Week 4: The Hunger Games

Such an interesting week it’s been, but all full of good stuff!!!

Weekend:

Saturday I went to the DanceWorks Chicago workshop, which was phenomenal. Unfortunately, I was still not feeling it, so ballet didn’t come out so good, even though it was a great class.. But rep was fantastic! We quickly learned sections of three of their works, one of which was first set on Hubbard Street 2!! I enjoyed the “light tunnel” phrase, which had very interesting choreography. The last phrase was fun, but it was a jazz number and a female solo, so all I can say is that I tried my best. 😉 I couldn’t stay after rep though, since I had to work at LEGO. 😦 I’d say the highlight of this day was seeing Sarah, a previous scholarship student who convinced me to do it, she now dances with them… She’s amazing 🙂

Sunday was just another work day, not much else happened.

Monday:

We kicked the week off with Mrs. Beruite’s ballet class, which as always, is fantastic. She has such a wealth of knowledge, but unfortunately I still wasn’t feeling it. I tried to take in information, even though my body didn’t want to correspond. Being a dancer with no motivation is tough, it sets you back, majorly.

Lizzie’s contemporary class was kick butt!!!! It was nice to have her teach again. She gave such a beautiful combination which, to me, revolved around the focus of the eyes and opening doors. She gave us freedom to play with it and find new ways of doing things, so long as we hit specific cues. She also emphasized the separation between the strictness of ballet while dancing contemporary.

We ended this day with a photo shoot!!! It was for the Lou Conte Dance Studio. It was a very fun shoot. Five guys and two girls. I had a lot of fun shooting with a dance photographer, even though having Claire and him analyze our technique was very nerve-racking. Can’t wait to see the pics!!!

Tuesday:

Claire’s ballet class was great, except my body again and mind. The exercises at barre and center were so luxurious and wonderful if I could just get the motivation in my body!

Victors class was very fun and fluid. He challenged us with dive rolls today!!! Ahhhh I certainly love challenges, especially those that are a bit more risky! As usual, he made it all look easy while we all… 🙂

Work ended my day today.

Wednesday:

Laura’s classes are usually some of my favorite, but today was the worst. Not the class, but me… I could releve or turn or developpe! My body completely stopped… And it was a great class too 😥 it was here that I decided not to take it anymore. I am going to make a change! And change I did…

Kristina’s class is what my body years for midweek. I usually feel more accomplished and relaxed, also more in tune with my body after her classes. This is the class where I learn to enter… The twilight zone 😉 kidding. It’s where I learn to dance three dimensionally!

After a new found flame within, I took Beruite’s ballet after… I rocked my socks in this class. Not only had I found my motivation again, BUT I finally finished my first ever FULL PETITE ALLEGRO combination!!!! I was so stoked! Not that I did it completely perfectly, but I was able to execute all steps until the finish line! Also.. According to Beruite, I look like ratatouille! Haha, she said that he’s a cute mouse and I will just say that I’ll take it as a compliment! 😀 I felt amazing in this class, really. Her speech at the end of class, about letting go of the idea of being perfect was what we all needed to hear.

Thursday:

We had a miss Courtney guest teach. My passion was back, so I felt great in class, however I just didn’t feel her style of teaching for me, personally. She was very mellow and didn’t give out many corrections, but that’s okay, class was good. And more importantly, I was back!

Frankie’s class was great. Warm up then we spent the rest of the class trying to create a dance. It was very beautiful, and Hunger Games themed, I think! ;-D

Work, work work. But on my good note about work, after one day on register, I got a shout out by a customer online! I gave great customer service! Seven more then I get a free meal, or to make my own schedule. 🙂

Friday:

Ballet with Claire wasFANTASTIC! I felt great, even though I wasn’t perfect, I felt great. Like a dancer.. A real one. She had me do a section of the petite allegro step by step, by myself, and it helped a lot! I also ALMOST finished another petite allegro! Booya! Very soon, I’ll be skippin and a hoppin! This entire class felt great!

Horton with Erin was great! She’s funny, and amazing and everything! I can’t believe she always has the power to make us so cheerful! Otherwise, her class hurts in a good way.

