Aue Te Ora E! Alas, Oh Life! by Morgan Chang

Morgan Chang in Aue Te Ora E! photo by Antoinette Oliveros ( click here to view the entire album)

Aue Te Ora E! Alas, Oh, Life! As I write this nearly a month after Te Orama stepped onto the stadium floor at SJSU for Tahiti Fete, these words still stir my soul, as they are more than just lyrics in a song, but the feeling I lived for so long in the months preceding Tahiti Fete.

I still have to take a second to sit with all the emotions and memories of that weekend. Joy, stress, hunger, pride, love, and passion are a few that come to mind. While my tan has faded, my plumeria leis have dried out, and the coarse blisters from sewing have smoothed over, our time at SJ Fete still remains as fresh a memory as ever. After all, there are constant reminders of our hard work and success wherever I go, whether it be the awards that now decorate our office and Studio B, the numerous tagged photos and videos all over Facebook, or even the chance pieces of More or Ti leaf that appear at random all over my house and car.

Although Te Orama swept across the board with first place in all categories and an overall title for our division, some of my fondest memories are not of the winning or the forty-five minutes spent dancing on that floor, but the countless hours of preparation that led us to that point. Preparation, however, was not easy with over a hundred dancers on stage. I am still amazed and grateful for the abilities of Uncle Anthony, Auntie Nathalie, Ms. Malu and Auntie Katrina to see the overall picture when many of us dancers could not. While formation versions A, B, C, 1.0, 2.0, and various others were dealt out, we grew more confused. However, they never let up and ensured we worked until our piece was visually clear and stunning. In fact, it may be a long time before the echoes of "Lines!" and "Formations!" fade from our heads.

I would be lying if I said there weren't points when a final result seemed like no more than a figment of someone else's imagination. As the weeks continued to fly by and a countdown to Fete reached only one month left, I grew nervous. But as our intensive practices picked up, there was no questioning the group's dedication. I remember one rehearsal especially, where we opened up the day being slowly sunburnt to a crisp in the WSPA parking lot, and 12 hours later, were still there ending the night by literally dancing in the moonlight. After this strenuous day, it was clear that all involved: dancers, families, teachers, drummers, musicians and singers were committed to seeing Te Orama succeed.

Still, a few more obstacles were to come, including sleepless nights and costume making. For many, fresh costume making was a new experience, though made much easier by instruction from Uncle Anthony and his Otea Api dancers. While there were a few mishaps with needles, and many had green fingers from the Auti leaves (ti leaves), it was evidently worth the effort once the costumes were completed. Te Orama really stood out with costumes that were entirely fresh except for the more skirts and bras. The costumes were beautiful, and seemed only right for a piece honoring and respecting the natural beauty and glory of life.

I am so proud and grateful to be a part of Te Orama and all it stands for. I feel so blessed to be allowed the opportunities to learn from beautiful cultures and share it with others. We have come so far as a program, and I am excited for all that's to come in our future. Our success is only due to the joint efforts of the entire group, so I'd like to acknowledge a few of those people with a huge Mauruuru Roa (thanks) including: Uncle Anthony & Auntie Nathalie, Ms. Malu, Auntie Katrina, Uncle Stefan (our award-winning Ra'atira) and the rest of their family, Otea Api dancers, drummers, and musicians, Allyson and Val Tintiangco-Cubales (Mahalaya's parents), all of the Te Orama parents, and all my fellow Te Orama dancers who continue to inspire me in being a better dancer.

Through the arduous months of both mental and physical exertion, I know I have so much more to show than awards; I have memories shared with those I now call my Te Orama family. And whether we all dance together again in the near future or must go our separate ways for now, I know we can all look back on this experience, unique only to us, and be taken back to that Sunday in July 2011 where we all danced as one.  

