Wednesday, December 03, 2008
The Last Dance
It all started when Tang introduced me to dancing 3 years ago, and I was hooked ever since. Following those small little steps does have its addiction, and dancing requirement you to make adjustment to accommodate your partners which is a very good life lesson. Everyone should try it once in a lifetime. I quit my job after a year thus making the dance studio very far away from my place, but I still have a lot of my friend there. After that I have Mei Ru, and it’s good that we get to dance together and meet up in the middle of the week.
It’s inevitable that people will quit eventually for various reasons and Tang stay tight though she is the first one among us to join. It’s good that she still have the time, passion and convenience to do it. Mei Ru had been busy with company’s overseas project for the past months and has to give up on dancing, and we don’t foresee she would have the time for dancing in the near future. I have one less reason and motivation to stay on.
I never wanted to excel in dancing like a professional; I just wanted to be able to dance. Bronze, Silver and Gold level is pretty fun and enjoyable, and it’s the most common that most people will learn and remember. Gold Cross or Gold Bar is complex and difficult, and not many people make it to this level or remember how to dance these steps for life. Though it’s inevitable that there is no place to go except up, but I did venture into other dances besides Latin, such as Paso, Rock and Roll and Ballroom lately. Ballroom is difficult to master and to look good, but it does have its charm.
It kind of saddens me that today is Wednesday, and I am no longer going for my dance class, and yet I am not quite sure how to move on from here. I know that I have to quit someday, and the day finally came. I just wish that I still know how to dance later in my life. Perhaps I should pick up something new, perhaps swimming or music instrument, some place near my house. By quiting, I had lost contact with some friend as well :|
Goodbye Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, Samba, Rock and Roll, Paso, Waltz, Quick Step, Tango, wherever you are.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Ballroom and Paso Dance Exam
Just hard my third exam this year, not for Latin but for my new venture into Ballroom Dancing (Waltz, Quick Step) and Paso (Bull Dancing). This year Mei Ru got pretty engaged with her new job, thus she won’t be joining me for the exam. My partner for Ballroom is Mui Yen and partner for Paso is Jane. I guess the exam when pretty well, except for a few minor mistakes I did. I guess I wasn’t too cautious with top mental alert, thus I let myself go. Anyway it’s over, and I probably shouldn’t take differentiation of a few points too seriously.
Dancing is supposed to be fun and relaxing for me, and the purpose for me in taking exam is so that I could do it slightly better while correcting my mistakes. But sometimes we are indeed affected by social pressure and slight competitiveness, just a bit. There is a high chance I won’t be taking dance exam the next year, and I am not sure if I would continue it until next year. The workload is getting greater and the Studio is really quite far for me (and rising fuel price). Let’s see how it goes.
Dancing is still fun, and I never regretted doing so. I just hope I still know how to dance 10 years down the road.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Art in Motion Annual Dinner & Dance 2007

A few dancers got more matured and better in the dancing skills, such as Steve and Lily, Pang and Partner, Edison and Cherry. This year new comer is Li Mun and Partner, who taken private lessons and performs gracefully. Maybe before I stop taking anymore dance lesson, should have this once in a life time performance for a nice and memorable closing.


Not quite in the mod for dancing that night, as I was tired rushing back from Penang in the day. Nevertheless, another good night of dancing :)
Then I have the Most Memorable Dance Performance as far, as we screw up really badly in our Cha-Cha Combo Samba 3P Performance. I guess it could only be memorable if we do it superbly, or extremely badly.
Photo Links: Mich's Multiply
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Gold Latin Exam 2007
It had been a year (since my last dance exam) since I last blog about anything related to dancing. Just had my Latin Gold exam and my passion (and practice hours) are not as vibrant as my first time for Latin Bronze and Silver. I was pre-occupied with many things and hardly had enough time for dancing, not to mention attending extra classes or practices. Anyway, I did well due to my consistence attendance, though I make more mistakes as compared to last time.
