STUDY ABROAD: WEEK 25

FEBRUARY 16

(This is where we usually practice dance at Shirakawa Park.)

Clear sunny weather today; a bit chilly, but still a good day to dance. I met with the other members at Shirakawa Park for some much needed practice. It was also my chance to give everyone some chocolate, in this case the Koibito doubled as omiyage. Then I gave my friend the Snow Miku goods— he seemed to appreciate them, even if they weren’t the doll he hoped for.

Bayashi brought his laptop to the park. I’m not sure if he actually dances, or just enjoys taking videos and such. I noticed he was now working on something in a program called Blender. Blender and I go way back to high school, but it’s never been an understanding relationship. At least in the last few years of college I had the chance to go in depth and make something worthwhile with the program. Now that I think about it that was only last year. I still remember some of the shortcuts, but the keys are arranged differently on his keyboard. He also didn’t have a mouse with him, just the touch-pad, so I couldn’t do much to help him.

We stayed at the park pretty late, practicing and messing around. Then, for the first time, we all headed across the street to eat at Sukiya. I’m glad we’re able to hang out outside of practice; it makes me feel like we are actually friends, and maybe if they are around I can improve my dancing as well.

FEBRUARY 17

I bowled my best game ever today! We went bowling after eating yakiniku with Maeda and his friend, and then by some magic spell I spared nearly every frame. I even hit a split, resulting in my first ever 170.

To top off my day, as we left the bowling alley we had the chance to win a gift certificate by lottery. The others allowed me to spin the box, and a colored ball fell out. I won a 3000 yen gift certificate to use at any of the restaurants in Lejac. Looks like my luck is picking up.

FEBRUARY 18~FEBRUARY 22

Sorry to clump these days together, but you have to understand that almost every day this week went the same way. I spent almost every night down in Gamagori to rack up some experience points. This week was focused on Eiken, or the Standardized English Test. I helped supervise some of the classes and practice interviews, helping with pronunciation and such. Things went very well, and I’m starting to memorize some of the student’s names even. They are still researching whether or not they will be able to provide a visa for me, but I have high hopes.

Because I had training nearly every day, my practice was also cut a bit short. Despite the break, many members still participate in club activities, which include practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It looks like we may even be able to use the multi-purpose room a lot more, which will be a nice cement free practice area. It does get fairly hot in there if there are a lot of people, but it’s better than freezing outside!

On Thursday before I headed to Gamagori, I took the last few minutes I could at practice to willingly jump into the cypher… for like 10 seconds. I had been practicing my threading and shoulder freeze a lot, so I just wanted to show them and be like “Hey, I did it! Teach me something new! Next time! OK, bye.” It was a small moment of confidence, or perhaps I was just having a good day, but it was something.

The next day I went to practice at the park on Friday. I must have still been riding on Thursday’s good vibes because when I was asked to join the battle on March 9th I said ‘Yes’ without thinking deeply about it. Yusei, who I met a few weeks ago at the battle on the 2nd, needed a partner. Of course, after I agreed, and it settled in, then I started to get butterflies. I won’t go back on my word, so I’ll dance no matter what. That said, I’m going to dance every single day I can to prepare!