Today I had the most incredible chamber music coaching with my piano quintet. We are playing the Schumann Piano Quintet.
As masterful and beautiful as this performance is, watching it is now dull for me: that is how very profound the experience was for me. I truly felt the music while knowing the four musicians I was surrounded by, as well as my coach, were feeling it as deeply as I did. We thought, reasoned, experimented, breathed, and laughed together. I know I was making pained/emotional faces that I should probably be very embarrassed of, but looking back, I know I couldn't have done anything else: it was required of the moment. It was an amazing, remarkable experience. I can barely describe it in words. When you feel something so powerful as music with other people, it introduces an incredible connection. I have never known how chamber music, or the making of music in general, to be so greatly fulfilling.
Today's coaching was our second. I can't wait to see what our group will achieve in the year we have together.
I hope you'll enjoy this piece (if you like the first movement, please check out the entire quintet)! It is very romantic, sublime, and captivating. It takes my breath away!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
A Chance to Breathe: Thoughts on the Beginning of My Junior Year
Hello readers!
Well. Obviously, it's been a bit since I've last posted, for an apparent and obvious reason: school has begun!
I'm a good month into my junior year of high school. In terms of schoolwork and outside activities, it's been my busiest year by far. And although I'm not getting enough sleep and the dark circles under my eyes seem to be present every morning, I wouldn't trade anything for what I have.
If you know me or have read anything of what I have written, it is frankly obvious that I am a nerd. And not only a nerd, but a supernerd. (I'm so awesome, aren't I? :D) So it shouldn't be surprising to you that school is interesting and invigorating to me. More than my being a nerd, though, I have been blessed by attending a really excellent high school with exciting, passionate teachers.
On top of that, I have entered junior year with what I believe to be a God-given new mindset. My main principles, in terms of my education, include:
1) Education is a privilege.
2) Work hard to benefit and/or honor myself, my family, and God.
3) Don't be influenced by peers in terms of negative lifestyle, attitude, or work ethic.
4) Learn from, and be inspired and guided by, positive influences: teachers, peers, etc.
I developed this mindset this summer because of a few reasons: reflecting on and journaling about my sophomore year in retrospect, seeing The Supply Education Group's videos about their school in Lenana, Kenya, inspiration from my amazing peers at last year's academic awards ceremony, my own passion and determination, and more. In addition to all this, my positive attitude I believe is straight from God. He has been so faithful and is so wonderful; He has really given me an amazing gift in my new attitude.
Yes, education is mandatory in accordance to federal regulations in the United States. But seeing The Supply's videos has made me see how fortunate we are to have education as a national requirement. In many parts of the world, education is but a dream.
Education empowers us, gives the younger generation a future, and opens the world up to discovery. It is our key to the future, a tool that allows us to enter society with a voice. School is not a burden: our education is a gift.
My school environment is remarkable. Yes, there are probably a disproportionate amount of kids who use drugs, there are those who always come in late or not at all, kids who skip classes, don't do their homework, etc.
But there are teachers who are excited about their subject, and are eager to share information and their past experiences. My peers are intelligent, thoughtful, hilarious, and unique. As I make my way into more advanced classes, I've noticed my classroom environments becoming more serious: I feel I'm learning more than I ever have. And although I do feel swamped with work, all the discoveries and opportunities available to me are incredibly exciting.
In terms of clubs, I'm excited to see what my school's environmental club (I'm treasurer) will achieve this year. Unfortunately, many of my clubs haven't really started up, but I'm looking forward to what they, and I in them, will accomplish.
Music.
It is truly my second life. I spend around around 14 hours or so a week involved in my youth orchestras, music theory classes, piano lessons, viola lessons, an honors piano quintet, and a scholarship string quartet. And while it can be a frustrating, overwhelming life (I was talking to a good friend today about how it's the whole "why all poets are suicidal" thing: artists are self-critical and determined to reach perfection), I feel incredibly blessed to be involved in such a wonderful art.
