Musings

Sincere apologies to some of my friends who wondered why I have not updated my posts for some time and to others who did not receive any Christmas well-wishes from me a deep bow of apology as well. Been really really packed with dance matters and my workload because my workload @ the office really reaches an insane level from the months of December till March/April.

Just to keep you fellas updated, I have recently joined a dance group mainly specialising in lyrical jazz but through the trainer [or Artistic Director] I actually learnt the basics of latin, salsa, cha-cha, rumba, jive and rock & roll in the process. Now I'm really beginning to feel rather afraid because the sudden boom of knowledge about the world of dance is so huge it is impossible to even sit down and start to wonder where you should start.

Just a little note - I'm typing this post as I recall my thoughts so do not expect any chronological order or sequence.

Been practising for an upcoming concert in Mid-Feb @ the University Cultural Centre. Lots of co-ordination, meetings, practises, conditioning and stretching. Basically I've been spending almost the whole past 2 weeks @ different studios for trainings and rehearsals. Battling flu in the process and nursing a slight cough as well, I just hope I'll be well enough for Brandon's party on friday night.

Watched a slew of movies recently - well apparently I hang out with the dance group after practises as well [they're more like a big family which is very appealing to me and I am very glad that they have been willing to accept me as part of their family].

Once I asked the AD why he would ask me to be part of the group - He simply shrugged his shoulders and replied nonchalantly,"I notice people for their fiery passion and their willingness to push themselves beyond their normal limits. I'm not looking for what you can offer me, I'm looking for people who can constantly surprise me."

Christmas has not been exactly meaningful for me because the gathering was so "chereographed" it simply looked like an mass assemble of dancers twirling their way around each other with faces downcast in a demure manner. The occasional smile pops up every now and then but no conversations. Perhaps it was simply due to my plastic expression that shouts,"Hi! I'm pleased to meet you! Now leave me alone."

Right - about the movies I've watched. Kungfu Hustle by Stephen Chow! It was nonsensical [or mo lei tou as a direct translation from cantonese] and absolutely exaggerated with some spoofs from the Matrix Trilogy.



But I enjoyed it.

Blogs and newspapers have been rife with reports about the Tsunami disaster. My mobile has almost exploded from the surge of relaying short messages about the available relief centres for rendering donations. While I am glad that I have such caring friends who would not hesitate to offer an extra helping hand, I cannot share in their sentiments for I am feeling somehow detached from all these.

A sudden random recollection that I have read from a short story written by Ms Beautifuk. In her story a part of it which I recall is about people being forced to unite under critical situations. Is this the kind of situation she was referring to? That it takes disasters to unite people? Translate this situation from an alternate perspective and we can actually believe that harmony actually divides people. People who get too contented with everything becomes selfish and when conflict of interests occurs people get divided. How ironic.

And lest you people think Singaporeans are selfish by nature - despite all the charity shows and projects milking Singaporeans for all they are worth - this would surprise you.

You know what amuses me at times? The fact that we are so willingly to contribute money to the charity shows and projects and people all around are ranting and raving about how they do not have money for this and that. Here's a little trivia for you - For every $5 you contribute to a XXX Charity Show, $2 goes to the respective Agency or Corporation hosting the event and $1 goes to other foreign entertainers recruited for the glitzy event. Only $2 thus is actually contributed to the actual Charity cause which I'm still not sure how is taken from the actual staff running the Charity Organisation. Think you're really donating a lot to the needy people? Why dont you save a portion of it and donate the rest directly to the needy by getting them food vouchers and some small gifts. Oh, volunteer your services for their daily needs at times. I'm sure that goes a long long way.

Just don't come to me and tell me you're doing good for the society because you have donated a substantial amount of money. I'll bite your head off.

Flu is getting worse, losing my voice. My clients are not being totally understanding either.

Ah well, back to work.