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Bulls aren't championship contenders yet, and it's OKHuan Ying To SEMIFINALS!!! Narrowing The Field In GUANGZHOU
Posted on Oct 28
The First Round of Semifinals was very exciting, and now it is Round Two. Such pressure. This process of narrowing the number of dancers was harder and harder, since I have become somewhat attached to these contestants. Their readiness for this competition is exceptional. This Round Two Adventure began in Guangzhou.
My adventurous side took over again, and after getting permission from the NBA to take a train to Guangzhou instead of flying, I was on a fast train to Guangzhou which was an amazing way to see first hand more of this beautiful countryside. Guangzhou is very close in proximity to Hong Kong, so by taking an early train, I was in the center of Guangzhou within two hours. This was easier than waiting in lines at the airport, more relaxing than waiting on a plane anticipating the take off and landing, and also very educational to be able to experience much Chinese Culture by rail. This city has an estimated population of ten million, making it the most populous city in the province and the third most populous metropolitan area in Mainland China, behind only Beijing and Shanghai. My NBA Crew (driver and guide) greeted me at the train station. Now I am quite familiar with crowds and traffic in the States, but I have never seen traffic like this. We finally made our way to the hotel, quickly checked it, and then found our way to the practice facility.
Immediately we worked on the opening number. A very special sparkle added to this event was the Orlando Magic Dance Team. Once again I had the opportunity to work with and learn from another NBA Dance Team Program. Jeannie Klem, the Magic's Head Coach, was a pleasure to work with.
After a long day of rehearsals, it was back to the hotel, quick change, and then out for a nice meal at a local restaurant.
The following day was special: Site Seeing, Shopping, and just Experiencing the South Gate To China. Guangzhou has endless skyscrapers, shopping malls galore, and a lot of culture and history. We did have a late rehearsal at the venue concentrating on the opening number one last time before our final dress rehearsal. This day was also a day of trying many different food specialties.
This evening ended with another fine dining at a local restaurant. Early the following day CCTV5 invited all the local media to take part at this event to promote the live broadcast of the last round of Semifinals for “Dance Passion.” The audience was filled with reporters, the Contestants performed, the Magic Dancers performed, and many interviews took place, which publicized the show extensively. The taping of our full dress rehearsal definitely prepared us for the final show. The costuming, lighting, entrances and exits, everything was coming together. My main objective was to get the
contestants ready for the final round, and I felt content with everything that we had accomplished.
SHOW DAY!! We began our day with a meet and greet with Tsingtao executives, such as Mr. Jin Zhiguo, Vice Chairman and General Manager of Tsingtao, Ms. Yan Xu, Vice President of Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited, and others. CCTV5 and Tsingtao Brewery held a press conference. What an experience for everyone to have interviews and photos taken with the executives.
It was Show Time! The Magic Dancers lined up back stage and prepared for the show opening. The crowd was roaring. The opening dance was such a HIT. A famous Korean Pop singer performed. The contestants exhibited their talent with much energy when they performed their individual and group routines. The enthusiastic audience was a sight to see. At the end of the two hour taping (Dancing, Tears, and Cheers, ) we had our finalist. I was so proud to be a part of this “History In The Making Event!” What a Night To Remember! Our celebration was memorable.
I especially want to take this opportunity to thank the ORLANDO MAGIC DANCERS and their lovely Coach, JEANNIE KLEM, for all their hard work and patience. It was an honor to work with these beautiful and talented Dancers. Their glam and style definitely added that extra SPARK to the “DANCE PASSION” SHOW. The Contestants were so excited to actually meet and especially perform with an NBA Team.
A very special THANK YOU to my NBA CREW! YOU ALL are the greatest!
Regionals, Semifinals, and now it is time to prepare for FINALS! That means, new music, new choreography, new costumes, and above all working hard on all the preparations to finalize 2009 NBA “DANCE PASSION” in CHINA.
Signing Off For Now.
Until Next Time,
SHANON
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