A Hot Night at the Esplanade!

WHAT A NIGHT WITH THE SALSA PERFORMANCE TEAM (ACTFA) FROM XENBAR

Posing right before the performance

Don’t let the tube tops and the short shorts distract you! (I’m in the back on the right side)

A few days ago my dance school performed at the Esplanade’s Forecourt to kick start the “Da:ns Festival” with hot latin dance! We worked very hard over 2 months to put on 12 dances that evening. I danced in 2 dances – one Salsa and one Bachata. It was quite an experience for me because it was my first dance performance. The last 2 weeks was the most stressful because I had to learn a whole new dance choreography almost from scratch, and to perform it smoothly and technically correct.  I quite enjoyed the training so early into my Salsa dancing journey because it strengthened my basic technique and showmanship.

The performance itself was very nerve-wrecking! I didn’t mean to get nervous but I did. Even though I knew my steps inside and out, i forget 2 sets of moves (to the horror of my partner) during the performance because of nerves. Though I was able to get back quickly, I’m glad I went through that hick-up as it only made me more determined to get more performance experience so I can perform just like it was socially at a club (which I used to be terrified before!)

Salsa has really become the highlight of my day, everyday. I wake up excited to improve myself in Salsa. I know it’s a great way to meet woman, but that’s not really what makes it so enjoyable. The great part is improving slowly bit by bit and learning something new everyday.

I know my wise boss Adam Khoo once said that in order to be the best at something, you must be OBSESSED with it. I guess I found something I’m obsessed with. I do want to be the best at this. Not sure how good I want to get, but I guess making a name for myself would be a good start.

I should really thank the ACTFA and Xenbar (the place where I take lessons from) for teaching me and pushing me to improve, and most importantly of all, for giving me a platform for me to passion to good use.

It’s been great the last few months. I’ve really improved!

My next performances are in December! Stay tuned!

Dave

One this is certain…Salsa!

I just came back from 5 hours of dancing to salsa bachtta and merengue music. I’m still working hard in my journey in Salsa and at least I’m happy to be sure of one thing: I must get better!

According to ToSalsa.com’s article by Josie Neglia called “6 Levels of Salsa” I consider myself at level 2:

Level 2
The man and lady are now dancing in time to the music while doing basic patterns and variations.

and level 6 being:

Level 6
The ULTIMATE LEVEL…when it all comes together.  This is when the dancers become  ”the physical instruments” of the music.  If a deaf person were to watch them dance, he/she could SEE the music through their movements and interpretation.  …and it goes on…

The article can be found here

So there’s a while go go, but it’s ok I just started! I’m a beginner who’s got the motivation to become better.

A lot of my drive to become better lies that guys in Salsa have it a lot tougher. Check this diagram out by Edie the Salsa Freak :

Guys in order to get through the beginner’s hell stage, need lots more time to practice..meaning lots more time of suffering. Right now I’m suffering…lots. Regrettably stepping on toes, screwing up the flow of the dance with ill-time leads but despite all this, I’m determined to get through this phase..unto that upward sloping portion where the man’s salsa growth is exponential. And during that stage his level will increase so fast because he knows he can hold his own dance and adequately lead the girl. I can’t wait for that. It’s getting better slowly. Hopefully by November / December, 6 month’s from now, I can hold my own in Salsa, and maybe even make a few ladies smile.

Practice Practice Practice…even though it’s so scary!

What I learned from simple movies…

I’ve been watching a lot of movies lately, some good, some not so good but all have something to learn.

Take for example:

Friends – What people will do for the people they love…

Sex In the City Movie -You never know where life is going to bring you. Power of Forgiveness.

The Incredible Hulk (which was a pointless movie, don’t watch it) – I don’t know what I learned from it.

The Missing – Don’t hurt Mother Nature, because it’s gonna bite back.

