Janella B.

Umbina PE 2 STD W4
2015-07462
Reflection Paper

Dancing has always been a part of my life ever since I was a kid. It serves as an
outlet, up until now in college, which is why I immediately took the opportunity to take
streetdance as one of my required PE courses. People have been telling me that
streetdance is a PE course I must take since they had fun when they took it.

I wanted to learn more about streetdance and its basics because even though I
have been dancing for so long I don’t think that I have the basics down right --which
makes me struggle in some of the dance moves or style.

At first basic hand forms and footwork were taught so that everyone in class will
be at same page when it comes to dancing. Then came the part where basic locking,
popping, and wave dance combinations were taught to us which made me excited since
I was really eager to learn proper locking. I actually had a hard time for the popping part
because proper flexing and contracting of muscles were needed and then coordination to
the beat was really important. I think when dancing a popping routine in class I just look
like I’m having a spasm since I just tend to jerk my arm in order to look like I’m popping.

Then came the best part of the class, the dance routine that will be used during
the final performance was finally taught. I was really looking forward to learning a new
dance piece. For our class, we did a routine for OTW by Khalid. I think a major part of our
dance was a lyrical routine which made it easier for the class to follow since the steps
were coordinated with each word. Practicing during class was a struggle since the space
was very limited, plus it was very hot, which made moving or proper execution of the
dance difficult since it was constricting. However, when we got to doing the routine in a
much larger space, nothing was an issue anymore. So when it came to our final
performance, together with the other classes, I really enjoyed dancing throughout the
whole performance. All the sweat and practices were worth it.
 When I took a dancehall workshop handled by the Streetdance Club, I had no idea
what I was going into. Dancehall was on a different level of streetdance. You need an
immense level of energy in order to get through it. It required you to use all parts of your
body from head to toe. The pacing was also very different compared to the way a dance
was taught in class.

Focus was the key. You have to listen carefully to the instructors in order to follow
the steps and be able to execute them properly. Proper counting was also needed since
the remix of the music used, Up In Deh, first have a fast beat to it but then it will change
to a slower part which means that the counting changes from a normal to a syncopated
counting. The first part of the nice was very fun to move to since it was very upbeat and
“womanly”. However, I kind of had a hard time getting the second part of the dance right
because I think that the instructor didn’t even know the right timing of the dance to the
music which made a lot of us confused. The time was also an issue for me because the
class was supposed to be 2-3:30 but then it became 2:30-4; the time was also not enough
to make sure all of us got the dance.

The 313 concert of Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company (SBRDC) was
hands down AMAZING. They featured other dance companies around manila including
Aftermath, Team Rocket, UE Armada, IHOW Philippines, The Crew, Protein Shake, and
Tha Project. With the variety of companies comes a variety of dance styles, like popping,
locking, wacking, house dance, dancehall, urban, and even contemporary, which made
the whole show interesting. They really made sure that the audience will enjoy the whole
1.5 hrs show from start to finish.

IHOW Philippines captured my attention that night because I really wanted to learn
waacking and IHOW Philippines did justice to that dance. They music choice doesn’t have
the usual upbeat you would expect for a dance like waacking. Instead, they used a mellow
disco music which surprisingly worked well for their piece since it accented or highlighted
the movements of their arms more.
 SBRDC presented their piece during the HHI Philippines National Championship,
which was a tribute to Eminem, as their showcase finale which in my opinion was perfect.
It showed why deserve to represent the Philippines in the upcoming HHI 2018. Their
moves were so fast and swift that I sometimes didn’t even know what was happening
anymore. I think I did not blink for the whole duration of that performance because I didn’t
want to miss any part of it.

Taking streetdance was the best teacher’s prerog decision I have ever made. I
have learned so much during the entirety of the class. It made me meet new people and
gave me an opportunity to dance together with them and in front of other people. I never
thought that I’d be able to keep up with a dance workshop or watch a bunch of crews all
together in one showcase. This class made me really appreciate and embrace how much
dancing have an impact in my life.
 PICTURES

Dancehall Workshop by SDC

The 313 Concert by the Saint Benilde

Romançon Dance Company

Final Performance