Yali Liu's Dance School Xmas Party

Yali Liu and her students gathered together at Walnut Senior Center to celebrate Xmas, at the same time, presented her achievements during year 2012. I personally performed as groups in Floor Exercise, Ballet and Jazz and Beautiful Scenery, plus a solo dance of Hero. Since the stage is not a professional one, we did mostly casual dancing with lots of fun. Still, imagine the efforts and sweat behind each movement. I was so much disappointed with my debut performance of "Hero" and triggered a nightmare in my dream.

• Social gathering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK2u0gyE6XU;
• Floor Exercise demo clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWVWO0QCtXg&feature=youtu.be;
• Ballet & Jazz:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fg8EUjOgZuE;
• Hero: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j--fh5ZyEBM&feature=youtu.be;
• Hero clip (without sound): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CAGl2pVmeU&feature=youtu.be;
• Beautiful Scenery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4Yru96GT1U&feature=youtu.be

                         

Lightning Tai Chi Certification

The rank examination and certification program was held on December 2, 2012, in the Brea Shaolin Kungfu School in Brea. Luckily, I've passed Form 42 examination and advanced to a new level. This is the required process after I've done Form 24 and Form 48. I'm not sure if it's Tai Chi Fan or Tai Chi Sword that follows. Wait and see. 

Geisha Assassin(Geisha vs. Ninjas) (2008, Movie)

The actress needs serious training in swordsmanship, or maybe the editor just used less than perfect takes of some of the combat, either way the girl doesn't convincingly wield a blade. The story was slow and the movements were over dramatic.

First Position (2011, Documentary)

A wonderful documentary about kids from age 7 to 19 who live for ballet. As a dancer, it was nice to see a movie made about dancers where dancers starred as "the dancers."   The dance students that the movie follows could all be considered prodigies, and it felt as though even if something went terribly wrong, they would be okay no matter what. It's fascinating look at what kind of childhood these kids have; their dedication and their passion. 

Act of Valor (2012, Movie)

Active duty SEALs play the lead fighting roles in a saga based on actual events from their service.The SEALs display courage beyond courage. The action in the movie was very intense and realistic. It gives you a small glimpse into the lives of these hero soldiers on and off the battlefield.

IRIS by Cirque du Soleil

The acrobatics weren't that complex but the costumes were artistic as usual. The story is about a boy trying to find his love that entered into some kind of entertainment business. Not much detail went into the story line.  The "pit orchestra" is absolutely amazing (if you can call it that, most of the sound is pre-recorded except for the eight live musicians sitting in the boxes on stage right/left). 

It was just okay. Nothing amazing about it, but definitely not up to Cirque standards.

Underworld: Awakening (2012, Movie)

Kate Beckinsale is back in black latex returning as Death Dealer Selene. This movie takes place after humans "cleanse" the world of vampires and lycans.