Ballet Manila in Hong Kong

"It's not about the shoes, it's about what you do in them."
-MICHAEL JORDAN

The Asian Grand Prix Mission International Ballet Competition is an international platform created to inspire and recognise the artistic excellence of passionate and dedicated ballet dancers.

This competition aims to provide an opportunity for talented ballet dancers to demonstrate their talents, explore their potentials, and learn from their peers as well as from the professionals.

Outstanding dancers receive cash awards for advancing their career in professional ballet companies or receive scholarships to further their training in renowned ballet schools.

LISA MACUJA
CEO and Director
Ballet Manila, Philippines

Representing Asia, AGP hosts this annual event in Hong Kong and invites ballet stars from all over the world to perform at the Gala Performance.

- AGP  Mission

This year, Ballet Manila will grace the Y-Theatre of their newest masterpiece called "Flight". Its most talented dancers were sent off to participate in the Gala Performance on August 8 (7:30pm) and August 9 (2:30pm).

"Flight" is a combination of all its famous best selling pieces choreographed by world class teachers namely, Agnes Locsin, Augustus Damian III, Gerardo Francisco and the late Tony Fabella.

For those who would like to see them perform, Filipino groups will get huge discounts (HK$80 each) if your group is composed of 20 people and up. Please do leave a comment below if you're interested.

Ticket prices are:

HK$80, HK$180, HK$280, HK$380, HK$480

Another dance project to watch is the Transcendance Project: "Children of War". Presented by Nina Gelladuga,  it is about the war the modern world is currently facing. It says a lot about the precariats, who continuously thrive after the war had been survived. As life's challenges constantly shakes them up, what happens?

That you will get a chance to see on August 15 and 16 from at 8pm in McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre. Tickets are available at URBTIX. Click here to book it. For ticketing enquiries, you may also call 3761-6661 and for credit card telephone booking, 2111-5999. For programme enquiries, you may call 6332 7301 or email children.of.war@gmail.com.

"Each body is affected by its form-of-life as if by a clinamen,
a leaning, an attraction, a taste. A body leans toward what leans its way.
This goes for each and every situation. Inclination go both ways."
- Tiqqun, Introduction to Civil War

"Children of War" is a dance performance reflecting on the social and psychological impact of war on children. As if to offer us relief from the normalisation of war, this performance piece reminds us of the children as both prime symbol of the disruptive impact of a life without reprieve from and an embodiment of an aspiration for gentle, peaceful, settled and dignified life. "Children of War" upholds the lives that children deserve - a life safe from harm, from the traumatic sojourn of refuge, from being orphaned and free from overlapping sound of bombs. In looking at their conditions through dance, bodily propositions, and visual environment, this work not only calls attention to how children have become vestiges of war but of how the adults are themselves children, or to be more precise, surviving children of war.

Proceso Gelladuga II
behind him are his paintings

Further more, it is the inaugural project of Transcendance, an arts initiative that aims to stimulate collaborative multimedia projects by bringing together like-minded artists, dancers, former dancers, dance students and enthusiasts. It endeavours to encompass the limits of what dance performances are expected to be and propose alternative methods of presentation and production of dance. Let by husband and wife, Pro and Nina Gelladuga, Children of War also features dancers Sarah Tang, Johnny Amar, Vincent Egido with lights by Billy Wong, visual design by Koala Yip and music and sound design by Fional Lee. This production is made possible through a venue subsidy grant from the HK Arts Center.

If you have time, please do support my friends, Nina, Pro and Vincent for they truly are creative geniuses. Their passion had brought life to this project. I've known Pro for the remarkable portraits we have at home and I know Nina to be one of the bests in her craft. I've seen Vincent also and his core and technique had been reliable enough for him to be able to dance his heart out. And for me, every artists should be able to emulate the way he does. He's one of a kind. Very soulful and free.

1st Dance and Nature Project 2015 which will happen from August 17th to 29th in Finca Manantial  De Tara, Arafo, located in Camino del Portugues 42, 38550 Arafo, Canarias, Spain, is a unique fusion between nature and the art of dance. It is infusing all nature's 5 elements, into the essence of dance.

The work we will delve into will be primarily focused on one hand on great dance styles such as Flying Low and Passing Through, Contact Improvisation, Release, Physical Theatre and Choreographic methodologies, and on th either on the traditional Alchemy and Fusion energy-meditiations and practices from Taoist and Chi Gong lineage. To enhance the practice, we will infuse Buddhist values and philosophies as well as Kundalini Yoga meditations and Kriyas.