It is hard to believe that I had been dancing for almost 2 years, something which I had never dream of nor thought of. I wouldn’t say it’s my passion, but it’s something nice to do. It is both slow and fast (depends on the dance), able to have some exercise and practice some rhythmic action plus learn to lead and collaborate with your partners. Anyway, it is just relaxing and fun. It’s okay to sharpen up my skills during exam or performance once in a while, but I won’t make it if it’s becoming too taxing. I don’t plan to win any trophy (nor am I gifted or capable), but I just want to enjoy it at a comfortable level.
Now I am a Gold class graduate knowing Cha Cha, Jive, Rumba and Samba, and a bit of Rock and Roll. If I am to proceed to Gold Cross or Gold Bar, I would prefer to take it slowly. Actually I would prefer some alternative dances once in a while (rather than rushing for exam), such as Rock and Roll, Salsa, Paso, Jazz, Ballroom and alike. Like I said, I am not here to excel, but just to enjoy it (sometimes this world is just too competitive and tiring, and I feel happy for being less competitive in this). Though it is quite interesting to have a partner or classmates who are better than I am, so that I can see some room for improvement and spark some excitement in self enhancement.
Now I am having some technique class and ballroom class, which are quite refreshing. Technique class is good so that I can understand what is going on, or what is actually wrong with my techniques or style. Ballroom is pretty new to me, so it should be interesting.
Let’s see if I can last for another year :)
Photo Links: Tang's Multiply, Mich's Multiply
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Latin Dance Exam Afterthought
At 1st I wasn’t very serious or nervous about the examination, as I had too much thought in my mind and too much work in my hand. I didn’t attend much of the Wednesday round of practice, and didn’t even have the time to practice with Mei Ru during the weekend. I just attend my usual dance classes, with a few supplementary classes. I didn’t even get to practices solo dancing much as well.
I had this dilemma. I didn’t practice much as I am busy, but the rest seems to be hard at work. So, seeing everyone very anxious about the exam and working hard kinda make me worry. Besides, I see some of them are getting much better than me. Perhaps it is a choice I had made.
In life, with limited time, we can only choose to be good at a few things. In school, I just take sports as leisure (no talent, no competition), and concentrate on striving in academics. This let me to realize one thing; it can be a painful journey to be damn good at something. If I take sports seriously, I would need to train vigorously. Though I might be very good at it, but there is a price to pay, the sweat and time. Perhaps taking things easy and enjoy sports as it is would be much better. So what if someone beat me in a game, I just wanna have some fun and sweat a bit.
The same goes for dancing, I have no intention to be a great dancer (neither do I have the talent if I planned to). I just wanna enjoy dance as it is, a weekly activity, and perhaps sometimes go to some dance party to enjoy myself. And probably when I grow old, I can still manage to dance with my love one. I once heard the president of KLDA (Kuala Lumpur Dance Association) said, “Let me dance as it is, just to enjoy it, not to win nor to show”
BTW, the dance examination goes pretty well with both my partner, Mei Ru and Michelle. No mistakes and I think we did pretty well. This is probably the best performance in my life, in my own heart at least :)
Photo Link: Mich's Multiply, Mei Ru's Multiply and Tang
Monday, October 31, 2005
KLDA Gala Ball 2005
The night started with speeches from a chairman (forget his name and position), followed by a dance by him and his wife. I like the way he say it, "This is not a dance demonstration, but is how dance is supposed to be enjoyed by everyone". Looking at their dance and listening to the ever classic Chinese song in the background, I suddenly felt this is the way we should grow old. They look so elegant and happy, and the mood just feels good. I want spend my old age like them. The man seems like quite a gentleman and humble person.
The night is filled with performances of all kind. First of all, we have some dances (not sure what kind is it, seems like have some element of Waltz) from 4 middle age couple with Tuxedo and pretty evening gown. It is followed by performance by Malaysia Cheerleading Champion, the Dynamitz. This is an energetic all girls group, with very nice uniform as well (remind me of how Mei Ru might look like in her cheerleading years). Their voice sounds grouchy, and they perform a few carry, flip and throw as well. They have very happy looks on their faces, and I am sure they enjoyed themselves. The next in line is Cowboy/Western line dancing by 2 groups, the 20's and the 40's (their group name are Western Babes and Dude, and Bells). Then we have the Latin and Ballroom dances, which is ever so enchanting and admirable. It is just amazing to partner someone and come up with such amazing performances. But sometimes when you go too professional, it might just bring all the fun out of dances itself. It seems like the price to be paid if you want to be a champion. The rest is followed by various Latin dances, which I missed some or couldn't remember the name of their performances.
