Wanted to post this since YOG ended on saturday.But then i fell sick and didn't really feel like using the comp till today. Anw, YOG was the BEST journey of my life. It is definitely one of the most memorable period of my life. To be honest, when training first started, me myself didn't know whether i could even pull through the whole journey. Trainings were so much more tough and strict as compared to NDP. They told us the dangers of playing with fire. I was very afraid of the fire. The heat was overwhelming. Not to mention that we have to twirl the props and manipulate it in many directions. 6 months have passed. And now, can proudly say that I LOVE FIRE!!!
March:
The first time we headed down to training. I remember that we were assigned to staves. The real actual double staves. They told us the both end of the stick would be on fire. I was damn afraid. I told myself that how am i going to do it when i am even scared of lighting a matchstick. We were taught the basics. Figure of 8, front and back. It was difficult co-ordinating both hands. I remember the first time one of the trainer lighted the actual staves for me to hold. I was totally freaked out. I just held it there. Not to mention spinning. Just the heat from the stave freaked me out. We got whacked everywhere that you can think of. Over weeks, we got better at it.
April:
We were transferred to rope darts. I hated the rope darts. I had no idea how on earth am i supposed to control them. I can't even do a basic shoot out without the rope darts hitting myself. It was also during this period that i started to have doubts about joining YOG. why on earth did i even join it. I really didn't like going for every training. But then the only reason why i went was that i told myself that i have to complete what i started.
May:
We were transferred back to staves :D Happiness for me!! But then instead of the double edged staves, we were given single sided staves. Well, its so much better then darts anw :) Thereafter, things just got better. The staves group started to bond and we really enjoyed every training. The people from staves, really went through alot together. From changes to props, to changes to choreo to even being threatened that if we do not perform well, the whole stave team will be taken away. But the trainers were just awesome. They never gave up on us and they spured us on.
June:
Quite alot of disruption because of holiday and all. The staves ppl were really begin to bond even more. Trainings were getting more and more intense. Twice a week. The trainings were taking the toll on us. But we were really happy every training. Costumes measurements were taken, dry runs were carried out, the view of our whole performances was starting to take shape :) WE finally lighted up our actual props. The fear was slowly taken over by excitement and slowly, the love for fire was in everyone's heart.
July:
CR, music runs and many rehersals were held twice a week at the floating platform. The staves were really bonded and we began sharing alot of crap stories during waiting time. We were bombarded with loads of photos at the F1 pit everyweek. Every training, no matter how tiring, was the BEST time of the week. The sense of satisfaction when you light up your props and put on the best show you can, is beyond description. WE finally put on our stinky costume. But all that didnt matter when you have all the friends beside you and that you know your moment of glory was awaiting you on stage.
August:
It finally came!! For the month of august leading up to YOG, everyday was filled with YOG meetups. Fire retarding of costume, practice, performance, CR and finally the actual day. The feeling was just beyond description. This journey will be one that i will NEVER forget. (To be continued next post.)