I am doing a LOT within music. But every single minute I spend practicing, rehearsing, attending class, etc. I feel myself maturing as a musician, artist, and person. My appreciation for my teachers and friends around me, as well as culture, history, and music itself, is constantly increasing. I'm so privileged to be in a position where I'm given such amazing opportunities: to learn from some remarkable artists and role models, to meet and bond with incredible musicians, people, and friends, and to surround myself with the beauty that is music.
God has blessed me greatly: I'm very thankful to Him. Yes, I'm struggling a little with the work load and busyness: sleep is indeed a precious commodity that I'm definitely lacking at this point! But beyond that, I'm continually amazed by the depth of everything that is in the world, ready for me to encounter and discover.
Life is a gift. God has placed it before us.
Enjoy it. :)
Well. Obviously, it's been a bit since I've last posted, for an apparent and obvious reason: school has begun!
I'm a good month into my junior year of high school. In terms of schoolwork and outside activities, it's been my busiest year by far. And although I'm not getting enough sleep and the dark circles under my eyes seem to be present every morning, I wouldn't trade anything for what I have.
If you know me or have read anything of what I have written, it is frankly obvious that I am a nerd. And not only a nerd, but a supernerd. (I'm so awesome, aren't I? :D) So it shouldn't be surprising to you that school is interesting and invigorating to me. More than my being a nerd, though, I have been blessed by attending a really excellent high school with exciting, passionate teachers.
On top of that, I have entered junior year with what I believe to be a God-given new mindset. My main principles, in terms of my education, include:
1) Education is a privilege.
2) Work hard to benefit and/or honor myself, my family, and God.
3) Don't be influenced by peers in terms of negative lifestyle, attitude, or work ethic.
4) Learn from, and be inspired and guided by, positive influences: teachers, peers, etc.
I developed this mindset this summer because of a few reasons: reflecting on and journaling about my sophomore year in retrospect, seeing The Supply Education Group's videos about their school in Lenana, Kenya, inspiration from my amazing peers at last year's academic awards ceremony, my own passion and determination, and more. In addition to all this, my positive attitude I believe is straight from God. He has been so faithful and is so wonderful; He has really given me an amazing gift in my new attitude.
Yes, education is mandatory in accordance to federal regulations in the United States. But seeing The Supply's videos has made me see how fortunate we are to have education as a national requirement. In many parts of the world, education is but a dream.
Education empowers us, gives the younger generation a future, and opens the world up to discovery. It is our key to the future, a tool that allows us to enter society with a voice. School is not a burden: our education is a gift.
My school environment is remarkable. Yes, there are probably a disproportionate amount of kids who use drugs, there are those who always come in late or not at all, kids who skip classes, don't do their homework, etc.
But there are teachers who are excited about their subject, and are eager to share information and their past experiences. My peers are intelligent, thoughtful, hilarious, and unique. As I make my way into more advanced classes, I've noticed my classroom environments becoming more serious: I feel I'm learning more than I ever have. And although I do feel swamped with work, all the discoveries and opportunities available to me are incredibly exciting.
In terms of clubs, I'm excited to see what my school's environmental club (I'm treasurer) will achieve this year. Unfortunately, many of my clubs haven't really started up, but I'm looking forward to what they, and I in them, will accomplish.
Music.
It is truly my second life. I spend around around 14 hours or so a week involved in my youth orchestras, music theory classes, piano lessons, viola lessons, an honors piano quintet, and a scholarship string quartet. And while it can be a frustrating, overwhelming life (I was talking to a good friend today about how it's the whole "why all poets are suicidal" thing: artists are self-critical and determined to reach perfection), I feel incredibly blessed to be involved in such a wonderful art.
I am doing a LOT within music. But every single minute I spend practicing, rehearsing, attending class, etc. I feel myself maturing as a musician, artist, and person. My appreciation for my teachers and friends around me, as well as culture, history, and music itself, is constantly increasing. I'm so privileged to be in a position where I'm given such amazing opportunities: to learn from some remarkable artists and role models, to meet and bond with incredible musicians, people, and friends, and to surround myself with the beauty that is music.