Pilates with Claire was painful, but I can see its effects in my dancing and body. Pilates is so essential to a dancers vitality and longevity.. It also completely skyrockets the technique! It’s amazing! And Claire is a fantastic instructor, we are so lucky to have her. 🙂

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Okay so you might be wondering why I titled this post “The Hunger Games”? Well, other than the fact that I just finished reading the first book (thank you CTA), I have noticed my life has been like the story… Meaning, I’m OBSESSED!!!!!!!!!!!

Firstly: I volunteered to come to chicago, from a very poor background with hardly as much dance training as the other scholarship students. I consider some of these guys to be from districts 1,2,3 and 4. The careers.

Secondly: I’ve needed tiger balm, excessive amounts lately, which is like the use of the medicine given by the sponsors.

Thirdly: I’d say I’m more of a peeta, a guy who is nice and romantic. 🙂 and I have my rue, katniss, prim, and gale in the scholarship program.

Fourthly: I’ve been scarily low on funds lately, so much so that each time I spend I get closer to not having money to pay a bill… This is like the rations which leads to your name being thrown in multiple times into the reaping jar!

Fifthly: I promised everyone back home that I’d be successful. Of course I want everyone to be, but I promised that I’d be… I haven’t forgotten about everyone back home. I miss you and love you all, very much.

I have drive and motivation.

I am, Ruben, the boy on FIRE!!

Week 3: inFluence

Such a loooong but amazing week!

So last weekend, I took basic ballet, had a photo-shoot and relaxed, somewhat!
Here are some of the pics that I took:

He’s a genius 🙂 also here is the video:

I really enjoyed myself that weekend. Also went through a few personal changes, but nothing that I can’t overcome. 🙂

Monday:

Bruite is a genius! She has a very delicate way of explaining things that make it all ‘just click’. Not sure if many of you out there have had that, but I do at this studio everyday! It’s awesome!! Today’s class was more focused on our weight placement over our feet. It was great the difference it makes to shift the weight from the ankle rather than tip the body or hips. Genius.

Next we had a sub, Ricky, who taught an amazing contemporary class. It was more focused on breathing with the body and extending through infinity to have these movements be fulfilled. I guess that’s what all of dance should be like…. But we forget. He also focused on giving the arms meaning, rather than just flailing them around wildly.

Tuesday:

I got there early to take the adv/pro Pilates at 9am. I must say that my focus, after this class and the entire week, was to make sure that I was pressing away with my lower back to strengthen the abdominals and the lower back. It prevents the unnecessary arching and crunching which helps with lower back pain.

Next we had Claire! Her ballet class was fantastic. She even threw in an andedans a la seconde turn in one of the center phrases! It’s hard not to turn in or raise the hip while doing it. I also had an epiphany in this class, which is common sense to all dancers, except me: turn out more in each and every plié!!!! Halllaaaakazzuuuuuuuuuuuuu!! Amazing things happen when you do this… It also hurts more.

I had my first day at LEGO, which was soooooo fun. It’s not really work, it’s just fun 🙂

Wednesday:

Ballet with Laura is always a treat. She just ‘gets it’. She also has ways of explaining things that just give you a different approach to ballet technique. She makes it all look so effortlessly. 😉 I enjoy her classes because they give you an opportunity to move. Plus, I experiment a lot in these ballet classes…. Why not?

I would say that this was an emotional day for me. When I took Kristina’s class, I asked her how I could move without looking like a dancing 2-D stick.. She gave such great advice, and feedback. I enjoy her classes more and more. She’s very intelligent about movement analysis due to the Laban-Bartenieff approach to her dance methods. I felt great afterwards. I just need to dance in all the dimension and spatially dynamic. I also learned about effort… Stop forcing everything and just MOVE. I’ve been forcing a lot of dancing which has led to choppiness, and stiffness. Allowing myself and body to flow like body feels great and gives me a great quality. I like 🙂

Next I took Beruite’s int ballet class, immediately following Kristina’s class. Note that I haven’t done three consecutive classes since the intensive, so this was new and it’s own challenge. I entered this class with thoughts of the one prior.. Moving with a flow like butter.. Soft and smooth.. My body was relaxed and I felt amazing! Also Beruite’s exercises on releasing the butt muscle and turning out from the back of the legs, not the front, and drawing the back of the knees together when you plié was great! Such huge differences I thoughts and executions!