 

San Jose Fete Reflection by Audrey Lujan 

We had weeks and months of preparation & practice for San Jose Tahiti Fete, and in the end it all paid off. The night before Fete nobody including myself had any idea what we were getting ourselves into. Yes we had heard stories & seen videos from previous Fete competitions, but yet no one knew the true feeling about stepping onto that gym floor- unless you competed in your previous years. So many emotions ran through my head the night before: Excited, Nervous, Apprehensive, but yet I was more excited than anything. Excited because I was actually competing as a group, because I had the opportunity to dance & perform this phenomenal Tahitian piece. That was the only thing on my mind, while I stayed up till 5 in the morning sewing my costumes. I went to sleep for 10 minutes and awoke to start getting ready for our 6:45 a.m stage/blocking rehearsal. When our group was let in the first thing that came to mind was, "I can't believe we will be performing in the huge auditorium in less then 10 hours." We had 15 minutes to rehearse then that was it, our final rehearsal was done. While backstage waiting to go on, I was all energy; no nervousness, no more apprehension, just Excitement. While walking on that gym floor everyone was happy cheering, and screaming thier Sioux calls. Dancing was a new feel to me now & there wasn't a time while dancing on that gym floor when I didn't smile or sing. The last part of our dance summed up everything about Te Orama, how we came together as one to make this piece. We weren't two separate groups while performing, we were just one, and one was all we needed. We took 1st place in our division overall, & I'm glad to say we deserved it Te Orama !!!!

Musical Theater Camp Recap by Katie Kerwin, Musical Theater Director 

Following our Recital Production of Little Mermaid, I, along with my assistant Camille Edralin headed straight into MT Summer Camp!!! We sang, we danced, we acted, we studied English, Geography, Social Studies, and Folklore... Yes we did!  Our themes this summer were Schoolhouse Rock, Shrek, Wonka, and NY, NY!   

Students developed fun and exciting characters and travelled on the conjunction junction train to far off lands, became inventors of wild candy machines, and took a trip to the Big Apple to become Broadway stars!!! We had veteran musical theatre students along with some new faces, which made for a very exciting and inspiring summer for students and teachers alike.   

A Glimpse of Musical Theater Next Year

The year ahead looks exciting too!  Keep an eye out for our MTC students spooking you in our haunted house maze, singing some Holiday favorites at our Sugar Plum Fairy party and Holiday Shows, and performing songs and dances from Disney's most notable score, THE LION KING, for our annual Song and Dance Production in June.  Our MTC soloists and group numbers also hope to compete at Musical Theater Competitions of America in February which will be held in Anaheim California with competitions and workshops with industry professionals at Disneyland!

WSPA Summer Intensive - Recap by Malu Rivera-Peoples
 

Right after recital, WSPA students started with preparations that resulted in an unprecedented win for our Polynesian program at the San Jose Tahitian Fete.  Read here for more stories on the San Jose Fete. 

Simultaneously, a well attended first session of the 3-week musical theater camp of Katie Kerwin afforded no break for its campers as they started the Monday right after recital.    

A full blown intensive on ballet, session 2 of musical theater, and hip hop went on for another 3 weeks and culminated at the time of this writing.   The exclusive intensive with Viktor Kabanaiev ended on August 5.  

The culminating performance presented wonderful works and one could only feel the love and joy in the Juniors' eyes as they danced and sang broadway tunes.  It was sweet and short but it left me teary eyed as always.  Without the stage lights, the sets, and elaborate costumes, the students (every single one of them) were so raw with promise and were magical.  It was an added treat to watch soloists from the most advanced intensive display the short works learned over the weeks.  A huge thank you to teachers Viktor Kabaniaev, Lou Fancher, Tina Fargas-Mabaquiao, Katie Kerwin, Jessica Manalo, Anna Carnes, Taylor Ullery, and Reina Victoria for working with the children.    

Auditions for the Professional Ballet Division, Modern/Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip Hop were well attended with 50 to a hundred hopefuls auditioning for acceptance and placement in the Junior, Apprentice, and Company levels.   

2011 Summer was definitely intense with so much training, dancing, discovering, experiencing, loving, sharing, and giving.  We wouldnt have it any other way.   

20th Anniversary Gala and Recitals - Nothing less than Expected - a Message from the Director

Having directed a total of twenty year-end recitals for WSPA,  the underlying mission of each culminating performance in June was always to outdo the previous.  With this in mind, the school had to evolve from its timid and comfortable approach of educating dance to using a more aggressive and challenging program.   An array of different dance styles and theater programs from which a student could learn to move, appreciate music, and hone their skills had to be provided.  Participating in major mainstream dance festivals and competitions to give students a goal became a way of life and students became undaunted by the chance of failing.  Their excellence was a by-product of good work ethics. 

