Monday, June 29, 2009

Got to be startin' something

So, I can officially say that I'm a semi-finalist for the 2009-2010 Knick's City Dancers. I auditioned yesterday and made it through 2 rounds. I'm so beyond excited, I don't even know a word that can describe how I am feeling. I want this so bad and think it would be such a great opportunity!

When I heard about the auditions last year I immediately dismissed it because I thought I wouldn't be good enough. I didn't even go to the class at BDC because I thought it would be too hard. I should not have doubted myself, but that is something that I always do...unfortunately. Anyways, this year I got into the mode of wanted to be a part of a dance team and when the Knick's audition date was released I knew I was going to go for it.

Originally I thought I would just take the Audition Workshop class and then go to the audition. Well, after taking that class I realized that if I really wanted to be on the team I would have to do a lot more to prepare myself. I decided to enroll in the KCD clinic, which was last week, and also restrict myself to only taking jazz and hip hop classes until the audition. I wanted my body to get used to movement that would be similar to the type of dance the KCD girls do. The clinic was by far the best preparation for this audition. Not only did I learn the choreography for the first 2 rounds, I also had a week to prepare before the actual audition. What a great deal!? I couldn't stop thanking them because the clinic is like getting a review sheet for a test you are going to have in school!

One thing the clinic didn't helpt me with was my nerves! I was SO nervous even though I knew what to expect. During the first round, which was an across the floor combination, I was already feeling butterflies in my stomach! After I went across and received my wristband(yes!), the coach told me to be more sharp with my movement. That stuck with me the whole day. I wanted to show her I could take corrections and apply them instantly.

Learning the combination again was a good opportunity for me to focus on details that I didn not notice at the clinic. They went through the dance thoroughly and gave us a good amount of time to get it into our minds. When it was finally my turn to perform, all I could here was the music, my mind thinking "don't be sloppy," and my breath! haha. It felt so internal; it felt like no one was around me and I was going for it.

The hardest part was the wait. I was really nervous. I received good feedback from my friends but I didn't know if the judges felt the same way. When they called the numbers it was out of order so I had no idea if I was going to be called. When I finally heard my number, 908, I wanted to cry. I was so happy; I couldn't even think! Ugh, it felt so good! After that we had pictures and interviews and the day was over.

This happened yesterday; today is the second day of auditions. We are going to be learning a hip hop routine from Shane Sparks! (He's been a judge and choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance). I 'm really excited and of course nervous. I really want to show them that I have what it takes to be a Knicks City Dancer!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Here's to one of the greats.

RIP Michael Jackson 6/25/09

I don't think there is anyone in the world that can honestly say they have had no connection to Michael Jackson. His legacy extends across all genres of music that interests kids and adults. Yes, it is sad that he is gone at such a young age but I truly believe, after discussing this at work last night, that even if he were 90 yrs old, the world would still grieve. That is how far his legacy extends.

When I try to think of my favorite song, at first I said "Heal the World" but then I thought about the beauty behind the songs like "Man in the Mirror." And then there's the hypnotizing beats of "Bad," "Beat it," "Don't Stop til You Get Enough," and of course "Thriller." But, honestly, the list just continues and then its just brings sadness because you realize how influential he was.

What I'm already enjoying in light of the situation is the coming together of people as the reminisce about Michael Jackson whether through sharing stories or even just putting on his music and dancing. You know how most people are feeling when you hear his songs now. I was in the cab last night with 4 other people and the radio was playing his songs. Without having to say anything, we all knew how each other was feeling. Like L.A. Reid said, "lets turn down the chatting and turn up the music." I love that. I'm hoping for just a few days, or even better, as long as possible that the world comes together because of their love of his music. There's been news coverage of gatherings in LA and NY with people just blasting his music and dancing. What a beautiful image. It represents an absence of all the troubles in the world and personal pains. They are just living in the moment.

Thinking of all his songs makes me wish I learned during the height of his career when he was dominating the charts. How great it would have been to live during that moment that he was creating his legacy. I love all his music and I love that the media is playing it all over the news and radio. With one soundtrack, we all come together. Even if just for a day, I'm glad to experience it.

Here are few quotes I can't help but document:

"He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever."-Quincy Jones


JAMES BROWN 12-25 ♥ AALIYAH 8-25 ♥ LEFT EYE 4-25 ♥ MICHEAL JACKSON 6-25 ♥ (from Kai's facebook status) interesting right?

"Ed Mcmahon passed first this week so he can introduce tonights guest. Ms.Farrah Fawcett w/musical guest Michael Jackson" (Sherri Shephard's twitter)

So sad. He may be gone physically, but his spirit is alive through his music