Thursday:

Started my day with Terry as our guest ballet instructor. I always enjoy his classes. I feel more free on Thursdays ballet classes. Maybe because they usually have more of a contemporary flare to them… Who knows. All I know is that I need to work on my petite allegro, very badly.

Next we had Frankie again. He recycled his phrase from the class he taught before he went away. It was a great class! Always gets me sweaty. He challenged us by using different music each time for the same phrase.

I finished my training at LEGO and even got a certificate of completion!! Ohhhhhhhh yea 🙂

Friday:

Today started good… I got myself a copy of The Hunger Games, so I can start reading while on the CTA. I read it during my commute to class, arrived extra early with time to warm up, felt pumped, then…. Drained, instantly. I tried to warm up but I was lacking motivation… It’s really hard to push yourself to do anything when this happens.

Unfortunately, I reaped the anti rewards of this during Claire’s ballet class. 😦 I wasn’t able to engage any muscle correctly, I felt like I was just going through the motions, and my body wouldn’t warm up. I felt dry and unmotivated. I also began to look around and start thinking that I was the only one NOT improving I know that’s not true, I’ve improved tremendously, but I was in such a limbo state and couldn’t get out of it. It lasted the entire class. Maybe it was because it was an off day or because I was still hungry or maybe because I went to bed late last night.. Either way, it affected me badly.

Erin taught her Horton class. I needed her perkiness to get my spirits to lift. It helped but still no motivation or drive. It’s a bit hard to go through classes this way. I noticed myself fluctuating in and out of positive and negative in this class. She always makes me laugh and smile hard, so I’m grateful for this. She’s a hoot!

Lastly, Claire’s scholarship Pilates. I wish I could’ve begun my day with this… I totally felt my juices flowing, and my body warming up. It hurt, obviously, but I felt more awake afterwards. I also felt more in pain, ha!

I went to Goodwill with Lauren, another scholarship student (she’s amazing, inside and out, they all are). I found some cool stuff, dropped it off at the studio, and headed for downtown. I hung out there until it was time for……..

HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO!!!!!! Fall concert 🙂 as said before, scholarship/training students get one comp ticket, in the orchestra level!!!!!

The show is FANTASTIC! I seriously look up to them so much!!

The show began with Robyn’s new work Fluence. A very visually stunning work, with a lot of great use of space, lighting, special effects and choreography, of course. I’d say the leading dancer, in this ensemble, was the spectacular Meredith, who did an amazing job at stunning and wowing the audience. Every time she moved it was silent. This work was very interesting, with moments of depth, then disconnection from the dancers, then they’d bring it back. Very well done, with a stunning visual surprise at the end. 😉 must see.

Next was a crowd favorite, Alejandro’s new work Cloudless. A powerful female duet. The set was great, as well as the music, choreography and the intimacy between dancers. These are two ferocious women who can dance… But the best moments we those where they were so extremely close… It was tender and beautiful, even quite emotional.

Ohads duet.. I cannot spell and too lazy to copy it from the internet or program, :-p was spectacularly great! He is a genius with music and choreography. I’d say it was a romantic comedy 😀 the dancers did great, having the audience laugh a whole lot.. I think this was English’s favorite, at least I think she really enjoyed it. Very funny and cute 🙂

Lastly, but certainly not least, was Mats Ek Casi-Casa…. TO DIE FOR! Not just because we learned the rep in the summer intensive, but because Mats Ek is… Something else. This work is enchanting, in every way. I really love seeing it come to life. I find the choreography to be so unique and enticing as an audience member and a dancer! Who wouldn’t want to do this work?! It was a great finish to an amazing show!

Just like that, my motivation is back. I look up to this company, a lot, and want to have at least a portion of their talent. I will work harder now. My flame is kindled and I am on fire!! We have a workshop tomorrow morning with Chicago DanceWorks. I’m excited. Now… Time for rest.

