Je Ne Sais Quois II

BALLET: BEHIND THE SCENES

Ballet is a known art form brought to the world during the Renaissance period in Italy. An Italian woman by the name of Catherine Medici brought the art with her to France when she married Kung Henry II. The term ballet evolved from the Italian word ballare which means “to dance”. From France’s courtyards, it spread out like wildfire throughout the globe. Now, ballet has its own varieties: Vagonova Russian ballet, Balanchine method, Cecchetti method, En pointe, and the Royal Academy of Dance of the American style of ballet.

In the Philippine setting, ballet companies thrive to highlight and enhance ballet as both leisure and art and three prominent companies in the Philippines include Ballet Manila (spearheaded by Philippines’ internationally-acclaimed prima ballerina, Lisa Macuja), Ballet Philippines and The Philippine Ballet Theater.

Have you ever watched a ballet recital or performance onstage? The dancers appear beautiful, poised and they seem to be floating flawlessly as they sweep across the stage with their movements. Although ballet is beautiful to watch, nobody knows the other side of the glitter and glamour other than the dancer herself or himself. Center stage, they hold their proud position all throughout the show, but does anyone really know how hard it is to maintain a “pulled up” position for more than a few minutes?

To “pull up” means to suck in your stomach, straighten your back and hold your chest high and stand like that for long moments until the show ends. Their gracious smiles hide the excruciating pain they feel.

Aside from the different steps and skills, the rehearsal period is also a killer for the dancers because it really takes up the dancers’ time. They get to encounter stress, become pressured to maintain their very slim bodies when they already appear onstage.

Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 psychological horror film Black Swan puts into forefront the reality behind the beauty that is ballet. The pressure to strive perfection

One of the advantages of engaging in ballet is that it can boost the ballerina and danseur’s confidence. Having the opportunity to dance onstage helps overcome the fear to stand in front of a large audience. In an article by Mary Anne Jacobsen entitled Ballet VS Sports—A Dancer’s Lament, by the time the show ends and the dancers get to do their curtain call, “[a]s brief and fleeting as those bows will be in comparison to the effort expended, it is the ultimate reward for all the dancers’ efforts.”

The end of a big performance affects the dancer in many different ways. It depends on how well he or she has done with her performance and how well he or she was received by the audience. Knowing that she has done well onstage, this will push her all the more to work harder. On the other hand, if he or she makes a mess of his or her performance, he or she would be highly discouraged, but this would also be a factor for him or her to work just as twice as hard. Lesson learned, ballerinas and danseurs go back to their daily classes and wait for another rigorous training to get a chance to show her true talent in another big time show.

A lot of people also see ballet as a form a healthy way to exercise and strengthen their stamina. The warm-up class of the dancers would normally takes about two full hours at the most. It is divided into three parts: the barre, adage and allegro. It starts with the barre, the handrail connected to the wall of the dance studio where the dancers can support themselves and find their balance or center. They start with the plies, the bending of the legs; this loosens up the leg muscles and prepares the dancer for more exercise. Later on, the barres are removed and they are tested in their balance on the center of the studio. The adage is slow and graceful and this is to test if the dancers can actually support their bodies and try to maintain balance all throughout the exercise. Then the dancer move on to strengthen their stamina by moving on to a series of jumps or allegro. This is the fast portion of the class since it tasks the dancers to keep up with the fast-paced music as they jump high and turn fast. The class finally ends with the acknowledgement of the students to the ballet master or mistress with a curtsy or a bow as a form of respect.

Even if the outline of the class seems easy, it’s the hard work and the effort that the dancers apply that makes the class exhausting. At the end of the day, a dancer sits and catches her breath, tired from all the dancing, stretching, and turning and jumping—pounces on the bed and sleeps like the dead.

Once the dancers develop confidence of what they are, they begin to be too self-conscious. Ballet is all about perfection. Ballet teachers take their time to mold the posture and image of a dancer. Constant criticism makes the dancer paranoid by thinking that he or she may not be “perfect” in the eyes of his or her mentor. The dancer feels that he or she has to be perfect in every way.

Onstage, ballet is a very memorable vision to watch. But once you have peeked into the dancers’ dressing rooms you will see the other side of it. It is very hard to cope with the pressure of being perfect at all times. Ballet is not as easy as it looks and requires serious efforts from the dancers. Along the way, the dancers gain lessons and experiences that are wonderful. To some, ballet may be the monster that teaches the mind to be too conscious physically and mentally and the fiend that takes away precious time for other things.