Brief Schedule:

Morning classes: Chi Gong and Kundalini Yoga 

Breakfast

Afternoon classes: Technique and Improvisation

Lunch

Late afternoon class: Improvisation and Creation

Dinner

Free time and space for rehearsals and discussions

Vangelis is organizing this project so as to integrate dance with nature and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) from the Taoist and Chi Gong lineage. We will have intensive workshops but also space and time to develop solo and duets inspired by nature. It is a project where we can reconnect back to mother earth, to find our true nature of being and also reconnect with each other; to reconnect with people from different countries, backgrounds and experiences. We will work in studio but also in Nature, we will have cars to take us to the island so as to work, research and develop in unique place of nature in this beautiful island. Vangelis focuses this project on solo and duet works so as to delve deeper on personal and individual practice and develop our dance language and choreography through a process of self-reflection and introspection.

We have confirmed performance on the 29th of August at the Teatro Victoria with the special support by Roberto Torres, and also to be confirmed we will have performances at the theatre of Arafo and site specific performances as part of the local festivities of municipality of Arafo. Vangelis invites people from all diverse backgrounds and continents so as to collectively create an artistic environment where all participants will evolve not only as artists but also as personalities.

Classes description:

Embodied Unity

Vangelis will teach flying low and passing through improvisation class in combination with five elements Chi Gong. After many years of research Vangelis has created this unique class of fusion of energy work, contact improvisation, flying low and passing through. It is a high technical improvisation class, by working on original flying low sequences and principles to find the right foundation to express and expand from. 

In the afternoon classes Vangelis will facilitate choreography and composition intensive workshops through his yearlong research on Chi Gong and five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) including the meridians from Chinese Traditional Medicine. This will be enhanced influenced by great teachers that have inspired him for many years: William Forsythe, Julyen Hamilton, Gill Clarke and David Zambrano. He will open the space for creating solos and duets to present at the end of the project in the theatre of Arafo and Teatro Victoria in Santa Cruz. We will delve deeper on individual and partnering interconnections but even more important we will connect all five elements (earth, metal water, wood, fire) with nature and the human organs to find a sense of being instead of doing.

Release and Reconnect

Kuan will be teaching release technique improvisation based, floor work, and contact improvisation based on the various and diverse experience she has. We will be using situational games to enhance the body-mind connection and mindfulness awareness. Movement qualities will be a main focus so as to investigate deeper and develop our dance language. During her classes you will explore and confront your own vocabulary through improvisation, contact and partnering. The class will be physical and challenging to reawaken and reconnect the body with the mind. By reconnecting you will explore what moves you in different unique ways so as to express from within.

Physical Theatre | 

Voice and Movement from the Body to Nature

Gamze will focus on waking up the energies of the body with Tao Vinyasa, golden Seed flow and strong breathing technics. We will work in the studio but also in nature so as to take be influence and stimulated through the five elements. We will feel the power of nature within the body so as to explore unknown potentials and nurture unlimited creativity. We will work on improvisational body and voice games and tools, and throughout unearthed feelings we will reflect on our inner self-potentials to express ourselves genuinely and authentically. We will create different embodied movements that will form sequences and choreographic phrases that can present our inner essence influenced by nature itself. We will work on meditation and Chi Gong alongside to the voice, motion, and physical theatre.

How to apply:

Send your CV and a motivation letter to

vangelis.legakis@googlemail.com

Costs for participants:

450 Euros including accommodation and food

400 Euros if apply before 5 July

Contact details:

For more information and a full file of all the activities, teachers, schedule, workshops and theatre performances please contact vangelis.legakis@googlemail.com

2013, Kuan's Birthday,
Red Bar, Hong Kong

I am more than thankful that I get to meet Kuan for she is one of the most talented people I know in Contemporary Dance. She had become a friend and a colleague and in support of what she has to share, I would like to let you know that she would be gracing the students with her knowledge in dance fresh from the classes she had in New York. In pursuit of combining it with nature, Kuan's Chinese culture speaks out. Our bodies and minds co-exist and keeping it in balance is the main objective.

If you will be in Spain during these dates, you might be interested to go for a retreat.

For more of these kind of artistic presentations, shows and getaways, follow the hashtag, #swagginsaturday. You can also follow me by enlisting your email. This way, you wouldn't miss out on anything. Check out the column on the right for submission. If you also would like to showcase some of your projects, missions and get togethers that may need faster announcements, invite me in Facebook as soon you put up the event and/or write me a personal message.