Ruben

Step 26: Humbling Experience

Hello all,

So I have been working my butt off at my evening job, that one famous theater, on Hollywood blvd. To be honest, the work is not the hard part, it’s standing on $7, worn out, black-leathered dress shoes from Goodwill, kills your feet. It’s also unflattering to be seen with a favored kids large white button up along with my $5 two sizes larger dress pants, also from Goodwill. I’m a thrift bandit, but these items were very last minute and not necessarily by choice. The only aspect of my uniform that is somewhat okay is the bow tie, unfortunately, it’s a clip on.

The work involved so far:

standing for several hours on concrete floor, wishing people would show up and need my professional concessions knowledge, trying to convince people that the same panda bear cookies priced at $3.75 (also found at Target for $1) is not a rip off, and doing my best to resist the urge of wanting to walk out, uttering ‘C-ya‘.

It isn’t as bad as it sounds, at a fashionable $8/hr, we are lucky we get free movie privileges, oh and don’t forget the free popcorn and soda! I like it so far, the people are interesting and very kind, most of them. I keep telling myself that any amount of extra money is well worth it, to reach my Chicago dream goal. I worked at an AMC before, my first year in college, when I quit I swore I’d never have a minimum wage job, which is why this is a humbling experience. It’s tough, a recent physics grad working for so little. I look around this theater and cant help but think ‘these people deserve MUCH more than minimum wage...most of them‘.

There are kids (ages 18-20) at this job that inspire me. Most have moved from far places: Florida, Colorado, etc. to Hollywood, and got jobs at this theater just to pursue acting, filming, and such. I know that I’m at that point in my life where I am able to do what I want and follow any crazy dream.

I’ve decided to move on September 21st. They have flights from LAX to ORD starting at $98! I know I said I’d never fly Spirit, but I might have to… I still need your help with fundraising money for my mission, any amount will help:

http://www.gofundme.com/2wwe1w

I’ve been doing all my regular exercises, but not much dancing, other than the occasional improv at Griffith Park. Dancing, it’s expensive!

I was about to attempt to buy my flight today, but something stopped me. Other than being so low on funds, the thought that I can just sacrifice all that I have for dance is astounding! I have TWO jobs, live in Hollywood, working things out with my partner, live in the same state as my mother and friends… If I move, I need to find a job, place to live, possibly lose my relationship AGAIN, and try to find ways to visit home. It’s tough. I’m still going to do it, but it’s difficult. I always have that little voice wondering if I’m doing the right thing.. All I know is that I’m doing it, regardless.

Tomorrow I start my second job. And another reason to make moving difficult. Humans create these bonds with one another so easily. I can’t say that I’ll miss LA much, not nearly as much as I will miss my friends and family..

It’s always better to try than not.
I won’t go through life asking myself ‘what-if?’
All I know is that there are several people who believe in me, and I’ll use that much to fuel my drive to succeed. Nothing will stop me.

Ruben

Step 22: Omnimon!

So for the past few days I’ve been doing the outdoor yoga, which has been amazing, along with the HotHouse project with Jeremy, which has also been great. I’ve been getting quite tired though, and I feel a little sick today. I think outdoor yoga at 10:30a, then 4 hours of improvisatonal dance take a lot out of you. Luckily, I have a few days off. Again, I need to find a job and funding.

I haven’t been able to take ballet over the past few days, since I’ve been doing the yoga/rehearsal thing. I am hoping to take ballet again tomorrow and sometime this weekend, maybe. Yoga has been a great experience, I enjoy having the different styles of yoga from different instructors. From ‘Breath of Fire’ to total Meditation. As my body gets more and more tired, I find that even the most trivial of flows are a bit difficult, such as moving from plank to updog to downdog.

As usual, please share thing link and blog, and contribute to my cause:

http://www.gofundme.com/2wwe1w

My time is running out, and I really need to get back soon. To be honest, I’m trying my best to be as positive as I can be without allowing myself to get down but it’s getting quite difficult. Each day keeps passing without a job, and my money is reducing at such a rapid pace: food, travel, donation yoga, and the now-rare ballet class. I know something good will come my way, but gosh its just so difficult to see it coming. I’m not losing hope, I know it will work out.. It always works out.