      These are the things that we know of the dancers onstage. But there’s a lot more happening behind the curtain. It’s about time to see the dancer up close, backstage.

At some point in my life, I started to appreciate literature and wrote in verses. I remember filling in pages and pages with words, phrases, lines and stanzas. I wrote about mundane things; typical stuff that we “kids” go through. The pain of heartaches, family, boys, peers. As well as simple joys.

That’s why I pursued studying literature. I love to write. I adore reading. I appreciate the written word. I try so hard to come up with something meaningful everyday to write about in forms of my personal journal entries whether in my notebook or blogging. Every time I try to publish something here, I try to relay it as creatively as I can—to keep it interesting and engaging.

I’m happy to have learned so much in the three years of being a literature student. But I felt—and I still do feel—that there’s more to learn. Every time that I get the chance to go out, I try to find something to write about. I keep my notebook close to me at all times just in case an idea pops into my mind. It hasn’t failed me yet. I almost always do forget to bring a camera with me though.

Still. I know there’s more out there. In high school, it has been my dream of writing for a specific magazine company. But now it’s become more than that. I want to write about literally anything under the sun.

Now I’m trying to get back to writing again. Starting with small poems like haikus (they’re relatively the easiest form of poetry to write). Short but sweet. It’s a start.

Last Saturday, February 26, I attended the 41st Season of the WNCAA Cheerleading Competition at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. As a red-blooded lion, I supported the squad and my alma mater from San Beda College Alabang who were, coincidentally, the four-time champions of the said competition. And permit me to brag for a bit that it started with our batch of (OMG) five years ago. God I am so old.

36th Season WNCAA Cheerleading Competition Champions

That was my first and last year to have been part of the varsity team and it thrilled me so much that I had the chance to feel what it was like to be a champion. Of course, I owed it all the our coach Ajjie, the support of the whole squad and the school.

As I said, this was five years ago already. And for four more years, even after I have graduated from high school and college, I have not stopped attending and supporting the squad, and of course Coach Ajjie, in all their endeavors. But this post is not about my sentimentality, but rather my fascination for the sport and how much it has evolved in the span of five years especially in the Philippines.

As far as I know, the only sport that kept the interest of most Filipinos is basketball. And after that was volleyball. Heck, cheerleading was not even considered a sport not as much as now. From my experience, I learned of the hype of cheerleading from watching too much international cheering competitions, videos from YouTube and of course, participating in batch cheering competitions during HS. Also, films such as the Bring It On saga gave me ideas on cheerleading; that is was a competition and a popularity boost. It was only when I had the courage to join San Beda College Alabang’s cheerleading varsity that my outlook changed completely.

It is not just about being on top of a pyramid, or about short skirts, or about being pretty. It is about skill and how you showcase those skills by performing with the whole squad. It was about teamwork. All for one and one for all. I have had a lot of butts and bodies landed on me since it was my job to catch them and I have earned injuries and bruises for that. But that’s how you show the support you have for teammates. It was about rigorous training. Aim for improvement and perfection. 

And a personal favorite of mine is that cheerleading is another outlet of showing one’s passion for dance. It is not restricting unlike ballet or gymnastics. It is a collaboration of all these possible dance forms that makes it so explosive and exciting.

I have never missed one WNCAA competition since I graduated. And one thing that I have noticed is how it has transformed to true grit competition and it is absolutely remarkable. Through the years cheerleading has become a sport even here in the Philippines. Just last Saturday I have seen how every school, every participant greatly improved over the years. Cheerleading is being taken very seriously nowadays and I can see it with every school that competed that day. I saw passion, confidence and talent among each and every one of them and, if anything, it really blew me away. The effort that every single cheerleading out there from the Midgets to the Juniors to the Seniors to put up a great show was just amazing!

The routines have gotten more powerful, the stunts have gotten more intense, the gymnastics have gotten stronger and the cheerleaders have gotten more determined and fierce.

Indeed cheerleading is finally recognized as a sport here in the Philippines and it was the first time that I felt how much of a competition it is and how much the championship and title meant to every girl out there.

All this improvement has happened in the span of four years. I cannot wait how much more cheerleading would go far in the Philippines.

41st Season WNCAA Cheering Competition (San Beda College Alabang)

Photo taken, compiled and edited by Joyce Romero

A fellow Bedan and cheerleader from way back. Hihi.

