Two Perspectives

I managed to get off work relatively early today, so I attended Sue's class at GWC, though I needed to rush there by cab. I haven't had such an enjoyable class as a participant in a while. It felt really good to just let the instructor bring up the energy and just relax and focus on doing the class.

What made it even more enjoyable was two of my favourite tracks being played at the end of the class, 'BC3208 Welcome To The Black Parade' and '3103 2 Dream'. These 2 tracks get me high all the time.

It makes me remember the good old times when I was just a member attending class. Waiting outside the studio entrance, chit-chatting with friends or gym acquaintances, watching the previous class end, feeling the anticipation of a class starting. The good old feeling was back all over again.

When I am participating, I always like to anticipate what tracks the instructor would play, which is why I think it's imperative (for myself) to mix and match. Some members really like being kept in suspense as to what tracks will be next. I used to feel that way myself. It is boring if you know the instructor is going to play a certain release and you almost know what the next track is.

My two favourite classes of the week (years ago) would be Haley at FES (Wed) and Sue (Sat). Haley's class being in the evening is more corporate crowd, and the crowd is really sporting and bent to have a good workout. Little did I know that I would one day take the class and bring up the intensity. Among my 5 classes in a week, it was the class where I would choose the most difficult and toughest tracks to 'kill' everyone. It was also the class where I would test all the propulsive moves such as the ESK and jump knees. Loved it!

Sue's on Sat is a totally different crowd. Different personalities from all walks of life gathered to go crazy for an hour or so. The atmosphere is still good but it definitely can't match the vociferous crowd and crazy shouters we had a couple of years back. Each week was electrifying and you could just feel the vibes before the class started. Everyone was just bracing themselves to let their voices loose.

Then there would be the standing spot. Every week the regulars had their own spot, which was respected by fellow regulars. Members know where their spot is when they see other members. Mine would be beside the window about 3-4 persons from the front.

Of course, what would Bodycombat be without personalities? They would be the same faces you see week in week out, each with a distinct feature and usually associated with a moniker because you don't know their name. It was all done in good fun.

I would not have known my own nickname if a few friends hadn't told me. I'm known as the 'Raffles guy' because I was always wearing my JC t-shirt. I was still schooling then and didn't have too much $ to buy sports apparel. Nike stuff is expensive! It still is, anyway. But at least now I have income.

Now that I've been conducting classes for well over 2 years and going to reach 500 classes, I also see things from the other side. On the stage, I do get quite a good view so it's quite amusing to see the things happening in class which participants may not get to see if it's not around their area.

Honestly speaking, conducting class isn't easy. It is physically draining (imagine having to do and talk and shout at the same time), mentally challenging (remembering moves, knowing what to say, catching the music) and sometimes unrewarding (you'll never win everyone over and you'll always have critics).

That's why after the personal experience, I do have plenty of respect for my fellow instructors.

Sometimes when we have a bad day, does anyone know how difficult it is to keep on smiling on the stage? And after a high-energy class with all the adrenaline pumping, it's easy to start feeling gloomy when the adrenaline subsides. I've discussed this with other instructors before, it's not only me who is feeling this.

Saying so, I still love conducting classes. I like being the DJ and choosing what tracks to do. I like planning my classes weeks in advance, progressing from easier to more difficult tracks. I like seeing people improve, both physically and technique wise. I like torturing people by pushing them hard, as mentioned earlier for my FES class. A bit psycho I know. I like hearing sighs of fatigue. Sick, isn't it. Haha.

Like my 2-hr class just yesterday. I had so much fun even though I was damn shagged out after class. I even extended it to 2hr 15mins. The shouting and energy was enough to keep me going.

I don't ask for a lot. I just want people to have a good time in class, and experience the feeling I had as a member doing BC. This is my way of giving, giving my energy, passion and enthusiasm.

Most of the time, I'm not a very good verbal communicator, and my actions are often construed differently by others. But I'll just continue to do what I can, within my ability. I know my limits, so I won't cross the line, like trying to aspire to be a BODYJAM instructor for instance, so I'd rather pull the plug even before it starts.

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing faces of satisfaction as I conclude the class. I don't need thanks or compliments, the expressions on the faces more than do it for me.

I don't feel the same for other programs, so I guess I'll keep on doing BC until my body fails me, be it participant or instructor.