I have to admit, I enjoyed Sex in the City a lot. I don’t know if it’s the great fashion sense the women have, or  the issues they face, or the emotional bond between the group of friends, and their lovers…it’s touching. What I’ll remember most is that ‘Life is unpredictable’ so stop planning it so much. In the past 2 years…that has been so true and will keep on being that way. Another thing I learned is that everything works out in the end…always.

Life is good. It always has been.

And the favor continues! and continues!

Ever wake up, sleepily check your watch and say, “OH SHIT! I’m LATE!”

Well that was exactly what I said to myself this morning as I realized I had missed out on my alarm clock and had overslept TWO HOURS! I had to wake up early because I had to set up for a workshop and there were many people counting on me to set up. I was supposed to be arrive at the venue at 715am and be set up by 745am to receive participants by 8am.

I woke up (to my horror) at 815am!

I was surprised no one had called me to ask me where I was. So I scrambled out my door 5 minutes later, lugging behind me all my workshop equipment. Here’s the good part:

There was a cab waiting outside for me (I booked one 5 minutes earlier), I got to the venue in 10 minutes as it happens to be near my house, the room where the workshop was supposed to be held was locked and the organizers couldn’t open it up, so they were waiting for a key. It now is 830pm, the programme is supposed to start now. Another good news for me, the trainer was late because he was feeling ill and got out of bed slowly. Soon the door to the room was open. And I started setting up all my equipment for the workshop. I had enough time and help from the participants to get all the things set up in 20 minutes. The trainer still did not arrive yet. I got the participants to fill out some forms to keep them busy. Finally the trainer arrived 45 minutes after the programme was supposed to start. Yay, being late didn’t turn out to be a disaster after all. (for those reading this from my company…keep this to yourself, thanks!)

So the favor continues for another day!

I was also fortunate enough meet an old friend who’s now in the recruitment line and he shared with me some tips about my advancing in my career given my current ambitions. Did clear up some questions I had.

I also said good bye to my 2 house mates who are leaving for India and Indonesia. They have been great company and I will miss them.

I’m also grateful to be meeting people who I have so much in common, sharing similar childhood memories, and future ambitions. Cherishing friendships are so rewarding.

Thank God for another day of favor.

Life is confusing! but favorable

I guess I have be thankful that there are a lot of wonderful things going on in my life, some positive and some are just positive things in disguise.

I just want to say that I have been blessed with favour from people around me and circumstances in my life. I can say that I wouldn’t be in Singapore and in the line of work if it wasn’t for favor given to me. Even in recent challenges in my life, I have been granted favor in the eyes of those I least expected and of course from those closest to me. The result? More favorable options have been presented to me.

I’ll let that resonate out.

Weekend’s come and gone…but has left me with a smile.

This weekend was a socializing weekend.

On friday I went out visit AIESECers at TeaJoy. I haven’t been there in ages! The company was great as usual. Afterwards went to listen to jazz. Boy, did I miss listening to jazz. There’s just something magical about live jazz or latin music that sets my heart ablaze. Makes me wonder…when am I actually going to commit to learning latin dance… After march i will learn! I will be doing a lot of self improvement seminars and learning how to dance is just one of them.

This is Imran, Vasudha, and I outside TJ

Speaking of dancing, I had a wonderful time on saturday. It started with predrinking at one of the Dutch intern’s house. Chatted, and drank with familiar and fresh faces. Went to a lounge party for a few hours…chatted some more then headed to St. James Power Station. Now usually I don’t enjoy going to clubs, but St. James is an exception…and the company I had were the right type (FUN!). The band was awesome awesome. I think they were from Brazil and their sound (and the female singers’ clothes) were TIGHT. Simply said…I had a rocking night. And I managed to stay there for more than 3 hours (until 330 am) and not even feel tired at all! A big part of the fun was because of the company. Thanks Adeel, Janine, Melody, Shirley, and Ivan (still in luv?).

Life is a journey, enjoy every step.

I’m going to enjoy more aspects of my life (not just only work) and excel in all the areas. I don’t mind if I move slower in improving than others, at least I’m improving! It’s my journey.