At the end, we have Tan Soo Suan and Dama Orchestra. She is an enchanting and powerful singer, where she is at her best singing Chinese oldies and some romantic English songs. She did a few Malay and Latin songs as well. The entire performance is superb, and I manage to have 2 dances under the present of her enchanting voice. All the performances ended with the floor opened for dancing, which is my favourite part. I did Cha Cha Cha with Li Mun, and Rumba with Tang. Thomas brings the girl out as well, but he is not concentrating (perhaps too boring for him, he need his professional partner). Somehow Jeremy left at a hurry with the excuse to feed his cat, thus not dancing. Irene avoids dancing as well and left. The dancing session is pretty short, but we manage to have our opportunities.
Tonight we have 3 very pretty girls: Irene, Tang and Li Mun. Irene had a hairdo with her hair tight-up with a few front drop (not very good with describing hairstyle), black mini top and knee-length skirt. She did quite some makeup, so she did look pretty amazing. Tang has a pink-white-flowerish full dress and some makeup, and I think tonight she looked the best for as long as I have known her. Very sweet and lady-like, and the style suit her as well. Li Mun looks ever cuter tonight, with a very cute black evening dress and side way tight-hairdo. Pretty light and simple makeup, with black boots as well.
The night ended well with supper at "Remember to Eat", where the girls dress too well and caught many attention. Reminds me of how young Li Mun actually is at heart, and how Tang had matured and how old I had become. It is a good night :)
PS: Photos are still with Irene, I hope she will pass us some softcopy.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Hip Hop Friday
Work does not end particularly well on this Friday due to some communication problem with the client. Some people are just naturally more difficult to be dealt with, and perhaps it is the weaknesses on our communication aspect as well. But, I am not gonna let that spoil my Friday. I leave at 6.00 P.M and reach KL at 6.30 P.M. I hang around Lot 10 to kill some time before meeting Tang at her place around 7.00 P.M. She accompanies me to pick up some books from Borders at Timesquare. I am back in reading craze again and had just finished Crossing the Chasm
We left the house at 8.45 P.M for ice cream, a very expensive ice cream treat. Somehow I kinda promise to treat Li Mun, and somehow I cannot remember why I promise to treat Tang as well. Anyway, the reasons are not very important, as long as we are all in the mood and every felt happy. Haagen Dazs ice cream, something I had never bought in my life until now :) one scoop is RM 8, two scoops is RM 14 and 3 scoops is RM 18, so we go for 3 scoops. I roughly remembers the flavours are Cheese Strawberry (my choice, and a good one), Rum Raisin (Tang's) and Mag-something (Li Mun's). This is the 2nd time we have ice cream together, and the girls do enjoy it, and I am happy because they like it. I found out Mei Ru will not be coming tonight, so Kenny is alone now? So I called him to come over and join us. Once he arrived, he keep blabbing and complaining about work at a very difficult customer site, and that bored Li Mun very much, but Tang is a big listener. We went for the class after that.
Today we have 1 newcomer, Fion (I thought she is busy as wel for this week). Li Mun's friend is still unable to join us this week. The new girl from last week didn't make it, as she had went back to her hometown. Just found out the new girl and the hip hop boy is from Ipoh. Somehow Jeremy didn't quite make it, and we speculate he is not quite into Hip Hop. Somehow Mei Ru made it, though a bit late and without shoe. And surprisingly Jeremy made it as well at the end, 10 minutes before the class ended. Hip Hop is quite a fast class with many steps to remember, but it is fast, fun and challenging. You must really have the energetic Hip Hop feel to really like the dance, and Thomas (the tutor) is much strict and demand us to perform better. He had built up some expectation on us. There are 2 songs we are using, one is by Usher and I have no idea what song is the other one (I am no good with songs and title). Today is pretty tiring, which is good. Hip Hop is very different from Latin, and I like both of them for different reasons. Hip Hop had more character and attitude, more of personal confidence and style. Latin is more elegant with more body twisting, and synchronisation with your partner. Jeremy tried to get us to join ballroom dancing, but no one is interested (bad timing man, Hip Hop already took up the extra cash and time).
