God's grace of dance. . .

My daughter, Gia,  and I have been in this journey for almost 8 years now. I never thought we will be on this road for this long.

1st public show @ Rockwell

When Gia ( at 6 years old) said she wanted to take up ballet, I thought it was just one of those passing fancy of kids her age. You know, the thing where in, they loose interest after 8 sessions or after one summer. From about 12 kids in her ballet class at the start of the school year,  to just 3 by March, I remember Teacher Nida saying she would have easily stopped teaching but she could not because she saw the eagerness of the kids to learn.

Summer of 2007, Gia told me that she wanted to continue with ballet and that to try another school just for summer. After several researches, phone calls and consideration of finances and logistics,  we (Gia and I) decided to enroll her at the CCP Dance School. I remember her wanting to watch the company class at the Rehearsal Hall after we dropped by to enroll, and meeting her teacher for that summer instead.

Gia's 1st big stage show -- as a turtle :)

That summer was one of Gia's turning point. Her being promoted to the next level and her experience to dance on a big stage has boosted her love for ballet. She asked me if she can be enrolled for the school year at the CCPDS, even if it's just for Saturday classes.

It was a bumpy yet beautiful ride from then on for both of us. Gia went on to be a full scholar of the dance school. Performing a handful of roles and repertoire -- from classical ballet, modern ballet, contemporary ballet and Hip Hop.  She is still at it with gusto!

Meanwhile, I continue to be a supportive, loving and dependable PA (Personal Assistant) cum driver for her. (Of course, Yaya Rose should not be left out either. God bless her. ).  I decided to leave my corporate job, more than a year ago,  after realizing that the stress, the demands, the issues and even the compensation is not worth giving up the chance to see my daughter grow up and LIVE. I look back with no regrets because now, I know,  I am living a more purposeful Life.

 oh. . . and, I do not want to miss the chance to be a "stage mother".   ;)

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11 

September Scholar's Evaluation

After months of almost daily rehearsals, CCP Dance School, the official school of Ballet Philippines, had their Scholar's evaluation program last September 16, 2012.

The show featured young, upcoming talents in dance and music performing to OPM music. The CCPDS scholars where joined by select music scholars of the Philippine Science High School for the Arts (PHSA).


. . .Saranggola ni Pepe

. . . Mamang Sorbetero

. . . Pobreng Alindahaw

. . . Usahay

. . . Ugoy sa Duyan and many more...


The Intermediate/Advance scholars and students performed "Pobreng Alindahaw". Choreographed by Teacher Victor Ursabia.

Photo courtesy: Victor Ursabia

Anting

A study on Filipino culture presented via dance.

We had a chance to watched Ballet Philippines' Anting this month.

Filipino folklore...amulets...talisman and magic....presented in a beautiful dance. Such amazing talents.

Philippine History, Music, Theater and Dance (MAPE) alert....

The 3rd week: "The world is our classroom"

Whew! what a very busy week for both Gia and I.

Aside from getting the hang of things --- learning, researching, reading, discussing --- this week was just cramped with so many things to do. Thank God for the strength and stamina!

Music/PE Class
Photo courtesy of Michelle Remulla

One of this week's highlights is Gia's 1st day with SPARKS Homeschool organized by VCF Alabang. It's Writing and Music/PE for Gia for the 1st quarter. So far, so good. Who says, homeschooled kids lack social skills? You should have seen the kids of all ages! . . . and Gia? she says she likes both her classes and new found friends, and she is looking forward to Friday again.


Another highlight is Gia's 1-day-notice as guest performer at Bloomfield Academy's Parents Orientation representing Ballet Philippines/CCP Dance School. You see, BP/CCPDS has a satellite dance school in this institution. With barely 1 hour of rehearsals the day before by Teacher Vic, Gia danced the Bluebird Variation from the Sleeping Beauty as if she has danced it for a while now! Of course she was super nervous! Glad she did well.

But the best highlight of all is the realization that with just 3-weeks into homeschooling, I have now fully understood and imbibed what others referred to as "the world is our classroom".

The long drives home or in between errands has turned to be learning moments for us. Whatever topic we are talking about has been made more meaningful as we relate it to Bible scriptures, to values formation, to Science, to Math, to History, etc, etc. And I think that is just awesome!

. . . and because of a major family errand we have to do this week, our scheduled field trip to La Mesa Ecopark will have to be moved next week.

Thank you Lord for another week full of adventure, full of learning experiences and blessings! To God be the glory. . .

The 1st week. . .

The first week went very well. 

Gia was able to adjust to the setting. She is more relaxed as she tackles the lessons and activities. She finished ahead in some subjects and just on schedule in some. 

Music is yet to be tackled as we have to find an appropriate teacher or school for her. It will be either a tutor to follow the module or learning a new instrument. Hopefully we will have a decision by next week.

The highlights of the week are 2 interesting field trips for her.

      We spent a few hours of last Friday at Beit Yaakov Synagogue  (the only Jewish Synagogue in the country) as part of her Bible and History appreciation. Here we met Rabbi Azaria who graciously welcomed us, showed us the synagogue, a Hebrew Bible, and shared to us briefly what Judaism (the religion of the Jews) is all about --- its origins and history.  A very interesting, enlightening and well-spent afternoon.

Beit Yaakov Synagogue (photo courtesy of jewishvirtuallibrary.org)

Where they hold their ceremonies

An original scroll

The altar has to face Jerusalem. (that is the 10 Commandments in Hebrew)

Gia with Rabbi Azaria

I bet you did not know this!

   
         Saturday, after Gia's ballet classes, we watched Ballet Philippines' Crisostomo Ibarra for her music, dance, history, literature and Filipino appreciation.  And because of that, Noli Me Tangere will be her reading assignment for the 1st quarter. :)

       A shameless plug: Crisostomo Ibarra will run until June 24 at the CCP Little Theater. Catch our very own Candice Adea (who recently won Gold for Senior Women at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition) and Jean Marc Cordero (who got a special Jury prize: The Best Pas de Deux or Partnering at the HIBC) play the roles of Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra, respectively. Call or contact Ballet Philippines for more information.