When we first arrived, both Kathy and I decided that we wanted to find a dance class somewhere. Kathy actually took the initiative to get a list of dance studios from a Japanese friend, and she made me a copy, but I never quite got around to figuring out where the studios were. However, Kathy recently got in contact with one of the dance teachers and asked me if I'd like to go with her to try out a class. On a normal week, the class would've conflicted with self defense class, but this week there was no self defense, so I was able to go.
Before we arrived at the studio, Kathy told me a bit about the teacher she had spoken with. Her name was Mika, and she speaks some English. I assume she's also the owner of the studio, as it's called Mika's Dance Produce. I'm not entirely sure what that's supposed to mean, but it's pretty awesome. Mika teaches jazz, hip hop, and... pole dancing. That was actually part of what helped us identify the building the studio is in; in one of the windows, there was a large sign stating "Pole Dancing".
When we got up to the studio, we were about fifteen minutes early, so we watched the end of the previous class. Before the next one started, we got to talk to Mika and one of the other students. Both were friendly and welcoming. It was rather intimidating, though, to watch the other students stretching. The two that were there when we arrived could lay their stomachs flat on the ground in front of them while doing the splits. Soon enough, it was time to start. Class began with stretching and some basic step practice. The steps were actually rather challenging; they were variations on walking forward while shimmying or turning or doing some kind of hip and shoulder movements. With all the mirrors in the studio, it was pretty obvious to see how spastic I looked, but I was having a great time. After that, they demonstrated the dance they were working on. We wouldn't be able to learn it from the beginning, so Mika had us jump in after the song's introduction sequence was over. It was pretty difficult and I'm still not entirely sure about what my arms were supposed to be doing, but I enjoyed learning a few measures of choreography. I think the music was by Adam Lambert; it was suitably dramatic, that's for sure.
We practiced the steps and Mika kept adding more each time we stopped. I couldn't remember what to do unless I had someone to watch, so it became more difficult when Mika moved me to her right side, where I couldn't see her as well. Still, I was having a great time. Eventually it was time for class to end, and we finished with a short cool down stretch. After class, we talked to Mika about logistics. Since I have self defense on Mondays, I couldn't possibly get there on time, but she said it was alright if I was late. Not all of the students can show up at 6:45. Kathy and I stayed to watch the second jazz class of the evening. It was mostly the same group of students, with two or three different students added. I think Mika had only intended for us to stay for a few minutes of that class, but we ended up watching the whole thing. They were doing a Japanese-style dance to some very fast and frantic koto music. It was pretty awesome, but definitely not something Kathy and I could've joined in on.
As the excitement from the first class was fading, it started to set in that maybe having both self defense and dance on Monday nights wasn't the best plan. It would mean that I would be rushing from place to place, and I wouldn't get home until 8:30 or so. If I needed to plan for the next day, that could be a problem. However, I really liked Mika and enjoyed dancing again. So, I asked about the Tuesday night classes. On Tuesday, there are two hip hop classes. One is general hip hop, and the other is hip hop for women. The women's class doesn't involve any of the acrobatic stuff, thank God. Since it would fit into my schedule much better than the Monday night jazz class, I am going to visit the hip hop class and see if I enjoy it. I'm hoping I will. I've never done hip hop before, and I'll probably look like a fool attempting it, but if I have fun I'm going to take the class.
Tomorrow I will surely be sore, and possibly bruised. One of the more dramatic sequences in the dance we learned involves a fall to the ground. My right shin is definitely feeling that one. However, after the first day of the Mid Year Conference (also occurring this week) is over, I'll be headed to hip hop class. Wish me luck!
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