On a positive note, I’ve been watching A LOT of Mighty Morphing Power Rangers and Digimon.
This is a clip of how things will turn out for me. I’m going to give it all I got, and everyone reading this will help out and help me conquer it all! I might even digi-volve 😉

Ruben

Step 21: Life, it’s HARD!

Okay, so I have been back home for two weeks now since my intensive. As you might all know, I am waiting to return to Chicago VERY soon, which is why I have been looking for jobs, not only in California but also in Chicago. I have to find a temporary job here in California, to raise enough funds to get back to Chicago in a month or so, and then a job in Chicago to have money to survive! Ahhhhhh, life is MUCH HARDER than I ever expected.

Work, its nearly impossible to find. I’ve applied to thousands of jobs by now, ranging from PizzaHut to the LACMA! I went on one interview with the TaxCo., which I loved. The vibe I got from their company is amazing, however they still need to do a second interview, which is understandable but I need to make money now. I am nearing my final dollars, so its getting pretty serious now, and I am trying my hardest not to panic.

I’m working hard to be the best me I can be. As usual, please take a look at my fundraising website or share it with people you know. Any contribution, no matter how small, is very appreciated!

http://www.gofundme.com/2wwe1w

Today concluded my first week with outdoor yoga. It’s been an amazing first week. I have increased my flexibility, but more importantly, my state of mind. It is so incredible to see a huge difference in my mind before the intensive (which is when I hardly ever did yoga). I can now overcome so many obstacles that I was not able to in the past, little things, such as headstands, binds, or simply looking up without having my neck hurt so badly! It is very peaceful and calming. I’ve also been improving on my breath-movement coordination, it gets more practical after each practice.

I also have enjoyed ballet, but haven’t been going as much since that is very expensive. Tomorrow I start a new process with the talented Jeremy. I was asked to be a part of his incredible work, which is so exciting! I can’t wait to dive whole heartedly into his creation process. I thoroughly enjoyed his class at ACDFA, it was enlightening and empowering. I know that his creation process will be no less.

Also, yesterday I saw the Pina documentary! AHHHHHHH so amazing!!! I NEARLY DIED!!! If you have not seen it yet, go see it! It was stunning. I wish I could do work similar to that. She has such amazing organisism (not a real word, but now it is!). Here is a clip of her Rite of Spring:

I know good things are coming my way, and I am trying to stay calm and just breath. Things are looking up for me. They always work out well for me, always. 🙂

Baby steps.

Ruben

Step 20: Short Dance Film

Hello all!

This week is going by so fast, but its picking up nicely.
So I’ve been doing more of the outdoor yoga, which does wonders to my body. I did it on Tuesday, but yesterday I did two sessions! An afternoon session and an evening session. It was amazing. I’m feeling it this morning. 😉

I am very happy to say that I was able to do my headstand! It isn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I guess maybe the grass just adds a level of security, where a hard floor adds worry.

I also got my short dance film now! I am very proud of it!

http://www.gofundme.com/2wwe1w

If you have any little cash around and can donate, I’d really appreciate it. I really hope this video shows my passion and love for dance. It would be such an honor to go back to Chicago to become the dancer I’ve always wanted to be. If you can, share this blog/fundraiser link with your friends and family. I need all the support I can get to propel me back to a place that can give me the training I’ll need.

Without further ado, here is my short dance film!!!!!!!

Let me know what you think about the film. Also, I am interested in knowing peoples interpretations as to what the film tells them and what they think its about. Can’t wait to hear from you all!!! 😀

Ruben

Step 18: Audition Video

Being back in California is difficult. I did not once step in a car over the last month, so being in a car now was a trip. It’s an overpriced-deathtrap accessory! I forgot how time consuming, costly and dangerous driving was!

Consider this:

$100/mo for transportation anywhere in Chicago. No traffic, nothing. Healthier way of travel: walk, bike, subway, and bus.
Vs.
$350/mo (at the minimum) in Los Angeles. Traffic. Sitting for two hours to get to a place that’s 15 miles away. Insurance. Accidents. Gas. Maintenance. Road rage. Etc.

