Luring me to the Plana Forma studio is the promise of an encounter with "the" Julie Alagde (forgot her new last name). Im a ballerina at heart,but my roots were from Ballet Philippines. CCP days meant live breath eat all genres from folk to modern to jazz and finally the tutus. Consequently, I acquired a taste for contemporary and jazz. That's why I knew who Julie Alagde was from a far. I've seen her teach modern. I've seen her perform. I knew she was a gift to the dance world. But I have never EXPERIENCED her. When a friend told me that she was indeed giving special dance classes in Plana Forma, I was more than intrigued. Out of shape, missing the movement in my life, I went with one of my best friends. She entered the room and glanced at the newcomers.I didn't expect her to know me but apparently she kind of did. She walked up to me and said "You're a dancer aren't you?! What's your name again?!" To that I answered "I'm trying to get back in shape. I'm Erica.". So, the class started with a warm welcome and an introduction. Dimmed lights, with a earthy kind of music, class started.
As Julie led the class, she instructed not just the body but the soul to move. "I'm not telling you how to move. . .respond to the music and move with your emotion." Not having danced for months, I honestly felt intimidated at first. But because she was so open as a dancer and because the environment was so casual, I eventually let go. Soon, I was a loose cannon extending my arms and legs in every direction forgetting completely that it was a small space and that other people were beside me.(To those I hit . . . sowi :p ) It felt liberating. It was as if I was gifted with time to just BE ME. I spent two hours being in that studio being the real me, dancer me, free me. It felt good to reconnect to my passion. Frankly speaking, it also felt good not to care if I was good enough. The experience was food for the soul. At the end of the class, I felt like I came from a spa treatment. My cheeks were rosy pink, my blood fully circulated (SPELL CARDIO WORK OUT) and my mind at ease. I had a good stretch from my toes to my legs to my back to my heart to my head. It just felt good.
A good work out usually means a good teacher. But what separates a good teacher from the best teachers would be if she inspires. I left the studio, inspired. I don't really need much inspiration to want to dance as I really was born to be a dancer. But Julie inspired me to claim the word dancer. Its common for me to be asked if I'm still a dancer because people see me everywhere doing different things. I always say jokingly that I'm a retired ballerina. Seeing Julie dance with so much passion reminded me that you don't seize to be a dancer just coz you no longer have a signed contract. You don't seize to be a dancer just because you are now a teacher. You don't seize to be a dancer just because you are now a corporate slave. When I left she said "Don't worry about getting back into shape. You are a dancer, dancing will never leave you. Just take class". Feeling emotional, At that point, I almost cried. People listen when they have respect for someone. So I listened. I did come back for class . It took a while just coz my schedule is indeed a mess. But I did take another class with her. This time I took Zumba (Just for the record, I died :) ) And I know I will take even more classes with her and outside . Must fight for my right to be a dancer. Just maybe, you'll see me back on stage again.
