Our latest adventures take us behind the scenes of a showcase. Guestblogger E.S. Cheah takes us backstage of an upcoming Fall Showcase in Toronto that she is participating in. 

I did the typical dance classes that all young girls do: ballet, tap and jazz. It was the 80's and I distinctly remember dancing to "Everyone Wants to Rule the World", with neon pink leg warmers and an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt like Flashdance. I grew up always loving music and dancing, but never formally took a class again until five years ago.

I took my first class as an adult because one of those New Year’s resolutions that actually came to fruition. The decision to actually take it to the next level and perform on stage came through just the need to further challenge myself (and perhaps some strong convincing from my instructors).

Dance teaches you a lot about yourself, and how your energy relates to the people around you. When you learn to push your body and your mind at the same time, the satisfaction that movement gives you is unparalleled. Plus, accomplishing something, even something small, is so satisfying.

I am proud to say I am now going into my fourth performance this coming weekend with City Dance Corps' showcase, “A City Tale”. I am dancing a house number, under the watchful eye of choreographer Fly Lady Di (Diana Reyes). House dance is so freeing and infectious. It has taught me to trust my instincts and allow it to speak for my joyful emotions on stage.

As someone who is in their mid 30’s with no “formal” training (I don’t count my neon days), dancing on stage is a huge accomplishment. It has taken weeks of practice, patience, and constantly being placed outside of my comfort zone. I have sweat more than I could have imagined and spent countless hours on the subway going over the routine in my head -I have turned into one of those crazy commuters lost in their music (even going so far as to use the subway platform as my practice stage).

I have never felt more a part of the Toronto dance community than during performances. There is something special that happens when everyone comes together with one goal: putting on a great show. It is those experiences (and the adrenaline) that keep me coming back to performing on stage. And performing is not just for professional dancers (I’m a perfect example of this), there’s room on stage for everyone that wants to be there.

Guest blogger/photographer, E.S.Cheah is stepping from behind the camera to perform in Toronto City Dance Corps' "A City Tale", doing a House routine. She's passionate about supporting Toronto's best dancers, and can be seen in the audience at most dance shows with a big grin on her face.