The Gala last June and the recitals that followed were nothing less than expected from an outstanding school.   The range of styles and the diverse program from classical (Kingdom of the Shades) to  global (Te Orama) and the entertainment value provided by the tap, jazz, hip hop and musical theater, encompassed all of what performing arts  should be.  Audiences were elated by the professionalism of each show, amazed at the number of talents on stage, and touched by the young artistry of its beginning through professional levels.  It was not just a culmination of year 2010 but a culmination of the past 20 years.

As the school director, I oversee, plan, and organize the work to produce these shows.  I have had success only because I have surrounded myself with beautiful, wonderful people, who shared the vision for excellence, the aspiration to create art, and who possess genuine love for children.   Every teacher, parent, student, and office staff share this same passion and find themselves inspired and lifted amidst the energy, dedication, and commitment of the students.  They embrace this community making it a safe, nurturing, and wonderful place for our families.  

I look forward to another 20 years.   I hope you will stay with us long enough to absorb everything that's positive and mature enough to be able to give back when the time comes.  In WSPA, life can only get better, because we work hard to assure it does.

Manahere Tahitian Competition - Te Orama soloists did well in Manahere!

Angeline Noguera, Katie Edralin, and Jonalyn Montero pose with their trophies. Photo by John Chang

Te Orama members continued to train after their success in San Jose Fete, this time to compete as soloists in Manahere.  Congratulations to all that competed and a big thank you to Nene Nemenzo for preparing them for another successful weekend of competition last July 30, Saturday, in Milpitas.  Here is the roster of soloists and placement in Manahere. 

 Great News on Teachers and Students! by Malu Rivera-Peoples

 
Ballet Master Viktor Kabaniaev and student Miko Fogarty in First Position - a documentary on dance students 

"FIRST POSITION is a feature length documentary about a love of dance and a drive to succeed that trumps money, politics and even war.

The film follows six extremely dedicated young dancers from North and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe as they prepare for the largest student ballet competition in the world, the Youth America Grand Prix. "

Miko Fogarty is one of the young dancers that is featured in the documentary that began filming in 2009.  Viktor Kabaniaev and Miko's mother Satoko and her brother, Jules, are also in the documentary.  They were being filmed in New York at the time I was in New York accompanying Hikari Jacobson at the YAGP Finals in 2010.  Judging from the preview, I can tell that this is going to be a wonderful and educational film for everyone to see.  Though the filming was prior to Viktor and Miko joining WSPA, I am just as proud to have both in our school today.  Miko serves to be an inspiration to all the students exemplifying the much needed dedication to become a dancer and Mr. Kabaniaev has committed to giving all his best to those who want to learn under his direction in the Professional Ballet Division.  Read more about Miko here.


Welcome Tasha Hamilton - New Jazz and Modern/Contemporary Teacher

Recently appearing in the feature film, Dance Flick, as a ballerina, and in a national PBS commercial, Tasha is a well established professional teacher, dancer and choreographer. For the past 18 years, she has been been privately trained by her mother Irina Brecher Hamilton, a Varna International Ballet Competition medal winner, and featured in Michael Jackson's This Is It as the ballet coach. Tasha's formal ballet training includes The Colorado Ballet Dance Academy, Soul Motion, San Francisco Lines Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway and Alvin Ailey. As a professional dancer, Tasha has been a member of the Damsels Contemporary Co., Motion Underground's EOM, and a dancer/choreographer for Soul Motion Performing Company. She began her teaching career at the early age of eleven, under Irina's guidance and continues teaching ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, modern, contemporary, jazz funk, hip hop and yoga for the past 14 years across the USA and Europe.  Tasha is happy to announce that her brother, Misha Gabriel, will be a supporting actor in the upcoming film "Step Up".


Pat Cruz, Hip Hop Teacher/Choreographer

Pat has been going back and forth to LA this entire summer and travelling to Taipei including Poland and Germany in the near future, teaching intensives, working with record artists, and setting choreography for international groups.  He recently accepted 20 highschool students for APT and 29 young adults into THE COMPANY after a two day audition that was attended by close to a hundred and fifty hip hop dancers.  Watch his choreography below.

