In today's class, the famous Italian dancer Roberto Bolle was there to join the class. When I was 13 it would have been incredible for me to dance with this world-class ballet star. But today, things are different to me. I have had class with so many other famous dancers, so somehow it became commonplace......
Today I started the class with the same exercises as when was a kid learning ballet in Hong Kong. But things are different, while in Hong Kong I was exploring ballet, discovering new feelings, steps and techniques. And now, those exercises became part of the routine, but at the same time more and more difficult because my body is much heavier today.
How strange it is to feel this way!! I assume it is natural and normal. Did I lose interest in ballet? No! I am always that lucky boy who made it to follow my dream, my passion. But it makes me realise that I am now a professional dancer, and it is good.
The season actually officially starts next Monday. I came back from Hong Kong just the day before the severe typhoon Hato arrives.... How scary! I hope that all my friends and family are ok in Hong Kong. I came back one week before the season starts because I wanted to take time to prepare for this new year. This new year will be full of surprises and especially, challenges. I will have to manage between school and dance again. I have done this several times in my life. While in Hong Kong I used to start doing homework in the metro while on the way to my ballet school. Then two years ago, I prepared the French Baccalaureat exam alone during my first year in the Paris Opera Ballet.
I am excited, very excited. But slightly nervous too. Never a dancer tried to do this in France. Seemingly I will be the first again. It's cool to be the first, to explore new possibilities and new ways. But how will that be like? Will I manage to keep up both? I think I will, I am confident. After all when I was very busy in Hong Kong I was very happy.
So, to prepare for all this, I have been packing since I came back from Hong Kong. I wanted to get everything well prepared before the "storm" arrives.
However, this week of free time in Paris could have been much more relaxing. Why am I doing this to myself? But this is me. I always love giving pressure to myself!!