God has blessed me greatly: I'm very thankful to Him. Yes, I'm struggling a little with the work load and busyness: sleep is indeed a precious commodity that I'm definitely lacking at this point! But beyond that, I'm continually amazed by the depth of everything that is in the world, ready for me to encounter and discover.
Life is a gift. God has placed it before us.
Enjoy it. :)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Relay for Life 2011
Today I'm going to share with you what may have possibly been the best thirteen and a half hours of my life.
This year, however, I believe Relay for Life reached its potential in my community. Together, we raised over $65,000, with over four hundred people participating. It was a truly wonderful event: it was held outside, like most are, for twelve hours (7 P.M. until 7 A.M.). The organizational team did a fantastic job getting the outdoor track set up, organizing EVERYTHING, and making the experience an unforgettable one.
I, personally, began my journey to Relay very late. I was unsure if I would be available on the date (it was in the summer), and when my plans began to solidify, I saw Relay would be two days before an international trip I was taking. Perhaps not the best of circumstances.
However, due to the urging of the committee to my school's student body, as well as my own desire to participate, I finally asked my friends if they wanted to create a team with me. As younger members of our school (the committee was created of seniors, only, I believe), I found no teams that I, or my friends, would really belong to. I found that frustrating, but only increased my efforts to start our own team.
Finally, I received positive feedback. A few of my friends would definitely participate with me! As the one who had constantly bothered my friends, prodding for resolute answers and creating a monster of a Facebook thread, I began and captained our team: Team Ready for a Cure.
Okay. I know, I know, the team name is not the most original, nor the most creative. But honestly, at this point, we had less than a week until the Relay. Less than a week to organize who was bringing what, to fundraise, to fit the twelve hour event into our schedules. I worked frantically to try to familiarize my friends with what would happen, so they, and I, would be well prepared in terms of being registered, having sweatshirts and long jeans to change into, etc. I scoured the Relay for Life website for checklists of items to bring, continued to bother my friends by sending them hourly weather charts of the event (oh yes, I'm a bit obsessive), registration forms, etc. Due to the lack of time, I was able to raise a bit of money from my family members and myself, but that was it, unfortunately.
Finally, it was the day! I was very excited to spend my time enjoying the event, until literally half an hour before I was going to leave.
ADULT SUPERVISION.
I can't tell you how much I was panicking. I had spent so many hours (literally!) making sure my team had everything it needed, and these measly thirty minutes before I was to arrive, we would perhaps not be able to spend the night? I was pretty much going out of my mind.
Thankfully, I asked a graduated senior who I had become pretty close to, who told me his team didn't have a supervisor and that the committee would probably not kick my team out. It was a school event after all, teams created by kids would have to be acceptable.
Grateful for his help but still not knowing if we would be able to spend the whole time there, I picked up one of my friends and arrived at the event. After learning with glee they would allow us to stay overnight without an adult supervisor (honestly, we really didn't need one), I worked with my mom and friend to set up the tent.
If you don't know me personally, my family is very un-outdoorsy. We love nature and its incredible beauty, but camping just doesn't work with us. We tried camping in a tent at a church retreat once, and never went again.
As you can probably guess, therefore, my mother and I served almost zero help to my brilliant, amazing friend who set up the complicated tent virtually all by herself. After that, my three other friends arrived one by one, until we were our complete Team Relay for Life: a solid five members (aw, yeah).
I'm not going to go singlehandedly into each amazing event that took place that 13.5 hours, but it is a night (and morning) I will never forget.
I was able to discuss and remember effects cancer have had on my life, and my friends shared their stories. It was an incredible thing for me, because in all honesty, nobody talks about stories like these in school. It's just something you keep and struggle with to yourself in school, even with your friends. It was amazing to share stories, to see where we were all coming from, and to sympathize and empathize with each other.