Pat Cruz - World Goes On

Miko Fogarty takes Gold in Orlando's World Ballet Competition and gets invited to perform at the Miami International Young Medalist Gala 

The World Ballet Competition was held at the end of May to June 4.  Taking a leave for a week from her classes and rehearsals in WSPA, Miko ventured to Orlando for The World Ballet Competition's (WBC).  

On June 4, Miko Fogarty was awarded the Gold for getting the highest points for all rounds - 9.1 for classical solo, 9.3 for contemporary, 9.5 for final round classical, averaging a 9.4 score, placing her way ahead over the second place that scored an average of 8.8.

It is with great honor that she is invited to perform in the Young Medalist Gala for the Miami International Ballet Festival on September 9, 2011 - See the attached official invitation.  Miko will be dancing a Pas de Deux with Devyn Lovett and two other pieces - a classical and her Contemporary Piece "Casta Diva" by Viktor Kabaniaev.   

Lauren Main De Lucia - Another baby on the way!!!! 

Congratulations to Teacher Lauren, Ballet Mistress of the Performance Program, and her husband, Jedd, for having another baby who will be arriving in January.  Mrs. Lauren intend to work all through her expected date, setting choreography for YAGP and rehearsing students for Nutcracker, from September through December.

Jessica Manalo is Getting Hitched to a lucky man, Evan Angeles!

On October 1, 2011, Jessica and Evan will be wed at Mission Santa Clara De Asis.  We wish them a beautiful ceremony and a happy life together as husband and wife!!!    

 WSPA OUTSTANDING STUDENTS RECOGNIZED

Three WSPA Students are recognized for their exemplary attitude, work ethics, commitment and dedication to their art.  The WSPA Outstanding Senior Student Award was given to Alisa Bowen and the Outstanding Junior Student Award was given to Alexis Pineda.  Read below what makes these outstanding students deserving.   

Miko Fogarty joined WSPA with her long time coach and ballet master, Viktor Kabaniaev, who started the Professional Ballet Division in WSPA last year.   Miko is an outstanding student recognized by top ballet aficionados in the USA today.  Satoko, Miko's mother, shares her thoughts on Miko's love for dance and accomplishments below.    

Alisa Bowen "Outstanding Senior Student"

Alisa Bowen in "Lady in Red", choreographed by Lauren Main DeLucia

My name is Alisa Janelle Bowen, I am 16 years old and will be a junior at Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep. I have trained at WSPA for 11 years in both ballet and modern. Over the years, I participated in many competitions and performances. The most memorable of the dances is my recent solo, Lady in Red. As a ballet dancer, I have struggled to perfect not only technique but also develop artistry and performance quality. While dancing Lady in Red, I found my inspiration through family and friends. Knowing they were in the audience watching and supporting me, I was inspired to perform and truly dance the piece. This will be my third year in the Ballet Company, and I one day hope to dance a principal role in our annual Nutcracker.  

    Aside from dance, I have always been interested in the sciences. When I go to college, ideally I would like to major in biochemistry and minor in dance. After all these years of attending class after class, rehearsal after rehearsal, I've certainly learned the meaning of dedication and devotion to your art. Training at WSPA taught me commitment, discipline, focus, and over the years molded me into a more mature dancer. I've grown up at WSPA with some of the greatest friends at my side. The members of the Company are close enough to be considered family. We laugh, cry, sweat, and travel together, developing a love for dance. Dance is an art, and dancing with WSPA has made me into an artist. 

Alexis Pineda, "Outstanding Junior Student"

Alexis Pineda in "Variation from Les Sylphides", original choreography by Michel Fokine, coached by Lauren Main De Lucia

My name is Alexis Pineda. I am 12 years old and about to enter eighth grade. I have been dancing Ballet and Polynesian at WSPA since I was three, began Hip Hop two years ago and Jazz this year. WSPA has been my second home for a very long time. I love spending time there dancing or just being with friends.