2 Days in Bintan!

I just finished a 2 day excursion to Bintan, Indonesia with 8 other great Aiesec interns. I haven’t spent much time and money of purely leisurely excursions in a long time. It was worth it because of the adventure and the time spent bonding with other people. I had amazing conversations, swam a lot, and even played a very competitive and enjoyable game of volleyball. Even though I had to return to singapore for a short while during the weekend (which was a really interesting experience for me), I had just let go of work for the time being. It was refreshing!

Work this week has been fruitful. The first workshops this week proved very challenging, but still I kept on going despite my nervousness and wavering confidence. Tomorrow will be the last day of my workshops this week. I’m training at an all boys school and I’m enjoying it a lot. I feel like I can connect a lot easier to them than other school, and it does bring out another side of me, the playful but stern big brother. I like it, and it’s a useful persona to have.

As you know, I’m always in pursuit of self-improvement (I’m a self confessed junkie), my current ambitions are going to Jakarta to coach a programme for my company. I think it would be a big step for me by training regionally.  Just the thought of it excites me, that’s why I’m working hard to improve my coaching skills.

My 2nd goal is to go to Orlando Florida for a Trainer’s Training programme by Richard Bandler. By attending this course I will vastly improve my training skills, and become a certified NLP Trainer. The course costs $4000 USD ($5500 SGD) (not to mention the $2000+ flight) which is easily more than 2 month’s my current salary. I see it as a big investment into my career as a trainer. I’m starting young which is great because in a few years I will be a very competent trainer, far younger than others at the same level as I. Certification is another big reason to go because it looks good on the resume. I know it’s ridiculously expensive but for some reason that because it’s expensive I’m going to make the most out of it. It’s only a 6 day course and I’m afraid I won’t learn as much as I paid for. I’ll be honest, I haven’t spent much money on upgrading myself (I think a grand total for $1000 SGD the last 12 months), but I think many of my peers haven’t any money on self-improvement as they usually spend it on weekend vacations.

Pay now, play later.

The more I talk about the course, the more I want to go. I have always been attracted to expensive things, and going to Orlando is no exception. Sure it’s gonna leave me with zero savings, but i know I can earn it all back in 4 or 5 months with. It is scary…so I must be on the right track.

A small but ever present fear…

My roommate casually mentioned that her colleague, who was about to get married on the weekend, was fired. Ever now and then I’m here of stories of people getting fired and it gives me an uneasy reminder of how fragile jobs are. I’d like to think my job is here to stay, but it’s not. I fear that my job can be taken away from me the next day and with that I’ll lose all the rapid learning opportunities, my friends, and  most importantly, my pride. I just can imagine how humiliating it would be. On the other hand, I can imagine what a powerful learning experience it would be, and how the rest of the world would suddenly open up to me. I guess that’s one of the problems: I’m too attached to my job. I love what I do, and I enjoy all the good and the not so good times…it’s because I take it so seriously.

Just a few thoughts to chew on.

Do my best, and fight on!

A Social (Sleeping?) Animal?

There was a time I thought I liked to go out  drinking  just let loose and have fun?

Where did those days go?

Recently I had a choice to go between a workshop and going drinking out with friends. I chose the workshop. Maybe other people my age would slap me in the face for being a workoholic. How can i say ‘no’ to a learning opportunity? Maybe it’s my mindset of CANI Constant And Never ending Improvement. But I can learn while i drink right? Am I holding on too long to the dream? Are there times where i can just relax?

It seems like my expat friends hold very different lives than me. There are no shortages of parties and excursions (and money) for them. Every night seems like a wild night. Wild means fun? means memorable? was it an experience worth having?

I have another choice to go to Bintan or attend a 2 day Toastmasters workshop? To me, I put my existing commitments first, which is toastmasters. I can learn there, network and have fun there. But going to Bintan offers me something else: release. I would be doing something out of the usual for me. Wouldn’t that be so exciting?