In the beginning, we all walked together until splitting off (two people wanted to put bug spray on, stayed for a LONG time at our campsite eating and talking, when they finally returned, the other three were tired and needed a break, etc.). Eventually, though, I think we just couldn't bear being separated. We all walked together around the track for a long time, talking, laughing, skipping, dancing, linking arms.
I still remember walking and seeing the gorgeous sunset, with hundreds of people from my community around me rallying for the same cause. The sky lit with soft pinks, purples, and blues, as the sun sank underneath the radiant clouds to the darkness below.
After darkness fell, one of the most memorable occasions of Relay took place: the Luminaria ceremony. The bags with candles were decorated by people earlier during the event (I believe four of my friends bought and decorated one) and lined up around the track. In the darkness, the luminaria bags were lit. Snuggled in our jeans, sweatshirts, sweatpants, my friends all settled down onto the grass to watch the ceremony commence.
An emotional and amazing Luminaria ceremony took place that night. A couple people spoke of people they loved who had fought and lost to cancer, and a slideshow of survivors and those who, unfortunately, did not survive, took place above the track. Afterwards, we walked a lap of silence to remember those who had fought cancer. Linking arms with my friends, we walked together, looking at all the names that adorned the luminaria bags around the track. On the bleachers, luminaria bags created the word "hope".
It was so incredible.
Afterwards, Relay continued. I had an extremely memorable, 11-lap, hour long (my friends counted) discussion with the same graduate I mentioned earlier. I had spent time with him beforehand, but didn't know him individually too well. I really admired him, perhaps from afar, however, as he is a role model for many. Our conversation contained pretty much everything: it was amazing. I believe we learned so much about and from each other, even in that one conversation.
My friends and I became inseparable by this time. We refused to split up, like we had earlier, going as an entire team to walk the track, and then back to our campsite to talk, laugh, etc. I had an unbelievably good time with them. Particularly memorable was our decision to walk another lap after we had been resting for a couple of hours. This was probably around 3 A.M. We were incredibly sore (we walked for such a long time!), but persevered on, linking arms and kind of shuffling/tripping around the track. We finally slept (more like napped), completely exhausted and sprawled on top of each other, at I believe, 5 A.M. or so.
To be awoken half an hour or so later. It was time to pack up!
As we waited for others to finish packing (I'd say most teams had at least eight people as opposed to our five), we sat in our lawn chairs looking somewhat grumpily (but good-naturedly!) at the early morning sun (another of my friends and I, the non-morning people, had missed the actual sunrise). The sun fell so beautifully over the school above us, painting it with light and color. The sky had never looked so bright blue and alive.
We took our last lap together as participants of the Relay. Once again, I stumbled/walked with my team, arm in arm. We took pictures of our luminaria bags, and then waited together for our parents to pick us up, smiling, fooling around, and interacting grumpily but with love.
There are too many words, too many memories. I will never forget it.
If you ever have the opportunity, please look for a Relay for Life around you. Get some peers, coworkers, or friends (friends, I think, make for the most enjoyable companions!) to join you: be proactive in creating a Relay experience for yourself. It is a big commitment, as most are overnight. But you will not regret it! It is an extraordinary way to, as the American Cancer Society says, to "Celebrate. Remember. [And] Fight Back.".
Cancer has affected an incredible amount of people all over the world. Relay is an amazing way you can raise money and awareness to fight against it, whilst uniting with your community and spending time with people you love.
If you do not know, Relay for Life is an event organized by the American Cancer Society. Teams raise money and attend an event for cancer awareness and remembrance, while uniting to find the cure.
While my school district put on an event last year, it was somewhat poorly attended because of its last-minute planning. Additionally, it did not go overnight, lasting only around six hours. I attended, but don't believe I received the whole experience that Relay is. This probably also amounted to the fact that I was on a team that signed up for shifts, and I only attended for a couple of hours. It did have its benefits though: I enjoyed the time I spent with my friends, and the relatively small number of people allowed the games to be very fun.
I, personally, began my journey to Relay very late. I was unsure if I would be available on the date (it was in the summer), and when my plans began to solidify, I saw Relay would be two days before an international trip I was taking. Perhaps not the best of circumstances.