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USHUM MUSHU

Hogan and I were just "voluntears" (Disney's way of calling their volunteers)
2008

Mushu Cheerleading, 2012

Team MUSHU, established in 2008, had been performing very well for the past 3 years in the annual Dragon Boat Festivities both here in Hong Kong and in Singapore. My husband and I had participated in our own right since we knew of the team from work. (I started as a cheerleader, then paddled finally in 2013 but got knocked up so he continued with the legacy alone. LOL!) Yes, you read it right. The team was established from the workplace and besides having the common thing, being champions in paddling, you need to know that TEAM MUSHU is "ushum" (awesome) also as performers. Little did their opponents know, paddling is just an extracurricular activity to them.

Each member of the team are trained and honed to possess special skills that no other competitor, (I'm sure) could own because some of them had been starting since they were 8. The team is composed of dancing athletes, special skill performers and gymnasts that as tough as they may seem, they own a special kind of flexibility... may it be physical or psychological.

Awarding Ceremonies, Discovery Bay Plaza
2009

What does that mean? Majority of the paddlers are parade dancers. Meaning, rain or shine, under a chilly or very hot weather, they do what they do best. And I have to give emphasis on "performing". Despite all these forces of nature, they remain real in aiming to give out world class entertainment  And speaking of forces of nature, some of them eat fire... literally. You would understand what I'm saying if you have seen the Lion King Show. In addition, some of them perform as aerialists, uhm.... they defy gravity more or less everyday, 4 times a day if they get lucky. So, it's really hard to pinpoint the ulterior reason behind every gold this USHUM team gets. Definitely not just luck.

Training with the USHUM MUSHU's, 2013

Beyond the expected physical talents they own, they possess the mindset, the right attitude and one heart in battling out there with veteran racers who had been there way before 2008. Today, it is yet again to be proven in one of the most sought after Dragon Boat Race events, the Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Race, how Team Mushu unites with one common goal, TO WIN.

My daughter and I are on our way to support my husband and the rest of the crew at Discovery Pier. If any of you would like to witness the fun come join us. There would be a special performance by the cheering squad as well late in the afternoon before the announcement of winners would be done  Location: DBAY PLAZA

MUSHU's in Singapore
Men's team, Silver - Women's Team, Gold
DBS Marina Regatta 2015

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HK Disney Auditions June, 2015

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Team Pilipinas All Girls Elite

The very first performance I did was in Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Philippines. It was a wide arena that can hold an estimate of 16,000 people. The lights were bright enough to make me squint before our routine escalated for the half time show for the UAAP Basketball game, Senior Division. It took time for my eyes to adjust but once it cleared, it felt that I was giving in to a calling. I will never forget that mix of emotions - excitement, happiness, eagerness... hunger.

Fast forward to the present, I am now performing at the happiest place on Earth. It is a dream come true.

Hong Kong Disneyland
Flights of Fantasy Parade

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

I studied in the University of Santo Tomas all the way from grade school until college. I loved being there. But, my family went thru a financial crisis after I graduated high school. Because I am so attached to my school, I tried my best to get in the Salinggawi Dance Troupe who was offering full collegiate scholarship back then once an applicant passes the try outs and is able to keep a satisfactory academic performance while in the group. It wasn't easy balancing school with extra curricular activities - every active student knows this is a fact. But I fell in love with dancing. I never felt that it was extra at all. It felt more of a purpose that motivated me to pursue excellence in school. OK, except with attendance because I never wanted to miss dancing for half time shows, so I had my share of failure due to absences. In the end, I had to pursue a different course in a different school, lost my scholarship - it was a lesson learned. It didn't stop me. Some of my seniors encouraged me to dance commercially and that's how my dancing career flourished. Now, I am performing internationally, catering to different types of crowds, working with people from different cultures. I almost may be doing the same thing everyday for 8 years but knowing that what I'm doing brings happiness to people alleviating them from any form of stress pretty much kept me going.

Cheerleading Days
Salinggawi Dance Troupe doing a
halftime routine back in 2000.

Along the way, I have met superbly talented performers. And up until now, I find my jaw dropping whenever I hear co dancers before continuously expanding their gift.

Still a cheerleader in High School Musical shows...

For this post, my rehearsal master (back in my Salinggawi days), co-dancer in Whiplash Dance Company and a senior, above all, Ramon Pagaduan, share a silver medal with a group called Team Pilipinas All Girls Elite. I am truly proud that I know him as the team wins second place all over the world this year from snagging bronze last year in the International Cheer Union. Yearly, they aim to improve to be able to achieve far greater heights.