After the dinner, I sent Li Mun and Tang home, while Mei Ru followed Kenny. I though of asking Mei Ru and Kenny for supper as well, but they seems tired. We went for supper near Tang's place again, this time at the Mamak stall. I think we kinda tried all the spot around this area, maybe we should go further the next time (probably Cheras or PJ). We have our usual topic about dance, Jeremy, childhood, college, career, characters and gossip. It finished at 1.00 A.M (Tang need to go to the toilet) and I sent them home. I reach home about 30 mins later, had a bath and read my new book for a few pages and feel asleep easily. Many small happiness for me in a single day :)
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Hip Hop Class
Yesterday was my 1st Hip Hop class. The class start at
We walk to Al Chifa (the dance studio) from their house, and I observe one thing. It seems like a lot of guys take notice of the present of Li Mun easily along the way. I noticed that at least 3 guys stare at her (in a very obvious manner) along the way from her house to the main street. Tang double confirmed my observations. Guess she is quite popular around this area, hehe :)
Tang makes the effort of organising the class and getting the people to participate (perhaps she should do sales rather than programming, since that she is quite good at it). We have me, Tang, Li Mun, Steve, Kenny, Mei Ru and 2 newcomers (a boy and a girl, and the boy does have a very hip-hop-ish look). Jeremy, Fion and one of Li Mun's friend couldn't quite make it for the 1st class. The class starts with stretching, and it reminds me of my body's inflexibility (I hope it doesn't affect my learning too much). Thomas (the instructor) kinda prepares a more challenging dance step for us. Leaning Hip Hop is quite different from Latin, as Thomas teach more steps at once and emphasis is put on posture, style, direction and strength since the beginning. I always thought Hip Hop is a displayal of attitude and confidence. The first class is pretty alright, and quite challenging as well (which is a good thing). Hopefully this class can last until the end, den we will form a new hip hop group (probably need a name for us).
I am pretty occupied with dancing nowadays, with 3 classes per weeks, not to mentioned at least RM 120 per month (quite an amount of fix expenditure there). As long as RM 120 can buy some small happiness and I can still afford it, it should be quite alright :)
Monday, September 12, 2005
William & Luisa DanceWorld Dinner & Dance 2005

The night started with a swamp of auntie performing line dancing, and they seem pretty good and enjoying themselves. There are a few hot auntie who really stand out, could really felt their enjoyment. Most of the night is filled with line dancing, which I think 80% of DanceWorld students are line-dancing auntie (I think this is the mass market of dancing industry at this moment). There are some Latin and ballroom in between, but they are really short-lived. At first we were quite afraid to go out and dance, as every else seems so proficient (flexing every inch of their body parts, filled with style and elegance). Somehow, we managed to convinced ourselves and join the crowd in a few dance of Cha Cha and Rumba (too bad no rock and roll). Only me and Tang danced, and I kinda feel bad didn't ask Li Mun out for a dance (but there are only so little songs for non line-dancing). Rathi didn't get to dance as well. Once we are out there, we just kinda feel okay, trying to ignore the others and try not to knock down anyone. It was fun, but if we were better dancers would make it an even more enjoyable experience. Really need to work on the style and flexing. Michelle enjoyed her line dancing a lot, and she is in full purple dress. Kenny is busy taking photos and videos until the battery runs out. Mei Ru seems a bit bored, but Kenny and Michelle get to accompany her.

After the dance session is the graduation ceremony. Those graduates are young and beautiful/handsome dancers, who are really very good. They even have Best Student award for different categories, really quite a big dance academy (as compared to centre I am learning - 爱之花 - it means flower of love, but it also sounds like AIDS flower in its pronunciation). The ceremony is followed by excellent performances of line dancing, hip hop, break dance, ballet, Latin and others which I dunno what they are. They are 2 girls that I noticed excel at different kind of dances, amazing. Young, pretty and multi-talented dancers, what else could be asked for. All the dances are really great, and everyone enjoyed it. I think dancing really could be a very fun activity, thus it strengthen my mind to stick with it longer, and perhaps take up Hip Hop besides Latin as well.

