proudest monkey

blog title is song i'm listening to.

latest update: I will be competing in the American Dance Competition in Orlando this March! I am excited but nervous because I have never competed in classical dance (or by myself for that matter). The scariest moment was signing all the application forms and releases. I just closed my eyes and clicked 'send'. But the deed is done, and I will be competing!

I will be doing the Gamzatti variation from La Bayadere as my classical solo. This was narrowed down from the jumping Paquita, Medora, and Kitri variations. I decided on Gamzatti because I felt that it had everything: jumps, big turns, little turns, and a 'menege' at the end (forgive my lack of French spelling). The only problem with this variation that I foresee is it is very demanding if you lack stamina. So I will need to practice breathing more in my everyday dancing and do some additional cardio.

Because of lack of funds (I am independently doing this competition), I will be choreographing my own contemporary piece to Pink Floyd's "One of These Days". What was the inspiration? My dear brother took me to The Machine's concert at BB King's NYC for my Christmas present. It was probably the best night of my life this past year. I absolutely LOVE Pink Floyd, and to hear their songs practically perfectly replicated was astounding and mind-blowing. Most of the time I wish I had been born in the 50's so that I could experience the music and culture of the 60's and 70's. I feel so out of place in the twenty-first century. Would I trade in all my technology (laptop, camera, cell phone)? Absolutely, yes. I also think that ballet was better back then - more meaningful and artistic.

Anyways back to explaining my contemporary piece. If you are familiar with "One of These Days", you would know about its explicit lyrics in the middle of the song.

"One of these days, I'm going to rip you into little pieces"

I am actually only using the beginning half of the song (since my piece can't be more than 2:45), so it is only instrumental. However the meaning of the lyrics is still included in the song: angst, frustration, bad temper, should I say it? Murder, revenge, and lust. The music is amazing because it starts of quiet and gets louder and more distinguished as the song goes. There is one part of the music where it changes all of a sudden and it sounds like an echoing with vibrations from all over the place. It is incredible - too hard to describe. So listen to it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQvG2SMVl84 the part I'm talking about is at 2:48.

If you like the music, also check out Roland Petit's choreography to it with the National Ballet of China... it's incredible.

Last, but certainly not least, I am doing the Flames of Paris pas de deux with my good friend that I dance with. I chose this pas because I can jump. I say this and laugh, because that is practically the entire pas. It is also very exciting and dynamic - after all it was the French Revolution.

This week I will be filming my audition video - very intense because I'm so close to the end of my training!

Hoping to put up more pictures/vids etc. when I can!
Until then, I'm signing off for now.
xoxo