INTERNATIONAL CHEER UNION

WIKIPEDIA had officially written that the International Cheer Union is recognised by the Sport Accord as the governing body for all cheering competitions, from its rules, locations, judges up to anything that is in relation to it all over the world. This had reached 3.5 million cheering athletes thru the 105 members of the federation and is continuously honing positively cheering youngsters. This gives the young population something to look forward to as they rediscover their strengths, innovate their routines and enhance their creativity.

The world of dance is so vast that its expression cannot be limited to one genre alone. Philippines for one is not a country that excels in only one genre. So many names have been recognised internationally in ballet (Candice Adea), folk dance (Ramon Ubusan Folkloric Dance Group) and hiphop (All Stars). Since 2014, Philippines had been proving their might at International Cheer Union World Cheerleading Championships ranking Bronze. And as they win Silver this year, I took the opportunity to interview Ramon Pagaduan online to give credit to the group members, team coaches and most especially to add glory to Philippine talent over all.

TEAM PILIPINAS ALL GIRLS ELITE

Honestly, I felt more than eager to know how this superb group of young ladies were put together even if it's just thru an online interview. It's a shame not to meet them in person but it us a priviledge to be informed of a little of everything thru Ramon.

Their head coach is Mr. Randell San Gregorio who had been working and brainstorming with a bunch of assistant coaches (Ramon Pagaduan IV, BJ Sayno, & Ivy Tabares) to come up with a strong competitive routine year after year.

The all girls group is composed of members, aged 14-21, both from high school and college levels and were chosen via national try outs. With a strong pursuit of winning gold in ICU, they trained for 2 months, once a week at first (every Sunday). But as the competition drew nearer, trainings got extensive meet ups every day to practice from 10pm to 2am. This was the only time everybody could be present due to classes so it was challenging dealing with rehearsal schedule alone. Being bonded with a common goal, their team captain, Gel Kapunan and co captain, Kailee Arce-Ignacio share a mantra  with their coaches and the rest of its members, "Laban, Team Pilipinas!" ("Fight! Team Philippines!" in translation). Along with numerous representatives from the Philippines, the Team Pilipinas flew to Orlando, Florida, USA and gathered at the Walt Disney World, Resort with a hope that they'd be able to bring home the beef.

As the competition went on, they somewhat had the feeling that they'd win but they stayed humble and just prayed to God to reward them based on what they deserve. 

The team had won the silver medal coming second after New Zealand. Albeit the misfortunes with some falls here and there, the entire routine had been strong and gave justice to the saying, "The show must go on!" After watching all of these kids' routines, I was telling myself, "What vitamins are these kids on these days?" I was a cheerleader but it wasn't that intense during my time. Ha! But I'm proud of Ramon and the rest of the coaching staff for they were able to bring in these exciting elements in the cheer dance to make it possible for these executioners to excel.

RAMON PAGADUAN IV

STARTING OFF

Ramon had always shown leadership back then as he became a rehearsal master as soon as he became a senior of the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe. When I was just starting to learn how to mount and dismount, a basic skill a cheerleader should possess to go further in the training, I remember very well Ramon being present already. He was one of the guys pushing newbies in perfecting their pushups. It's the sort like lifting a girl by two hands while lying down. Picturing that, cheerleading practices are not a joke at all. And if you think teachers and coaches could get strict as they train you up to a point that they don't care, that's entirely a lie. THEY DO CARE MORE THAN ANYBODY ELSE! They are just fulfilling their duty of bringing out the best in you that's why a certain level of "pushing" needs to be done. From time to time, they also struggle seeing the students undergoing stress.

Getting personal with one of the coaches, I asked Ramon how he handles situations like these. His family is important to him that his wife is the first one who gets hold of the information. Even the most recent achievement that he experienced, he called his wife first sharing the hunch from his gut that they have a chance to win the ICU championships.

Ramon had taught for quite some time now (had started in 1996 when he was still in his second year college) and has handled numerous teams. He currently is the team coach of St. Paul College, Pasig, High School Division that earned him 3 WNCAA Championship awards (HS Division) and is the Head Coach and Choreographer of the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe where both of us had started dancing in. It's such an honour to handle a task of continuously moulding a group knowing that you started from the very same one.

TRAMPOLINE OF EVENTS

From handling a lot of teams, Ramon had become honed to expertise as he became knowledgeable along the way. He continuously researches, continuously open to advice and inspiration and remains focused and determined to win each time. The task was daunting since winning the cheerleading competitions had become a big deal amongst schools. Most especially, University of Santo Tomas, who had held straight championships in the UAAP Cheerleading Mania. 

