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!!  :)

Groundswell

Departing from Malaysia was not an easy decision to make, especially when things have been going quite well this year (minus the few to-be-considered petty issues). Sometimes I ponder about the choice I made, wondering if I chose the right path at the correct time. Though, when will one ever know what lies beyond the veil until one takes that leap of faith? The past weeks, I learned to change my train of thought, and re-evaluate my purpose and goals. Once I did that, I realised I have developed so much more in the past two months than I ever did this whole year. It is how you set your mind to situations beyond your control that matters. Suffice to say, I am looking forward to see how my year ends, and the adventures patiently waiting for me the following year.

Hope you are having a great start to the week. Remember, you can do anything if you set your mind to it.

When Life Give You Lemons

Never would I ever imagine me saying this, "Today is just Not My Day!".

I often come across statuses or hear my peers proclaiming that it is not their day. I would never even contemplate how that would feel like as I like to look at every obstacle as a nourishment to my personal growth. 

However, events of today took a direct curve ball, and I was met with one obstacle after next. At the end of my work shift today, I thought that was just it, and wanted to heave a sigh of relieve. When I got home, I was met with some unpleasant news.

Most people might find it a small issue. I think my 'problem' here is I can take my work really seriously, which is how I conditioned myself these few years. I like working with people who are professional in everything they do, hence am applying that to my own work ethics too. Nevertheless, things slip at times, and least to say, when it is something I did not foresee heading my way, it cracks me up, especially when one situation leads to the other.

Dang! This 'perfectionist' trait ain't working well in times like this. I really don't fancy disappointing people, moreover if it's my employer. Get what I mean?

Irregardless of all the things that happened today, I also crossed paths with some kind-hearted and considerate souls. I ought to focus on such fine occurrences, though mentally, I am pretty messed up right now. 

There is this negative aura that I desperately want to get rid of right now. It is pulling me down, imprisoning me in this dark abyss.  

I will give myself one night to get over this. 

I will wake up anew tomorrow morning and start this week fresh, all over again.

Positive thinking.

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>>>