I’ve been watching Chuck lately and one of the line-exchange between Chuck Bartowski and Sarah Walker was this:

Sarah Walker: I’m sorry that I freaked out when you asked me to move in with you. It’s just, you know how I grew up. I spent my life living in hotel rooms under fake names. I’ve been trained to survive a thousand different situations in the field. But nobody ever taught me how to live a normal life.
Chuck Bartowski: Well, I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think we’re ever going to live a normal life.
Sarah Walker: Well, I’d like to have something to fall back on when my spy life is over.

Over all the cheesiness in these lines, only one idea stuck to me: I want to live the spy life.

“Living in hotel rooms under fake names.” That’s enough reason for me to become a spy. Not to mention being able to travel around the world, all expenses paid. It may be a lonely life but the thrill of it, the sense of adventure, it really excites me. And God only knows how much I need a getaway right about now.

Living a life of espionage would really complete all my life goals. I have always wanted to travel around the world; go back-packing around Europe. Eat genuine French and Italian food. I could go from one place to another without being recognized or found. 

Yes, there’s the possibility of getting killed. But duh, I would never dream of entering the spy life without the proper training. There’s also the thrill of surviving on my own. For the longest time, I’ve always imagined, daydreamed, thought about how it would go if I ever lived on my own.

Travelling, adventure, privacy, independence.

And frankly, I think life couldn’t be sweeter than that. 

I need a new me.

If only it were possible to change everything right now. My name, where I live, every single thing about me, that would be just grand.

I’ve been disappointed lately with my so-called friends. Won’t delve into that, but clearly, words are the most powerful weapons. The tongue is sharper than any knife and it hurts. And it hit me. I need new people in my life especially if the people I’m holding on to to make me happy just hurts me. 

If it were only possible to leave where I am now. I’d change my name, my home, my life in an instant. I don’t mind living alone, maybe it’s just the thing that I need right now. Just leave me in a tranquil, windy place—the beach or somewhere in the mountains. I don’t mind if I live in a small house just as long as there’s a bathroom, a bed, a kitchen, tons of books and a gorgeous view of the world—then I’ll be okay.

There’s this thing that they call soul searching. Maybe I need just that. Not necessarily to find a person to complete me, but to find myself and make me feel whole again. 

Practical me is arguing that I don’t have the money and my parents would never allow me.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

On RH Bill

This is my opinion only. Please permit me to express my observations. 

Earlier today, there was a rally along PICC regarding the RH Bill by devout Christian Catholics. Hearing mass today was sort of the same thing. The Homily didn’t really speak to me, it just came across as extra platform time for the Church to rally against it.

In the very few times that I actually listen to the Homily, the one today I can’t help but frown upon. Of course it’s another rendition of the arguments against the RH Bill. But that’s about it; the only one’s who have a problem with it are those devout members of the Church. Well, I can’t really blame them, but for me, it’s not the method that needs tweaking—it’s the masses.

It’s not ‘birth’ that needs controlling but the people.

From the very many points that the priest made against the RH Bill, I’ve already thought of counter-arguments with it and it all comes back to the people. The way I see it, both sides are actually flawed. They’re trying to hit the wrong target.

One of the arguments made was that contraceptives are hazardous to our health; it’s “cancerous” was what they said. Well, people wouldn’t need these contraceptives if they would be able to control themselves. But then again, the culture of today’s generation which is further enhanced and advertised by the media is not really helping.

The Church also brought up the sacredness of the act that should not be deprived of them. Honestly? I don’t think most people would still be solemn enough when they’re “in the mood.”

Also, the Church should no longer compare the statistics of sexually transmitted disease cases between the past and present because times have definitely changed.

On the other hand, implementation of the RH Bill, I believe, would lessen poverty issues that is more than apparent in our country. More prevention, less poverty.

It is such a disappointment though what you see in the news: mothers (some pregnant) with their four or five children, including a baby attached to her hip complaining that they have nothing to eat, no money to provide better education, etcetera, etcetera. My question to you: “Why then? Why would you let your family grow this big when you’re aware that you won’t be able to sustain them?”

It would always come back to the people.

I’m neither pro nor anti RH Bill. I’m not even neutral. It’s just that, again, both sides are flawed. Science and religion suffer because of the lack of morality in the world.

Basically, I’m a commuter. Especially here in the Philippines, I find it more practical, somewhat, to get around via public transportation than private cars; practicality precedes convenience, for me. 

I don’t mind walking or having to hustle my way into trains or buses. But if there’s something that irks me about all this is idiocy of drivers and operators.

It’s not new that Filipino public transport drivers are such a mess. It’s been all over the news of buses drag-racing along EDSA in the dead of night, only to end in total-wrecked cars and even more total-wrecked unfortunate victims and their families. Not following traffic rules. Speeding. Overtaking. Making designated two lanes into three or more. You name it, they’ve done it.

