The Apprentice

I think I broke my ass again. I have either taken or taught a dance class just about everyday since last Thursday. Is that ambitious or asinine? I have no clue. But I’m enjoying myself in the process. Every Thursday for me is my “Training Day”, so to speak. After teaching at the YWCA in Berkeley, I head to Downtown Oakland to take classes from one of the best dancers, and mentors, in the Bay Area. For two and a half hours, it’s nothing but movement, critiquing, listening, observing, and supporting. Although Icy Hot and I are like this *fingers twisted*, it’s still all worth it. Carla breaks down dance as if it was a science, and in many instances it is. Not only understanding how the body moves, but also to be well aware of its limits. And don’t forget about the different personalities that you have to deal with, whether teacher or student. Such as the shy folks; the ones that just can’t seem to get it right, but their tenacity and persistence is out of this world, so they keep trying until they get it right; to the ones that think they are all that and don’t want you in their “space”, let alone have you help them when they mess up – some times folks have a bit too much pride. During this whole process, I am learning that it is important to be humble, open-minded, to love what you do, and have fun while your doing it. I think these are elements that should be applied to life in the broader spectrum as well. It’s also very interesting to observe the shift between teacher-student-and apprentice. They all overlap and interconnect; yet in the same vein, they have their own places and unique experiences and feelings. Amazing. I often wonder what will result of all this work. Fame? Fortune? Janet Jackson abs? Those all remain unclear and uncertain, but I am definitely happy that I am doing one of the one things that I love and appreciate. And I am truly happy and fortunate in having two of the best dance mentors this side of the Bay – in Carla and Alan of “Mind Over Matter,” as well as some great students and classmates as well. So I think I got off pretty in this deal. Although having Janet Jackson abs would be pretty hot too. =)