Back track.

As I randomly click links while browsing my blog. 

I came across the days when we were about to perform at Kultura Verde and at the same time our newly recruited "babies"/trainees at Lucid Dance Troupe will be performing at the acquaintance party. I just remembered when the days before were so hectic.

We're practicing two groups, practice at the same time for 2 different events. Although the freshmen's numbers before were 15+ and can create a whole routine that is similar to the routine that we were about to perform. Unlike what we experienced at Skechers where from that 15+ freshmen only a handful remains. This event is one for the keeps. Everyone were enjoying. Everyone's excited to get back on stage and give it all our best knowing that we're part of the Centennial Closing Ceremony.

 

When I though that we can retain that number to be active members. There I was thinking about the future for Lucid. But I'm not saying that we won't have something to look forward to. Whatever thought I was thinking for the group before and to with the experiences that I encountered until now, I can say there is something really to look forward to. :)

  

The Journey to Skechers Street Dance Battle 8! Part 1: The Beginning.

The road to Skechers Street Dance Battle 8 for Lucid Dance Troupe was not easy, especially for me (If you were reading some of my past blog posts). 

Dating back to last term where we were still in search for our competing team. I had my own problems, as a son, a student, a dancer and the president of the group. I went from someone who was hyped up and really excited to lead, to someone who's indecisive. I felt that I lost my passion for dancing with all the school works, the pressure on me and the fatigue was catching up on me. I was feeling sick. In 1 week, I had 2 check ups in the hospital, got a massage from a "managhihilot" and drank all sorts of medicines. I was weak, physically and mentally. I felt that I was the only one moving in the group. I felt that I was alone. 

So to Ate Marianne I go! The Ate of the group and consider my older sis. ;)

She's been here. She was our former president. Somehow in her journey, she felt what I was feeling but she didn't quit. Stayed strong especially to the group she loves the most. I'm very thankful to all the seniors especially her for her undying support even though she's on her internship. (But more on that later :D ) 

One rainy day (first term) when heavy rains were pouring and classes were suspended, me and my friends went to school to help in repacking dry goods to be donated. Ms. Jaymee was there and we had a little talk. I told her because of the sudden suspension of classes and trainings canceled that we were lacking time for our preparations. Our target date was September 22 - Kick-Off (before we knew that all the HS Leg will be on the 22th and we will be on the last day of eliminations, October 13).

With all that said, she replied "Your call Mr. President." 

Yes, it was still my call. One wrong decision and I might have ended my members dream to compete in one of the most competitive competition in the country. That pride to represent the school. I know how it feels to compete and give your all. The trust and that confidence that Ms. Jaymee has given me because she believed in my potential. I just have to push through the competitions...but not for me, still.

For the first time in Lucid Dance Troupe that we have members auditioning for spots to compete. In my past experiences, we just got dancers who are available to compete. This is a new experience for us, particularly on how we'll handle this situation. 

I didn't hide what I felt, especially to the group. I said, while I was watching their audition pieces I was searching for something. Searching that passion and drive from my members for me to compete and stay strong. I didn't think that they didn't do a great job, but thought that they improved so much that I was lacking the determination to improve also. I was about to not to join the competition because in myself I'm having second thoughts and I felt that I was weak. The audition went trough. I had my name written with all the doubts and was hoping everything goes well.

1) Agbisit, Ramon Emmanuel

2) Albano, Katherine Rose

3) Cortez, Hannah Alayssa

4) Galang, Dominique

5) Garica, Keisha Erika

6) Lazarte, Kurt

7) Macandog, Fianne Miguel

8) Magsaysay, Marian

9) Ortega, Mary Angela

10) Ramos, Nikka Elia Kim

11) Santos, Alexandra

12) Santos, Jhustine Lois

Four (4) freshmen, five (5) sophomores and three (3) juniors (senior members) were selected about to make Lucid Dance Troupe's Skechers Team. It was one of the most difficult decisions I had to make. There were a lot of improved members and it was hard enough to choose. 

With all the doubts in my mind that time, who would have thought in a month of straight trainings and adversaries of each and everyone in the group that we could come up to something like this.

One of our last full routine training before the competition. Photo (c) Marianne Sigue

Thanks to Dom Galang, that we had a great choreographer who wasn't just there to teach us but was also our Kuya who stood up and gave us encouragement when every one was feeling down because of the strong competition.

Coach/Choreographer/Kuya Mav Simangin

I'm thankful also to my members, namely Lisa, Margie, Igi, Jhomar and Maria who still went to training's and didn't leave the group despite the times when I can't focus on you guys.

To be continued...

Photos c/o Lois, Marianne

MONG