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