Ramon Pagaduan
Coach/Choreographer
UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe
& St. Paul College, Pasig
-HS division

Being able to serve back to where you came from is such a prestige but it often comes with great expectations. And the worst part is, the temptation to address these expectations build up crazily. With this kind of process, Ramon chooses to calm down, gets to work by squeezing his creative juices then works hard in making it happen. These undertakings were all a blessing in disguise. It had made Ramon ready for any kind of challenge.

From the coaches, to the dance captain, and to each and every one that compose Team Pilipinas All Girls Elite, it's undeniable that all of them had to deal with great expectations from colleagues of their own. In general, the fact that the team won Bronze last year was a challenge in itself so they were aiming to keep it or go farther than that. None of us are perfect. But, as shared by Ramon, the group had trained hard then prayed hard. They all have the same intention of dancing all for the glory of God, that every step they do, it'll all be because they want to give back to the people and spectators the talent that was bestowed to them.

With that being said, I asked Ramon how it feels that God had blessed them abundantly by being qualified, getting the routine finished on time, being able to perform internationally and most especially, winning Silver out of all the teams that had joined. He simply answered, "I'm blessed." According to him, he's most thankful to the entire process of how the team developed and had kept the faith towards themselves in giving their best. It's always a prestige for Philippine talent to be recognised abroad but with this success comes the hope in Ramon that his seniors, teachers and the entire Salinggawi alumni (and those by heart) would also be proud of what he had become. I was once part of the Salinggawi family and I, for one, am proud.

Team Pilipinas All Girls Elite
Silver Medalist (2015)
International Cheer Union
All Girls Elite Cheering Competition

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HK DISNEYLAND AUDITIONS THIS MARCH

Find your light. Come for an audition!

"Find Your Light"

Filipinos are naturally warm, friendly and hospitable. When foreigners ask what Philippines is like, I am very proud to describe the places, the food and most of all how our culture had evolved and that how we all have become survivors. In addition, the Filipinos are undeniably amiable, talented and genuinely concerned towards others. Despite the hardships that we face, we find light in any circumstance. Probably religion is one of the reasons how we do it and why we remain so. Also, Filipinos are happy people. They may have struggles but those don't stop us from celebrating life. With that being said, one of the greatest asset of a Filipino is his smile.

Hong Kong Disneyland agrees and it encourages Filipinos to come and visit its resorts and theme parks where you could unleash the light in you . The campaign to bring out the Disney in you in the Philippines had started with this video.

Right now, there are over 200 Filipino workers who make magic everyday in Hong Kong Disneyland. Experience the world class entertainment and guest service they give. Visit us in the park today!

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HOUSE OF DANCING WATER

Every year, for my birthday, I aim to get out of the country as a form of celebration to see and experience something new. For me, there's no better way than having a getaway as I age up to reconnect with myself and getting immersed in a different culture every now and then had served me well. I aim to achieve this on each trip.

This year, I received the best birthday gift of all which is my daughter, Brave. And so I thought to myself, maybe there's no need to travel this year. Yet, my husband had to take a relative to Macau so, he asked me discreetly how would I like to see the House of Dancing Water. I was exalted! 

If you plan to eat around the City of Dreams, The House of Dancing Water
tickets offer 10$ discounts on selected restaurants and diners.

I have always aimed to watch shows as much as I can to feed my artistic soul but it was my first time to experience visual theatre. I've only held as much knowledge of Cirque de Soleil via youtube so as a critique, it was pretty challenging to analyse the story it presents to the audience. Everything that you need to know about this show can be researched on its website. Good thing I read about it before being able to watch so I somehow understood how the elements of the show are related to each other. My husband didn't and it was actually interesting to hear his commentaries solely based on what he saw. He somehow finds some parts astoundingly good (e.g. motorcycle stunt exhibition, synchronised aerial stunts and the group of black men forming pyramids during the fight scene) but it makes him wonder, how could he put the puzzles together with such modern presentation when the core of the story itself started with an ancient storyline. As bugging as it may seem, we got entertained overall.

The stage of the House of Dancing Water,
in City of Dreams Macau,
that is 26 feet deep and is 2 billion
worth of investment.

I am amazed by how the stage of 26 floors high could transform from being a deep diving pool to a dry surfaced stage in just less than 1 minute. The first act was welcomed by a strong performance of divers (perceived by Moi as pirates of some sort) coming atop a ship unleashed by a powerful mist. It could be a simple element seen by the audience but my jaw dropped when the thick mist could cover the ship and clear out to present another kind of stage in again, I have to mention, less than a minute. The lady being rescued who dances ballet very gracefully deserves that much applause but the leading man needs to pump it up in the fighting scene. It was pretty predictable when he wasn't the one doing the motorcycle stunt yet he had to act as such. I was kind of imagining that the evil queen could've been more powerful of a character if it was a black woman. I hope this wouldn't be thought of being a racist. In general, that character needs colour regardless if it's brown or black. We watched from B reserve and all that I could describe her with is that she's tall and skinny. This is from a critic's point of view.

