourne

Operating hours

1000 - 1900 Mon-Fri

1000 - 1330 Sat

Tales of the Stage

I have not been updating as often as I should. Boo-hoo! W'evas, I gotta live a life.

Today I will talk about the stage.

Last night, Chris and I went for King Kong at The Regent Theatre, Melbourne. Since I got here, I have seen mobile ads on trams, buses, train stations, etc, though never had the urge to run to the nearest ticketing counter to grab a ticket, until ... two weeks ago. Chris was browsing the website and asked me to check out a video footage of the gigantic gorilla on stage. I did so, and was sold, on the spot. I want to see King Kong on stage!! Hence we went through all the showing dates, searching for the cheapest ticket and managed to score two (after seeking for almost an hour) for $55 each. 

King Kong is amazeballs!! If you are in Melbourne, I recommend you to watch it. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself:

It was my first time in the Regent Theatre and I was pretty captivated by the whole structure of the building, inside and out. We had pretty decent seats, I would say, though, who can miss the huge prime-ape on stage. The show started with a bang!! Catchy music, tight choreography, flamboyant costumes, creative play of visuals and lights, ... and the list goes on. I was more enthralled by all the dancing and something inside me yearns to get on stage again to perform. I miss it, I love it.  

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair ..."

So pretty!! Medieval-like

I love this dress I got from Christopher Ari
I think I will start wearing more 'First Lady' cuts

With le gorgeous bf who is more gorgeous than me

Speaking of which, I auditioned for a role in an upcoming musical (not to be revealed until I know if I get it or not). Least to say, I have no proper vocal training and don't think I did so well during my first audition. Imagine how I felt upon discovering most of my contenders are vocally trained or have some sort of performing arts certification. Most people here study the art for years, which makes it a tougher industry to break into (though I want to compete with the best). Nevertheless, the casting director was kind enough (maybe he took pity on me? haha) to give me a callback slip for the dance auditions next week. See, one of the requirements as one of the 'dancing ensemble' members is strong ballet technique. I would not say I have strong technique, though I did progress quite a fair bit as compared to where I was last year. For some reason, I can't seem to shift my weight correctly while doing an Assemble (pronounced: en son blay). Hmmm.... anyone want to give me private FOC Ballet lessons (adds to your resume) till I get a paying job?? I ought to post an ad for that on Gumtree, might work.

Pre-audition "I-Am-Freaking-Cold" look

That's all from me for now. I have to go shower and drive into the city to get Le Mann.

I have lots to share, though I will save it for next time. I must write them down somewhere lest I forget what I want to blog about. You know... old age. Haha!

Cheers!