Just a huge difference. It’s a bit scary.

Yesterday, I went to a yoga class with my best friend, Marco. I can’t believe how much more flexible I became in just a month in Chicago. Before class started, I decided to do some yoga breathing, as well as some of the chants I learned through Helen. It makes a difference in your practice. I’ve noticed my spiritual connection and depth since taking Helen’s class. Because of her I got myself a copy of the Bhagavad-Gita! I’m excited to continue my spiritual growth. I dedicated my practice to a continue awareness and growth in spirituality and as a person. Dedicating your practice allows you to hone in on those ideas, which removes all attachment to the bodily aspect, which in turn allows you to relax and ease into the poses. At least that’s what I experience…

I’m still doing theab series, theraband workouts, and stretching. Today, I gave myself a ballet class to warm up. I followed by recording an adagio, grand allegro and an improvisation. It is so I can submit it for different auditions. Here is a clip of my improv:

It was inspired by my return trip, watching Warm Bodies. I went out with my ex.. We’re seeing where it leads us. I dedicated this improv to that idea.

Hoping for the best in my future!

Ruben

PS. Since this blog was to follow my journey through the intensive, I actually realized that our journeys through dance are never ending, even if the project or training is done. I decided to continue to update throughout my real journey as a dancer: life.

Day 27: Goodbye

So sad… Saying goodbye to the wonderful Chicago is difficult. I want to be back, permanently, someday. I think this is my city, it’s where my heart is.

I woke up at my friends house, he treated me to breakfast food at a diner, my favorite! 🙂 I loved the food and restaurant, it was nice. We spent a few more hours together, then I said bye to him. He’s been very sweet to me since I met him two weekends ago.. I’m grateful he let me stay the night, so I wouldn’t be much of a bother for my host.

I went to the Lou Conte Dance Studio and took beginning ballet. I thought I’d conquer it, since I’d been taking advanced/pro ballet in the intensive, however I was soooooo off! Barre couldn’t have been worse! HA. So ironic. I did well in the center, but could’ve done better. Immediately after the class, I got on the subway to the airport….
Homebound now. But hopefully not forever. I will return, soon. 🙂

I decided to keep updating my blog, it’s been a fun journey that has just started. I’m excited!

Los Angeles, I’m coming back a whole new me. Be ready.

Ruben

Day 26: End of Phase 4: Conclusion

Yesterday (Friday) was my final day at the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Summer Intensive. Bittersweet. Honestly, this month has gone by much too quickly.

I did my usual morning ritual, and headed for the studio much earlier than necessary. I did this only because I had bought gifts for my closest friends at this intensive, Erik and Diana, the two who I would but the most to help me and they always did without complaining.. As well as the instructors who taught us for the four weeks: Helen (yoga), Linda (Horton), and Meredith (ballet and rep). These three wonderful instructors helped me shape myself into the dancer I became yesterday and I couldn’t be happier with it all. I got to the studio 3 hours in advance to write them ‘thank you’ cards to go with their gifts.

I also got there early so I could absorb every detail, every feeling and every idea that I have had at this wonderful studio. The bubble bump in the floor on your way to studio A and B near the water fountain.. The way the stairs crack and pop on your way down, making you think that it’s your feet… The center barre that always has a leg fall off..the huge whoosh of a noise that occurs when you turn on the restroom lights. Etc.

Eventually, I warmed up and went over some choreography with the others. Which led us to our final ballet class at the intensive

At 11:45am, we started ballet with Terry. Of course, I stood next to Diana since this would be our last ballet class together (hopefully, just for now). Barre was O-k, I wasn’t focusing as much, but when center came I got my groove back. I believe that everyone danced their hearts out, I know I did. I just did it and I went for it. I felt very alive! Class was one hour and forty five minutes. It was a pure joy to see everyone in class for the last time.