Overall, I am in awe of how they can perform this show twice a day, 5 times a week. (For all those planning to see it, you have to know that they are dark every Tuesday and Wednesday.) No wonder the performers owned chiselled bodies. In that show, they dive, swim and dance all at the same time. They do things that are beyond performing. They all own special talents that are worth seeing. But in doing so, choose to be an empty vessel. Just take in what the show has to give and you'll find the uniqueness of the show. I believe comparison won't help too since it is like no other.

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NATIONAL DANCE DAY

The life of a dancer is short. In terms of the skill that the craft requires, starting young is an investment. I, for one, started late and up until now, how I wish my parents had brought me to ballet school when I was young.

That didn't stop my fate in ending up doing what I love to do best though. I still remember the first time I went out to perform in the Araneta Coliseum for the University of Santo Tomas way back 1999 to do a half-time show for the Tigers. The lights were bright and as it shone on me, I whispered to myself, "This is exactly where I want to be, right now, right here and there's nothing that could stop me from doing this." I was so proud to be a part of the Salinggawi Dance Troupe back then.

Not to brag, but I was an A-lister student. I didn't have to take an entrance examination to enroll for college. I had the privilege to choose whatever course except for Electronics and Communication Engineering (which was at its ultimate boom and was reserved for a quota of valedictorians that time). Here's the catch, my passion for dancing had brought me some trouble in taking up my course, Chemical Engineering.

I went home late because of the practices for the cheerleading team at that time, and I skipped some Trigo classes (because it was always on a Saturday in which almost all half-time performances were scheduled) in order to dance, and so, I garnered a blank grade or a.k.a., FAILURE DUE TO ABSENCES. Whenever I remember that, I am proud of it for some reason. That feeling that they say, don't be afraid to make mistakes because it'll help you grow up into becoming a better person. And so, it did. I gave up the course, and went for the right one, NURSING. Hahaha! Yep! It still wasn't dancing.

teaching Latin Dance for a 4 night product launch

You see, in the Philippines, there's just lack of uni's for offering performing arts and that being said, probably because the culture goes, the elders prefer a diploma rather than something else.

I was a scholar being a Salinggawi dancer so, leaving UST had put me on my feet into advancing into the professional/commercial world of dancing. I had to earn money to finish school and my beloved, WHIPLASH DANCE COMPANY helped me get thru that phase of my life.

Going into the big world of performing and entertainment, huge opportunities also came which aided my schooling and a lot of other expenses. Different advertisements, tv guestings, concerts, corporate events, product launching, musicals and even a simple birthday party needed talents. Studios also called as they needed dance instructors because of a great demand from clients of all ages. There are private tutorials of home schooled kids, there are companies who needed instructors to coach them for dance contests and there are fashion shows, workshops and singing contests that needed performing artists as backups, additional extras and lead roles for certain commercials. As long as your body can take it, it's yours to do. The budget wasn't always that promising but, collectively, it was more than enough. I was young, driven and passionate. I was thirsty for more each time. And I never let an opportunity pass.

choreographed a feminine wash commercial
27 hours straight of shooting 

NESTEA commercial

blocking for TUPPERWARE to the tune of, "The Heat is on in Saigon"

representing the coloured lines of the TV, PANASONIC laser tv launch

PH care product launch

HOSEKI Jewellery Fashion Show

Pinoy Pop Super Star Halloween Episode

Folded and Hung Product Launching

Rico J. Puno and friends' concert

Pinoy Pop Superstar show

NIKE product launch

FEDEX Express Cheerleading Team

"Keep on Dancing" - show for celebrities of the Philippines dancing with great choreographers..
somewhat like Philippine version of "Dancing with the Stars"

Overall, these experiences had moulded me into loving dancing more than ever and expressing it from the heart. As what "So You Think You Can Dance" always emphasises on, "When you combine talent with the passion, then it becomes the BEST it could be." Like what I said, I wish I could have had ballet as my background. But with the limits of time, finances and opportunity to get inclined to that kind of dance (since commercial dancing somewhat prefers jazz, hip hop and funky dance, modernly speaking), I just could grasp the company classes that had come my way from college onwards. Then I eventually had to dream more. I dreamt of performing abroad so I auditioned for HONG KONG DISNEYLAND. 