However, due to the urging of the committee to my school's student body, as well as my own desire to participate, I finally asked my friends if they wanted to create a team with me. As younger members of our school (the committee was created of seniors, only, I believe), I found no teams that I, or my friends, would really belong to. I found that frustrating, but only increased my efforts to start our own team.
Finally, I received positive feedback. A few of my friends would definitely participate with me! As the one who had constantly bothered my friends, prodding for resolute answers and creating a monster of a Facebook thread, I began and captained our team: Team Ready for a Cure.
Okay. I know, I know, the team name is not the most original, nor the most creative. But honestly, at this point, we had less than a week until the Relay. Less than a week to organize who was bringing what, to fundraise, to fit the twelve hour event into our schedules. I worked frantically to try to familiarize my friends with what would happen, so they, and I, would be well prepared in terms of being registered, having sweatshirts and long jeans to change into, etc. I scoured the Relay for Life website for checklists of items to bring, continued to bother my friends by sending them hourly weather charts of the event (oh yes, I'm a bit obsessive), registration forms, etc. Due to the lack of time, I was able to raise a bit of money from my family members and myself, but that was it, unfortunately.
Finally, it was the day! I was very excited to spend my time enjoying the event, until literally half an hour before I was going to leave.
ADULT SUPERVISION.
I can't tell you how much I was panicking. I had spent so many hours (literally!) making sure my team had everything it needed, and these measly thirty minutes before I was to arrive, we would perhaps not be able to spend the night? I was pretty much going out of my mind.
Thankfully, I asked a graduated senior who I had become pretty close to, who told me his team didn't have a supervisor and that the committee would probably not kick my team out. It was a school event after all, teams created by kids would have to be acceptable.
Grateful for his help but still not knowing if we would be able to spend the whole time there, I picked up one of my friends and arrived at the event. After learning with glee they would allow us to stay overnight without an adult supervisor (honestly, we really didn't need one), I worked with my mom and friend to set up the tent.
If you don't know me personally, my family is very un-outdoorsy. We love nature and its incredible beauty, but camping just doesn't work with us. We tried camping in a tent at a church retreat once, and never went again.
As you can probably guess, therefore, my mother and I served almost zero help to my brilliant, amazing friend who set up the complicated tent virtually all by herself. After that, my three other friends arrived one by one, until we were our complete Team Relay for Life: a solid five members (aw, yeah).
I'm not going to go singlehandedly into each amazing event that took place that 13.5 hours, but it is a night (and morning) I will never forget.
I was able to discuss and remember effects cancer have had on my life, and my friends shared their stories. It was an incredible thing for me, because in all honesty, nobody talks about stories like these in school. It's just something you keep and struggle with to yourself in school, even with your friends. It was amazing to share stories, to see where we were all coming from, and to sympathize and empathize with each other.
In the beginning, we all walked together until splitting off (two people wanted to put bug spray on, stayed for a LONG time at our campsite eating and talking, when they finally returned, the other three were tired and needed a break, etc.). Eventually, though, I think we just couldn't bear being separated. We all walked together around the track for a long time, talking, laughing, skipping, dancing, linking arms.
I still remember walking and seeing the gorgeous sunset, with hundreds of people from my community around me rallying for the same cause. The sky lit with soft pinks, purples, and blues, as the sun sank underneath the radiant clouds to the darkness below.
After darkness fell, one of the most memorable occasions of Relay took place: the Luminaria ceremony. The bags with candles were decorated by people earlier during the event (I believe four of my friends bought and decorated one) and lined up around the track. In the darkness, the luminaria bags were lit. Snuggled in our jeans, sweatshirts, sweatpants, my friends all settled down onto the grass to watch the ceremony commence.
An emotional and amazing Luminaria ceremony took place that night. A couple people spoke of people they loved who had fought and lost to cancer, and a slideshow of survivors and those who, unfortunately, did not survive, took place above the track. Afterwards, we walked a lap of silence to remember those who had fought cancer. Linking arms with my friends, we walked together, looking at all the names that adorned the luminaria bags around the track. On the bleachers, luminaria bags created the word "hope".