Just today, I hated how the bus that I got into thinks that it’s a small enough vehicle to weave in and out of traffic in 80kph. That’s just crazy. Not to mention suddenly stepping on the breaks which causes any person standing up to lose his or her balance. I almost fell over at least once or twice, or more. 

Tricycle operators are also on my hit list (given the opportunity that I could be a hit(wo)man). I almost shouted at the operator that I had the misfortune to take me where I need to go earlier. Not following traffic regulations: we almost got hit by a car because the operator decided to beat the red light. God, I was so scared. Add to the list motorcyle drivers who have the guts to beat bigger vehicles on the highways. The nerve.

We are in need of better drivers. Educated conductors and operators for that matter. Most vehicular companies just accept anyone which results to overcapacity in highways and main roads, which leads to traffic. More vehicles (moreso with reckless drivers) results to more accidents.

Although I really can’t blame them since the Philippines has a plight with unemployment. But still, hiring a maniac to operate big vehicles such as buses does not help either. 

It all leads to bigger problems which I don’t want to get into. I already have enough problems on my own to think about. If only I have everything it takes to make the world peacefully go round.

Hoping for a better future. Fingers fucking crossed.

A ballerina’s hand.

I’ve been dancing ballet for as long as I can remember.

I’ve always been amazed at how contradicting the art is. How could something gentle (or appears to be) and soft be something that requires to have such power, control and strength?

The longer that I got exposed to dancing, the more that I became aware of that. It’s not as soft and flowing that some people think to be. Every fiber and muscle in your body, literally from head to toe,  has to be tense and controlled. You have to be aware of every single movement you make from the placement of the fingers to the flick of the head. 

The 2010 film Black Swan starring Natalie Portman was not kidding when they injected the concept of perfection to the movie. The film is the purest and most “real” representation of ballet. Nina’s (Portman) condition is pretty much common in the ballet universe. The stress, insecurities, pressure from peers and teachers—it’s all too real, believe me.

Arabesque.

Personally, I admit that I came to the point of stopping for a while because I got too self-conscious of my surroundings and I questioned myself why am I still dancing in this studio.

Looking at this picture really strikes something in me: Her line is perfect from her arms to her legs—it’s just beautiful. Something that takes years to achieve.

Ballerinas are perfectionists. It always has to be right on the spot. Never disappoint people, especially your audience. Fight to keep a smile even though your feet are dying—you look beautiful anyway.

It’s sad though that here in the Philippines, only a few appreciate the art no matter how much they try to get other people to appreciate it. It’s not all beauty. Sometimes they even complain that they have to sit through two hours of it, when the performers prepare for weeks, days and months on end to put up a great show.

They should take a peek at what happens behind the scenes, take a walk in their (pointe) shoes. Then they might understand.

My weekend went by fast. Before I knew it, here I am, about to look back on my weekend. So far, I’m doing a great job of being a professional bum (not that I’m happy with it); long weekends every week, holidays everyday, suspended/free cut classes—lahat na. If I were still a student, that’d be the best—but I’m not, so I’m pretty much miserable. Enough about that. 

Playlist for the week: Passive Me, Aggressive You by The Naked and Famous.

My brother let me listen to them yesterday and I’m hooked. He said it came from the TV series Chuck (which I haven’t watched in the longest time). Anyway, I liked the song and immediately downloaded their album.

They’re a band from New Zealand who play alternative rock and/or electropop and released their first album only last year (2010). The first single they released was “Young Blood” which was the single featured in Chuck (S04E13). They were nominated in BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll.

Speaking of the song, I absolutely love it. Listening to it makes me want to just go crazy and run free. It reminds me that hey, I’m young and I make mistakes—that’s how I learn. How can I be perfect for you if I don’t know what perfection is? We really wouldn’t exactly know what perfection is until we went down the opposite direction.

I’d like to make mistakes, take chances and test my limits, thankyouverymuch. At least in that way, I know what wrong is.

“… Fall back in love eventually.”

More from “Passive Me, Aggressive You” album by The Naked and Famous:

• Punching in a Dream
• Girls Like You
• All of This
• Spank
• No Way
• The Sun

These are my favorites from their album, which is actually half of it. Their songs pretty much sum up my weekend since I’ve been listening to them non-stop. I seriously don’t know what I’d be without music. Amazing what wonders it does to the soul, really.

It’s Monday again tomorrow. I wonder where I’m off to this week.