This Who I Am

Cleofe Orantia

11-STEM

PERSONAL NARRATIVE

            In 2013 my life took a drastic change to be better. When I was in first year High school, I joined my current school’s dance troupe, Phat Gurlz Crew. I look up to PGC ever since I was in fourth grade. Just the idea of dancing before in front of a large group of people gave me the chills of committing mistakes and embarrassing myself on stage. As a young dancer, I was rather shy and I took to heart the judgments of others. But those didn’t change the love I have for my passion. Dancing felt like an innate passion I had ever since. After years of working hard for my improvement as a dancer led me to a great responsibility I will cherish for a lifetime. This huge responsibility as a Captain encourages me to be the best student and leader I can be.

          Back in 2013, a Junior PGC Member persuaded me to join the CSR’s dance troupe. I had a sure answer to disagree. But, I also had the urge to agree. Decisions were jumbled in my mind whether to join the team or not. The first thing that popped in my mind was my parents. I was scared that they wouldn’t let me join because of my studies and the time trainings would consume during school days. But the decision’s still on me in the end. I followed my heart and decided to join the team. I could not express the nervousness I felt during the Auditions. It was my first time to audition for a group. I wondered how anyone could be so carefree before such an important audition. 3 days after the audition, the results were posted and announced. I was unexpectedly an official member of the team. I was really pleased to see the results. My journey as a member started.

          In my second year as a member, a mandatory competing team auditions is essential for every year.  All members (whether new or old) should audition. I shuddered with nervousness, as I knew about it.  I had various reasons to avoid the audition. First, I was scared to be judged because I was just a “newbie” in the team. Second, I was scared to embarrass myself. Lastly, I was startled to get rejected in the end. I still ended up in auditioning though.  I faced my fear and danced my heart out. On that year I was blessed to compete in the Crissa 2013 and Dare To Move 2014. Since I am the youngest member in the competing team in that year, some members did not agree with the decision of our Choreographer of accepting me in the competing team. They thought that I should give chance to the other Seniors since I still have more years to go.  Though, I have heard a lot of sharp words that really stung me, I used those words as my motivation in doing my best in what I do. Those words made me realize how eager I am to improve as a dancer.

          During my three years of stay in the team, I have been eager to improve myself as a dancer and as a student.  Every year, we are required to join the summer workshop for us to step-up in our skills. PGC really served as a big help for my confidence. In my first competition, while anxiously waiting backstage, I peered through the curtains in hopes of catching a glimpse of the audience. A sea of people overwhelmed me, their eyes fixed on the stage. I heard supporters shouting our team and cheering for us. As my confidence shrunk out of nervousness, I heard the sharp whisper of our choreographer and turned to see her motioning the team to gather around her. We prayed as a group before we danced on stage. I had mixed emotions on that day. I was nervous, emotional and a lot more. As the second performers bolted off the stage, my group rushed on. I scurried to my spot and posed as I waited for what seemed like hours for the music to start. As the music started, I ignored the audience and the fear was replaced by energy. I couldn’t believe the adrenaline rush that had hit me during my performance. I loved the thrill and excitement of performing. I danced with passion. By this time, I enjoy being on stage. Performing in front of strangers felt natural to me.