At the beginning of the year I promised myself I would go travelling more often with friends rather than focus on work 24/7. I am passionate about what I do, and don’t mind spending the extra hours. I also believe in work/life balance. Can I be passionate about something that I can put it on hold so I can rest? ‘ Should be. But there’s always the guild of not improving fast enough. Patience.

I’m thinking of the people I hang around. These people affect how I spend my free time and how i set my priorities.

Mostly Singaporean. Young. Mid-20’s to early 30’s. Ambitious. Self Improvement junkies. Sticks with their own small group.

Gosh this is me. This is what I’ve become. This is the cycle. Is the focus or complacency?

maybe for things to become exciting for me,  I need to do things differently more often.

Go clubbing, go to bars, travel, meet new people, get a GF…what is it I need?

Wheres the excitement? Where’s the challenge? Where are u? Bring it on! I’m looking for u.

This concludes my orderly randomness.

A week well spent learning

Phew it’s all over! Another week has gone by super fast.

Last week I was mostly observing training and waiting (patiently) for my next training. I had to focus my mind constantly to make the most out of my time. Over the weekend I discovered that I wouldn’t be training but coaching. I was honestly very worried that I wouldn’t get enough time to train and improve on my skills.

“If you want something, go out and get it.”

So I called another trainer who was scheduled to train with me to ask if I could training something…anything! The fear of being stagnant and even worse, fall behind the growth of other trainers pushed me on to convince them to give me a shot to train. Despite the concerned voices, I was allowed to train a few hours over the course of the camp. Furthermore, I was training ALL new segments sometimes just with an hour preparation. The class was a “Normal Technical” or a less-academically-advantaged class, with a reputation for being rowdy. It would be my 1st time training these kids of students…all new content.

It was an experience without any regrets.

What did I learn? Well I learned how kinesthetic learning behave. They prefer to move around when they learn, and love hands on activities and sitting on the floor. They were very much in touch with their emotions, and easily expressed it. They also were very engaged during reflection sessions about life and really took it seriously. I also learned that I should pay more attention with my hand gestures, engaging strategies, as well as confidence in my content as a start. I did my best to build rapport with the group and makes friends with them. By the last day, I had no trouble talking to them. They were a very warm…exceptionally friendly group.

I recorded my sessions too and showed them to my mentor and my boss today for feedback. I swallowed my pride and took it constructively. Despite no reduction in concerns for me, I did grow as a trainer this week, and that’s all that counts.

Patience, Young One

Over my quiet Chinese New Year Holiday, I had quite a bit of free time. A drastic contrast to the exciting week before, I spent half of the holiday sick with a flu, and the other half of it watching movies, napping and visiting friends. I had a lot of free time, time to think and reflect how things were rapidly progressing.

I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed my time alone (my roommates were out on vacation), and didn’t mind not being around anyone but myself. It was a time to recover, rest and strengthen.

Unfortunately, stillness breeds unrest. My mind started to (and still sort of is) on unsettling things. One of my fears is the fear of not being the best, a fear of not growing as faster than everyone else. When I play competitively in computer games, I MUST be the best at it. (Now that I think about it, it is finally clear, and it’s true.) I started fearing that other people were growing (in their jobs) faster than I did. I would compare them to me, who seemingly is moving at a slower pace, even though I thought I was doing my best.

This unrest pushes me to study and work harder, to think outside the box, and to act pro-actively in order to further my progress. Question: is it OK to feel this way? to always be unsatisfied? to always want more?

Human Beings are driven by either pain or pleasure. Right now I feel that pain is driving me forward. I am going to improve drastically, I will see it, everyone will see it.

Amidst the fire of passion, is the calm of reason; “Patience, Young One. Make use of this time to prepare yourself. Your time will come.” It doesn’t have to be loud and chaotic for things to be exciting, even stillness can bring progress.

Yah it does make more sense now…be patient.