By the way, I won a gift hamper during the lucky draw, number 0167. I think this is the 2nd time I won a lucky draw in my life, not much of gambling luck in me either. A lucky night. I contributed the hamper as part of the office's food supply. We went off quietly about 10 plus, where I sent Tang and Li Mun back and have supper at Remember To Eat (记得吃). We took a photo of the 3 of us sticking our head together (I think we never took photo together before), will post it up once I have them. Just notice Li Mun's eye is getting more red and puffier. Also notice a very nice purple butterfly necklace, should have taken a picture of that as well. I reach home around 1:00 AM and need to work the next day :(
Here is a video of the dance night (taken by Kenny and posted by Mei Ru)
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Dance! Dance! Dance!
Question: How do we know if we really like dancing? I am not sure whether there is love at 1st sight for dancing, but it sure didn't happened to me. At 1st I was just pretty curious, and felt like doing the things which I never try before (out of the box thingy again). When I joined for the 1st class, it is not instantaneous love as well, but there is some attraction in following and joining all those simple steps together to form a dance. So far, I think it is still pretty fun, maybe it is the dance, maybe it is the crowd. Either way, I think I'll continue to stick with it for a while longer.
Now the class is crowded with much more girls, with Mei Ru, Michelle and another woman as the newcomers. If the senior men are not around, a lot of the girls would have to dance a lot without partner (lucky for me!). I think Michelle is picking up well in the class, as she had strong dancing background. Mei Ru seems a bit blurred, but some home practice could solve that easily (unless you are lazy and forgetful). It is another fun night, just might be a bit crowded (probably due to the raised rental at the place).
At the same time, Tang might think of joining a new Hip-Hop class. Like New Jazz, Hip-Hop seems like another trendy dance which appeal to youngster (are we still young?). It might be interesting to explore it further, as I am quite interested as well. Just afraid it might end up as another class filled with kiddies and we have to chicken out again.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Why men attend dance class?
No matter you join dancing for whatever reason, try to take it easy and you would like it eventually. How long you would like it is another matter :)
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Jive is here to stay; at least a while longer
Just found out Man Yee's name is actually Yee Man or Yi Man or Li Man or izzit Mun. In fact, I never take initiative to know the name of others. My concept is if you don't talk often enough with them, you will forget their name anyway. If you talk often enough, you would eventually get their name :) The girls had bought their new dancing shoes, when should I go and get one.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Happy Jive Class
After work, Khim asked me and Tang to teach her last week's dance step as she didn't manage to attend it. We have some fun in the office and attract some colleagues' attention that might want to join. I went to have dinner with Tang and Man Yee as usual. Met Tang's little sister (Ah Bee), she somehow looks elder than Tang and I believe she is married as well. So, Tang's Aunt is younger than she is, and her little sister looks older than she does.
We are on time for the dance class, and Tang bought a pair of new dancing shoes (she seems determined in dancing). Actually, she was supposed to accompany Man Yee to buy the shoes, but end up she is the one buying while Man Yee didn't. Today we practice some old steps and learned a new sequence (involve some butt twisting). As the dance sequences got more complex, the more satisfying you are when you manage to complete them without making a mistake (even better if it is finished in a fast rhythm). Dancing (practicing) alone and together with a partner is a very different thing, and your partner's confidence and height have direct relationship with your satisfaction level. I dance with this girl who seems confidence and has the right height for me (I am quite tall for an Asian, 185cm, and it is not easy to find another tall girl), and I feel very happy and comfortable dancing with her. I am not very picky of my dance partner, so I enjoy dancing with everyone (just that you must have some basic confidence in dancing in order to enjoy it). Every couple is asked to perform in front of everyone as guts training and performance review, I think I did okay (no obvious mistake). I think there are two more Jive lesson before we move on to Cha Cha (hurray! I finally learned something artistic). Probably some of my colleagues might join us by then?