 

I love all the pieces I perform in because I love performing for others and showcasing my talents. I love working with all the teachers and the other students whom I can call my friends. When I stopped dancing for a year, I thought it would be difficult for me to get back in shape and dance again. But the teachers, my friends and my family helped me recover and get to where I am today. Everyone at WSPA truly inspires me. All the teachers help me through every class to help me improve technically and become more emotionally engaged in my dancing. My friends are always there to help and support me. I especially look up to the Company groups in Ballet, Polynesian, and Hip Hop. One day, I want to be where they are. Watching them, I know that as a Jazz Company member I have to be a good role model for the younger kids.

 

 

 At WSPA, I know I will go far as a student and a dancer. Rather than focusing on becoming lead for a performance, I first focus on getting stronger.  There aren't any specific pieces that I want to perform in because I love them all. I have always wanted to be the Spanish or Chinese lead in the Nutcracker, as well as a Butterfly in the Waltz of the Flowers. Some day I want to become Princess Flora or the Sugar Plum Fairy and look forward to doing a lot of variations and solos. I know we will be doing a lot of other big production pieces. I want to be able to dance until I can't dance anymore. I hope to become professional and then I want to become a dance teacher and choreographer.

 

 

As a dancer, I have learned to never give up. Just because something is difficult doesn't mean that we should put it aside. It means that we should work twice as hard and try to perfect it. Everyday counts because we are just a day closer to fulfilling our dream.

  

  

Miko Fogarty - An Outstanding Student recognized by Top Ballet Aficionados in the USA.  

 

Miko Fogarty performing the "Odalisque" Variation.

 

"I would like Miko to experience the pure joy of practicing ballet . . ." by Satoko Fogarty

 

Miko started ballet just for fun, the same as all little girls do.   She loved to attend ballet classes and started to dream to become a ballerina.  I don't have any knowledge about ballet or dance and what I could do to help her.  I was only there to make sure that she didn't miss regular classes and all the rehearsals.  I made sure she was ready for everyday class mentally and physically.  Miko hardly missed classes since she started ballet and hasn't missed any of her classes for the past 3 years.  

 

Miko has been attending many local, national, and international competitions but we never really cared what she got at the competitions.   Participating competitions is a part of the process for a long run of dance education.  The most important part of competition is preparation.   How she can work to progress and how she can work to show and present what she has been working are the purposes of competitions.    I believe she always grows with the variations she is preparing.

 

I would like Miko to experience the pure joy of practicing ballet and I would like her to be in a nurturing and caring dance environment.   Miko and I are so happy to be in the nicest hands at WSPA.   Miko is in the WSPA Professional Program under Viktor Kabaniaev's direction.

 

First Position

 

A documentary film called "First Position" followed six aspiring dancers (ages 9-19) while preparing for the ballet world's toughest youth competition (YAPG).  First Position is coming out in the Fall and offers an inside look at the extraordinary world of ballet and the determined young dancers who try to capture a dream only a few will achieve.   Miko Fogarty is one of the six students being featured.

 

Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP)

 

Miko was selected to be a finalist at the YAGP New York when she was 9 years old and has participated YAGP NY Finals as a soloist competitor every year for the last 5 years since.  In the past 2 years, she was selected for the final round and performed in the New York City Center and  for the past 3 years, she has consistently placed in the top 12 as well as receiving a Bonze medal in N.Y.

 

 

This month, Miko received an invitation to dance at the Miami International Ballet Festival in Florida in September.  This will be the third trip for her to dance in Florida this year.   She will be dancing the "Corsaire" Pas de Deux,  a classical variation "Odalisque", and a contemporary piece "Casta Diva" choreographed by Viktor Kabaniaev. 

 

Miko's second trip to Florida this year was to Orlando 2 months ago when she participated in the World Ballet Competition.   The participants of the competition were selected from submitted video auditions from all over the world and only the finalists competed for a week.  Miko proceeded to the final round and won the Gold medal in her category.

 

The first trip to Miami was during one of YAGP Ballet Gala tours which Miko participated in as a soloist in February.  She danced the "Don Quxiote" Pas de Deux and the "Flames of Paris" Pas de Deux.  Her YAGP Ballet Gala tours included Germantown TN, Charleston SC, Burlington VT, New Bedford MA, and New York Guggenheim Museum.  

 

I can't forget Miami as the day we flew back from Miami she had to compete at YAGP San Francisco regional.

  

 

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