It was so incredible.
Afterwards, Relay continued. I had an extremely memorable, 11-lap, hour long (my friends counted) discussion with the same graduate I mentioned earlier. I had spent time with him beforehand, but didn't know him individually too well. I really admired him, perhaps from afar, however, as he is a role model for many. Our conversation contained pretty much everything: it was amazing. I believe we learned so much about and from each other, even in that one conversation.
My friends and I became inseparable by this time. We refused to split up, like we had earlier, going as an entire team to walk the track, and then back to our campsite to talk, laugh, etc. I had an unbelievably good time with them. Particularly memorable was our decision to walk another lap after we had been resting for a couple of hours. This was probably around 3 A.M. We were incredibly sore (we walked for such a long time!), but persevered on, linking arms and kind of shuffling/tripping around the track. We finally slept (more like napped), completely exhausted and sprawled on top of each other, at I believe, 5 A.M. or so.
To be awoken half an hour or so later. It was time to pack up!
As we waited for others to finish packing (I'd say most teams had at least eight people as opposed to our five), we sat in our lawn chairs looking somewhat grumpily (but good-naturedly!) at the early morning sun (another of my friends and I, the non-morning people, had missed the actual sunrise). The sun fell so beautifully over the school above us, painting it with light and color. The sky had never looked so bright blue and alive.
We took our last lap together as participants of the Relay. Once again, I stumbled/walked with my team, arm in arm. We took pictures of our luminaria bags, and then waited together for our parents to pick us up, smiling, fooling around, and interacting grumpily but with love.
Despite being prepared only for a week, with only a five person team, my Relay experience was surreal. I truly felt the community uniting to fight cancer, to remember, celebrate, and honor together. I shared stories with, and was told stories, I maybe would have not shared or heard. I empathized with my friends, and community. I solidified my relationship with, and got to know, someone who is the closest thing to an older brother I have ever had. I have countless memories of my friends and I laughing, talking, and fooling around during our 13.5 hours together. I remembered my mom's and family's fight with cancer. I found determination to prevent any other family from having to deal with the deadly disease that is cancer. My friends and I talked without letting gossip darken our time together. I got the most exercise I will most likely get this year. Oh, and I received a snazzy t-shirt with "Team Captain" on the back.
There are too many words, too many memories. I will never forget it.
If you ever have the opportunity, please look for a Relay for Life around you. Get some peers, coworkers, or friends (friends, I think, make for the most enjoyable companions!) to join you: be proactive in creating a Relay experience for yourself. It is a big commitment, as most are overnight. But you will not regret it! It is an extraordinary way to, as the American Cancer Society says, to "Celebrate. Remember. [And] Fight Back.".
Cancer has affected an incredible amount of people all over the world. Relay is an amazing way you can raise money and awareness to fight against it, whilst uniting with your community and spending time with people you love.
4 A.M.
The glaring of the white light a foot from my face.
The fingerprint on my laptop I can only see with my chin resting on my arm.
Trying so desperately hard, but simultaneously losing hope.
The color sucked out of my greenish skin.
The impending deadline.
The various music played: the only thing that can keep me company at this hour.
This is how it feels. To stay up endlessly late completing your work.
Note: DO NOT do this.
At least it's summer.
Too bad I didn't start my summer work earlier.
I do apologize for the negativity; for moments like this though, is there really anything else?
Keep working hard people! Try not to procrastinate like this nerd (albeit a bad time-managing one) here!
The fingerprint on my laptop I can only see with my chin resting on my arm.
Trying so desperately hard, but simultaneously losing hope.
The color sucked out of my greenish skin.
The impending deadline.
The various music played: the only thing that can keep me company at this hour.
This is how it feels. To stay up endlessly late completing your work.
Note: DO NOT do this.
At least it's summer.
Too bad I didn't start my summer work earlier.
I do apologize for the negativity; for moments like this though, is there really anything else?
