BC38 launch at Cali

Cali launched BC38 today. It's the time of the quarter again, when they launch all the new Les Mills programs, this time there are 4 (BODYJAM) instead of the usual 3. I was at the Novena branch today and I bumped into quite a few former PF members (some of whom I don't know the names) and people I know, like Michiko, Michelle, Lindy and Yvonne.

Before I start talking about the BC38 launch, I must express some disappointment at myself. After my STC class yesterday, I walked all the way to Bugis to attend the BB43 launch, only to chicken out 5 mins after stepping into the gym because I decided I was too tired to do a class. True enough, I slept the entire afternoon away. I wished I could have done better but sometimes it's better to listen to your body.

In response to an earlier comment asking if I am a Cali member. Yes, I am a lifetime member, signed a few years back before I started instructing. I used to work at a company that was at the same building as the Cali branch in Raffles Place, so it was very convenient for me to just head there for a lunch express workout. I worked out my sums and decided to go for a lifetime membership, even though I held an existing PF membership. I paid the lump sum and so now I'm paying $8 a year, which I reckon is a good deal.

The one thing I like about Cali is the GX atmosphere, and the fact that they launch releases way earlier than anywhere else. After a while, I just returned to PF because I like the old cosy atmosphere, the friendly people, and non-hostile environment. It's also the place where I got to know my GX kakis to do class together, and where I know all the fellow instructors. And because of that, I'll always be tagged as a PF instructor wherever I go. For instance, Toshie introduced me as a PF instructor today. I forgot to remind her that PF has sadly ceased to exist.

On new launches, I always like doing launches early because as a participant, I can get a taste of the latest music and moves. I hate all the wait. The anticipation will probably kill me. As an instructor, I usually finish learning the release within 1 or max 2 days, so I kinda hate having to wait a few months before official launch, then having to refresh my memory again. I always feel that tracks are best delivered fresh, when the ideas are still being generated.

I try my best to attend Cali's launches because I would like to get the feel of doing the tracks as a participant so that I can deliver the tracks better during my own classes. It's important to know which moves needs to be cued better, which combos are more difficult to execute, and what parts of the track I like as a participant.

I rushed down to Novena in a cab. Could have picked Bugis at the same timeslot but I figured Novena would be better. Turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I saw Michiko there giving her support to Toshie, and surprisingly, I also saw Yvonne, Michelle and Lindy there.

The class was full, the crowd was enthusiastic, and it was entertaining. There were bits and pieces of performances, coordinated outfits from the 4 instructors, transmitter malfunction, and as usual a couple of errors which provided some comic relief.

Verdict - I like this release. The tracks are all quite nice and I actually like T2 more and more. T5 of cos was my favourite. Avril Lavigne and presented magnificently by Toshie! Good job, girl.

The esquiva track T6 was frankly a disaster. The workout was very tough on the legs, much more than BC37's Stamp, but I felt that the choreo needs to be broken down for the class before they can get into it. People were just getting into each other's way cos they just weren't sure what to do.

Comparing BC38 to BC37, I still think I like the first half of BC38 better and the second half of BC37 better. But this was the first time that I got to do BC38 proper in a class setting so I must say it was really enjoyable. I missed BC38 in Auckland cos I flew back right after filming.

After BC38 launch, I stayed back to do a freestyle step class by Harry. It was quite enjoyable, and it's been quite a while since I had the opportunity to attend a freestyle step class since my change in schedule.

Well, tmr is BP68 launch, I can't make it due to a dinner, but I'm not too keen on BP though. It's BJ47 launch on Xmas eve at 3pm! But I don't have half day on Xmas eve, so it will be sad that I'll have to give it a miss. Even though I've done BJ47 in Auckland already, launch atmosphere is definitely different and I would love to go attend. Is taking a half day on Xmas eve wasteful?