At the end of the lesson, two seniors (a couple) are supposed to start their class. The instructor asks them to demonstrate their Rumba dance, and their performance is very eye-catching and makes me envy them. It seems like as you get better at dancing, you would require a permanent dance partner to practice and synchronice your calligraphed dance. I shall take it easy at the moment, as seriousness takes all the fun away.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Another Happy Dance
Today Wai Ling will join us after her Yoga class to have a look and feel of our dance class. Khim have gastric and stomachache so she would not be joining us today. We were 5 minutes late. Today they just teach 1 extra step, yet I would say it is the most challenging guy step so far (Did I mentioned Jive have different guy and girl steps? So unless you are an expert, it is difficult to teach the opposite sex to dance). There is this woman in her 30’s that are supposed to help out new students, but she is neither the patient kind nor encouraging type. I partnered with her for a few times and it had been rather difficult. At last, I manage to get the firm grasp on the new step when I partner with Man Yee. It is easier for beginner to learn together, since it is less stressful and more compromising. It was fun. As usual, an hour flies by easily when we are having a good time. Wai Ling fetch them home and drop me at the LRT.
I feel happier when I am without motive. Probably should just be myself and mix well others, since I have not decided to have a more serious relationship at the moment. If we manage to have some good time together and found the suitable one, then probably we good proceed with something more serious when I am ready. Besides, I still enjoy being single at the moment and have a good time with anyone :)
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Latin Jive (Dance) Class
To weeks ago, Tang (my colleague who where sent to do Hard Labor in Cyberjaya) told me about this Latin Jive dance lesson she joined recently. She was fairly excited about her new experience and persuaded me and a few others to join her. I once cannot imagine myself taking a dance class, but somehow now I am more receptive of the idea (maybe I am getting old).
So, Khim (another Victim of Tang's persuasion) and I decided to give it a try. Few others show some interest but have not taken action. BTW, Tang mention her autie is joining us as well. I have dinner with Tang at her favorite Chicken Wings place at the of Jalan Alor (I think it is called Wong Ah Wah Chicken Wing Restaurant). As usual, she will complain about her hard labor at Cyberjaya, how the customer is always poking her and how he is getting better at handling them, and the inhuman hour are getting more humanly. I decided to buy her dinner, probably because I haven't buy anyone meal for quite a while (lucky her).
We are supposed to attend the dance class 30 minutes earlier because Khim and I need to pick up the earlier lessons (we already missed 2 classes), but we are late due to the Chicken Wings. We join up with Khim and go for the class (the place is near Lot 10). Tang's auntie is already there, together with very talkative Lady in Charge (Florence) which can dance as well. Later I found out everyone at the place can dance, including the tea lady (just kidding!). Florence is a very patient and outspoken person. She teaches me and Khim the basic step: Back, Front, Left, Left, Left, Right, Right, Right. It really seems rather confusing just by looking at the steps, but once you get your legs on it, it's pretty alright. Student starts coming in and it is time to start. One thing good about dance class is that there are less guys and more pretty girls :)
The dance instructor looks like a typical dance instructor. He comes and leaves in a hurry, so didn't have much impression of him. The class goes like this: Ladies' Move, Men's Move, and a lot more practice and exchanging partners. There are a few elder people in the class to guide us, I think there are volunteers or some sort. I can't remember anyone name of the first day, I definitely suck at remembering name of people I met once, or twice, or thrice. The steps got more complex, but I manage to catch up, though not very elegantly. I sweat easily, and I sweat a lot while learning to dance. I am the only one having and using a towel. Khim is having a hard time catching up with the steps, probably because she is a bit shy. Florence tries her best to teach her, putting in extra after class effort. Our (Khim and I) deal with her is that we would try for 1 lesson first before we decide to join or not. If Khim give up, she might potentially loose 2 students. At last, her experience and perseverance prevail.
Lesson end, we pay some money to register, everyone is happy. Florence asks me to change the toilet light for her, easy task. Khim pick Tang and Man Yee (Tang's Auntie) home, while I took Monorail and Putra LRT to meet my sister at Taman Bahagia station. While waiting for my sis, I practice the basic dance steps though I was tired. Either I was bored or I like the dancing thing. Looking forward for the next lesson.
Though there are quite a lot of good-looking girls in the class, I kinda like Man Yee. People sometimes ask what kind of girl I like, I would say I would only know it when I saw her. Let see how it goes from here. Did I mention Tang's auntie is younger than her ;(