Grateful for all the roles I am able to portray and different kinds of
dances I was able to learn about.

Performing internationally was one of the things in my bucket list. Whenever I think of the years that I have spent dancing, I am thankful and amazed that I own the same passion still, if not, even more. Seeing how the guests react at the park, most especially the kids, when we dance are more than fulfilling if we will talk about life's purpose.  Sometimes, I ask myself if I'm wasting what I've studied in Nursing. But my query in mind is always answered everyday as I feel more than fulfilled in bringing happiness to thousands and thousands of people thru dance. I may not be practicing Nursing right now but one thing's for sure: Making a person feel happy is the most holistic approach in preventing illness. And PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE in all counts. I share this simple story as National Dance Day is honoured by many. I know my dancing years are slowly coming to an end as the "Wear and Tear" dawns with age. Yet again, "KEEP CALM AND DANCE YOUR HEART AWAY."

Related posts:

1. 9 MONTHS PREGNANT AND STILL DANCING - check out how ballerina, Mary Helen Bowers celebrates her pregnant body.
2. WHO'S GOT SWAG - a blog post that features today's dance monsters that fear nothing except not being able to dance.
3. JUST DANCE EPISODE 6 - a throwback on a project we did here in Hong Kong under BVC productions 

9 Months Pregnant and Still Dancing!!!!

They say, men are stronger than women in so many ways.

But as far as carrying a baby for 9 months is concerned

and then giving birth to a child, rearing and nurturing it as it grows,

physical strength in favor of the male species

may have found its greatest challenge. 

I am now on my last trimester of pregnancy and due to my growing belly, some of my activities had been limited. But to be able to be bestowed of a gift to rear a child into coming forth in this world leaves me grateful. To some, this may be a hindrance, an obstacle and a huge responsibility that they choose not to put themselves into such commitment. Since this natural phenomenon is beyond anybody's concept of pain threshold and this is the ultimate leap anybody could ever do, many opt not to have a child. But Mary Helen Bowers, a renowned ballet dancer, proves that having a baby doesn't mean you have to neglect yourself nor having a baby puts limits to your life as she gracefully continues to do what she does best....

DANCING

ALL THE WAY THRU 9 MONTHS OF PREGNANCY!

Mary Helen Bowers stretching out with her bump
as documented in Instagram

Baby Center, the site that I get monthly newsletter from for what to expect every week with my own pregnancy emphasizes on the benefits of exercise during pregnancy as follows:

1. It boosts your energy.

It's not an easy task to nurture a growing baby. But exercising helps you in keeping up with the physical demand pregnancy induces from your usual self. Exercise helps you maximize your body's potential as it adjusts to hormonal changes, waddling gait and indifference to bodily posture.

2. It helps you to sleep better.

You have to listen to your body when it heeds for rest. But when you're pregnant, your thoughts run wild over silly things. What the baby will be needing when it comes, if you're going to be successful in breastfeeding or how the expenses will go about as a new member of the family is about to arrive. Those could be little distractions that can make you insomniac, true story! But there's a way to battle insomnia and that is thru exercise. Your body gets to utilize the food it takes in during the day and therefore gets to utilize the energy that you've gained from the food. Your body then automatically succumbs to a period of rest to attain balance and homeostasis.

3. It reduces discomforts of pregnancy.

This is most applicable to first-time moms like me because you are still gaging on what changes may occur and are occuring on your body. Take note that every pregnancy is different. What you may perceive as something new may be treated a little way different by another expecting mom. For me, everything seemed new. One of the discomforts that exercise have helped me get relieved from was edema. Yes, those raddish cankles (called as such because no indent separates the calf from the ankles, almost looking like raddishes - that's just how straight and fat they are as shared by my friend) could be major turn-offs! They attacked me on my 8th month but good thing, elevation and regular exercise facilitated bloodflow. Both helped in combatting the effect of blood pooling, most especially in the lower extremities when you engage in prolonged sitting and standing. Good bloodflow also helps in preventing water retention. And exercise helps a lot in making your heart pumping. As you exercise, your body excretes water and leaves your body asking for replenishment. When replenished well and satisfactorily, your body won't perceive the need to hold on to excess fluids. Extreme weight gain may also be prevented as food gets utilized effectively. Just watch out for signs that you maybe doing extreme exercise. Usually, when you have to catch your breath so much that you can't talk right after is a sign you are taking it too far.

