I started August looking for a good studio/school for jazz. My friend was so nice to accompany me around Manila as we took sample classes. I've tried quite a few but none of them really passed what I wanted. Most of them were like gym classes wherein you just dance and you don't really get corrected and all. Since this friend of mine was in a ballet school which offers jazz in particular seasons, she asked me to try it out in her school. I did and I was more than happy to be able to be a part of PSB!
I started jazz in PSB in September. They were only offering intermediate jazz because almost all their jazz dancers were already in advanced ballet. Jazz being a split of ballet and contemporary and the school catering mostly to who they already have, they offer intermediate. I was kind of hesitant at first because I didn't know jazz to get in in the intermediate level already. I tried the first trial class (for free), got all crazy because the steps were given too fast (and the others got them right away!), but I had fun. I got nervous at some points and there were times that I didn't want to attend classes anymore because I felt like I was too "raw" to join, but I just shrugged off the feeling and here I am, four months after.
The journey has been fun and challenging. I am probably one of the most inflexible people ever. I started without being able to touch my toes, with always feeling heavy, and with having cramps the morning after classes. Now, I can reach my toes (lol) and I have better muscle strength and flexibility. I am not as flexible as a ballerina yet, but I'm better than before... and that's good!
I am not really super close with anyone in class yet (expect my old friend, of course) but it got better when the recital neared. Some of them were really friendly and most are encouraging. Almost everyone is at least 4 years younger than I am, but I am happy that I am still able to "understand" and have fun with that generation.
The teacher was good and funny! He didn't expect too much and give too much pressure when I couldn't follow the steps or do them properly (but I really tried to). He gave me different exercises and he was just nice in totality.
Here are some pictures I took:
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First few steps of the dance (I had to draw them--hehe!) |
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With the ate who closes the studio every night. She always brings Kyle (dog) with her and I always get scared. Eep! |
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With Zy'e after one of the rehearsals |
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I have always wanted one of these and now I have them! I have always been fascinated with its heels. |
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After I practiced the dance at home! Kinda sweaty and all. |
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Because of jazz, I try to stretch and do more exercises. Here I am after one at home. Career! |
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Outside the studio. Waiting for our sundo. |
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Bruises. I also had some on my knees but there are no pictures. |
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What I do when I come early enough for warm up but not part of the class. Heee! |
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Last reminders for the recital! Company call. I was only familiar with the jazz dancers. There were lots of ballerinas! We almost filled the whole studio! |
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Because of jazz, I was "forced" to learn to do my own make up. Not bad? |
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After our TDR! Weeee! Star City Theater has really clean and bright dressing rooms, btw. |
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Me after the show (with a pretty bouquet!) |
Props to the other dancers for always trying their best in all the dances. From the babies to the ates, they were all a joy to watch. The character dances were short but beautiful. I loved Habagat too. I love the entire show, bias aside. I used to have moments of sleepiness when watching classical ballet but for this one, I never felt sleepy. This maybe because I am part of the show but I guess this is more of because I somehow saw each and everyone work their butts off for a great performance. I now know how hard it is to do some of the ballet steps, how you want to do everything right and almost perfect.
I enjoyed my stay and I hope to continue next year! They don't offer jazz until March and I am not sure if I want to join ballet first. Eep! Anyway, thank you PSB for the experience! =)
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