Lunch was next. I met Diana’s mom, who is VERY sweet and amazing. I also got to hang out with Fuka and Erik during lunch. I secretly think that Fuka makes fun of me all the time.. 😉

When I got to the theater I started to warm up. Around 3pm or so, I got a text from a random person online. I had went online and asked a complete stranger and his girlfriend to watch the show, and they did! It was nice. I continued to warm up.

4pm was the start of our show.. Sadly it just flew by way too quick. I could discuss all my mess ups, which there were plenty of, but that’s not fun. Actually, I feel like this is my best performance yet. I was very present to everything that I was seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking, etc (thanks Summer!). I soaked up every minute of my time on stage and now all those memories are nicely stored in my brain. The best part is that during the performance, I felt it: yoga, Horton, ballet, Pilates, improv, limón, partnering, and contemporary rep. I felt the accumulation of all that I’d been taught come together into this beautiful performance and my body. It was very intense.. Kind of like 360*dance.

The reception afterwards was nice. I spent my time with Diana and Erik the most, but also got to talk to everyone before they left. Goodbyes are hard. I said my thank you’s to the directors and faculty and had a great evening. I think the hardest goodbyes were with Erik, who is just a bundle of positivity and always willing to help… And Diana. She’s been my guardian angel. I really care about her very much and I can’t believe that she’s going back to Mexico today. I know I probably annoyed them both but they put up with it and became two great friends. I cried when I said goodbye to her.. It’s strange how close we get to people.

This has been the BEST summer experience of my life. It’s been rewarding and just an amazing growing experience as a person. God…. I just wish I could start over, I wouldn’t change a single thing!

I was able to spend the night at a friends house, and now today I have a bit of time to say goodbye to my favorite city before I head home. Update later today.

Viva la Blue Group!

Ruben

Day 24: Last Wednesday: You Got Mail!

Today had some unexpected surprises!
I went to the studio and started with Pilates at 10:45am. I was happy to start with it so I could better feel my rotators, transverse muscles, and gluteals. It was a great class, which Melanie taught since Kym was sick. Melanie gave us a gentle, challenging class. I felt the efficiency of my work, and growth, compared to four weeks ago. At the end of class, she even said I had improved, which is always nice to hear. It makes all the soreness worth it! One hour.

Ballet with Meredith put a few tears in my eyes… Honestly, I was extremely emotional in class today but didn’t realize why until the very end. I felt as though I was giving it all I had, and then some, which was good but also was hurting my feet and legs! Not until petit allegro (my biggest weakness/fear) did I realize that it was my last ballet class with her. Unfortunately, I did not perfect my petit allegro, but I tried… I think I went four or five times. I wanted to show her that all her work was not in vein. Sadly, no game. I still fumbled, but I almost was getting it. I began to tear up, I felt like I let her down. She’s been the biggest mentor to me and I wanted to make her happy. I gave the grand allegro every ounce of energy I had. At the end of class she gave everyone hugs. I almost lost it. She gave me a big, deep hug and said “ruuuuubbbbbeeeeeeen”. It took all the willpower not to cry. I’m going to miss her instruction and mentoring. One and a half hours.

Lunch was amazing. Apparently, someone oh so sweet sent me mail! Randomly. It completely made my day! My first ever fan mail letter! 🙂 I want to personally thank back2firstposition. You made my week! I didn’t know people actually read this blog.. It’s nice to know that others believe in you! Check our her blog, which I hyperlinked! So sweet! ❤ in case you're reading this, if you are in Chicago Friday, I have a show ticket with your name on it! 🙂

Afterwards we had career talk. Did you know that there is a service called Career Transitions for Dancers, they provide nice services for dancers! Check them out! My favorite part of this was when Meredith gave us her life journey to ending up at hubbard street.. And even her worry of what is to come later in life! One hour.

For the next two and a half hours we rehearsed for Fridays show! It was fun! Here is my lineup:
Too Beaucoup, Little Mortal Jump (harp section, not the Philip glass section I wanted to do), Casi-Casa, and the solo from Jonathan’s work!
Even though I didn’t get chosen to do the Glass section, I’m very happy with my rep pieces! Those are what I’m performing, in addition to the Horton demonstration and the creation work!

6 works baby!
Oh yea! Goodnight!

Ruben