4. It helps your body to prepare for childbirth.

As your body engages into childbirth, it will increase your blood pressure, heart rate and expect that you may totally rely on instinct. But a useful form of exercise that may benefit you thru childbirth would be your breathing exercises and the Kegel's exercise. Kegel's prepares your perineal muscles and birth canal ready for the expansion as the baby's head passes thru it. Stretches done in preparation for holding positions in dancing, most especially when doing ballet, are a very good help for the perineal muscles too. Hips are opened up and its external rotation allows the baby's head to easily engage towards the inlet as the right time comes. Breathing exercise is a fundamental catalyst as you are asked to push in rhythm with your contractions. As the pain progresses over time, you are constantly reminded to concentrate on your breathing to allow recovery in between these contractions.

5. It reduces the stress and lifts your spirits.

Due to pregnancy, changes that may occur are both temporary (weight gain) and permanent (stretch marks). Seeing this may somehow affect your self-esteem at one point. But keeping yourself active while expecting is a good way to prepare yourself in getting back to shape after giving birth. Your body is used to that energetic vibe that it will search the light feeling exercising gives you right after a good build up of sweat. This feel-good-mood is brought about by the endorphins which are also known as the happy hormones. Its energy boosting properties makes you feel good about yourself.

6. It improves your self-image.

In relation to number 5, once stress is out of the way, you see yourself in a special way and you see the beauty of carrying a bundle of joy in your tummy. Exercising somehow makes you realise that you are yourself... plus more. As the endorphins serve you right, you also gain a lot from the good blood flow induced by being active. Oxygen is duly transported all over your body facilitating skin replenishment that gives you an instant glow. Because you are going beyond your body's limits, choosing to be active while pregnant, you feel empowered and fulfilled. Pregnancy is a blessing denied to many. And as I look at my own growing belly, I can't help but feel grateful that I am about to accomplish the essence of being a woman, and that is to bring forth this child into this world, worthy of a purpose.

7. It may help you get your body back after childbirth.

An additional 40% to 50% to the normal blood volume runs thru a pregnant woman's body making the heart work more. With that much blood getting pumped at every heartbeat, the heart copes and increases its size by 12% making you breathless upon exertion. The heart is composed of cardiac muscles and like any muscle, it gets stronger and bigger when being worked up. I have emphasized that once your body gets accustomed to a routine, it will adapt to it effortlessly in the long run. As you engage in exercising during pregnancy, it prevents you from slacking and getting lazy helping out the cardiac muscles of the heart working efficiently. This goes the same with the group muscles that make up your extremities. Although your will plays a big role to how you move, doing exercise regularly makes it possible for your body to adapt to the dreaded task subconsciously. It may suck the first time but if you don't miss at all, "not exercising"  may feel like not brushing your teeth. You will look for it subconsciously.

Mary Helen Bowers still executing an arabesque maintaining balance
effortlessly even with a pregnant belly.

In connection to Helen Bowers intention to stay fit, she also serves as an inspiration to expecting moms like me. I am a dancer too and I admit it isn't easy. I am no ballerina but I do jazz and hip hop and I dance in the parade for 6 years (in the happiest place in Hong Kong) and all of those require a lot of jumps and well, it is pretty much physically demanding. The moves are not for pregnant women I assure you. So, there was a huge change in my routine from dancing full out outdoors everyday to a sedentary lifestyle. But settling for stretching, yoga and swimming were very helpful. When I came across this beautiful mama, it dawned on me that plies, a la seconde stretches and tendu's are not that bad to do. It actually prevents cramps of the calves for ruining a good night's sleep most especially when you do it right before you go to bed.

A la seconde stretch (on the floor)

Mary Helen Bowers embraces her body as she gets accustomed to the changes pregnancy had brought forth. She was the trainer behind Natalie Portman's success winning the best actress portraying "The Black Swan". Countless Victoria's Secret models also run to Mary Helen Bowers for fitness training right after giving birth for well-toned body in a way of dance. She is the founder and creator of Ballet Beautiful. She is now a mom and from the experience of carrying her baby to giving birth, she encourages mothers, most especially the soon-to-be's, to celebrate their bodies by choosing to be aware and involved in all the changes as it progresses during the entire pregnancy.

There's no other person who knows your body more than you do. Listen to it and enhance its capacity by strengthening it and keeping it healthy. Now who says mama can't swag?

Related posts:
1. WHO'S GOT SWAG - Check out how these dancers express themselves doing what they do best.
2. HIP-POP OR HIP-HOP - The new kind of swag.
3. SUMMER IS HERE - Not sure about how to kick off your Summer?