Keep working hard people! Try not to procrastinate like this nerd (albeit a bad time-managing one) here!
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Hunger Games
I am an enormous fan of the Hunger Games series. If you haven't read at least the first book (entitled simply The Hunger Games), I would really urge you to pick up a copy sometime!
After a trip to Barnes and Noble (one of my favorite places, actually) around a year ago, I finally listened to numerous peers and bought a copy of the novel. I then proceeded to spend the entire night (and early morning) fully engrossed in the story. I know the cliché "I couldn't put the book down" is disgustingly overused, but in this instance, The Hunger Games literally did not leave my hands until I finished. The thoughts of "Oh, I have youth orchestra very early tomorrow morning" vanished as soon as I was finished with the first chapter. The characters, dark setting, mystery, and unceasing tension made me interchangeably uneasy, hopeful, terrified, and sympathetic to the main characters. The story is unceasing and driving, but wonderful. I enjoyed supremely the entire story.
So has Hollywood, apparently. After the completion of the trilogy in book format, it was announced that the first book would be adapted into a movie, with Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne. And here is the new trailer, straight from its premier at the VMAs!
Some people find the trailer confusing, especially those who are not familiar with the story. I would not dare give spoilers away on the amazing series, but do not be turned off if the trailer seems too short! It is, I believe, only a teaser trailer, and the story is so beautifully rich and interesting. Read the book: you will not be disappointed! Or, if you're not a book kind of person, simply wait until March 23, 2012. It's going to be amazing!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Reflections on the 2010 Gymnastics World Championships
Note: I apologize, but this blog post is pretty detail-oriented, and may be confusing for those who are not gymnastics fans.
I'm very excited to see the leaps and bounds women's gymnastics has travelled since 2009: I have been watching the 2010 World Gymnastics Championships and am really looking forward to this year's competitions and of course, the 2012 London Olympics.
The Russian team looked excellent at the 2010 World Championships. Ever since the fall of the Soviet Union, Russian gymnastics has not been what it once was. The 1996 Olympic team was very good, but was somewhat disjointed as its gymnasts were now separated into the Ukrainian, Belarusian, and other teams. The 2000 Olympic team caused an incredible amount of drama as they begrudgingly accepted the silver medal in the team competition. The 2004 Olympic team cried in jubilation as they accepted their bronze medal. Later, in 2008, they looked on in disappointment as they earned fourth place.
A far cry from the absolutely dominant team from the Soviet Union.
Now, it seems they may be making their return. Their team looks gorgeous: well-trained in ballet with great style and difficulty as well. I was very pleased with their win at the team competition, and know that they must be thrilled! Tatiana Nabieva and Aliya Mustafina stand out in particular, as the two who qualified for the all-around competition. I know that Ksenia Semenova, the adorable and very talented gymnast who placed fourth in the all-around competition in Beijing, was on the world team; however, she was not the star like I had expected. Hopefully she is still healthy and training: I really admire and love her style. Tatiana Nabieva has some incredible difficulty (a toe-on laid out Tkatchev and Amanar vault (round off to 2.5 twist): wow!), but I'm not extremely taken by her because of some form issues. She is an incredible gymnast, nevertheless. I never thought in 2008 that I would like Ksenia Afanasyeva so much: her stylish, but extremely powerful gymnastics is wonderful, and reminiscent of the lovely Anna Pavlova. It was a shame about the two falls she had in the floor final. Aliya Mustafina is an enormous talent who I really love! I'll post more about her later.
Here is Ksenia Afanasyeva's gorgeous floor routine from the team final.
I'm thrilled to see Sandra Izsbasa still on the Romanian team, even after becoming the Olympic Champion on floor exercise in 2008. She is not at the level she once was, but I'm very inspired by her comeback and hope she will continue to grow. One of my favorites, Gabriela Dragoi, is also still on the team. She is not as prominent a team member as I hoped she would be at this point (she was 16 and a rising star in 2008, qualifying for the Olympic balance beam final), but once again, I am excited to see where she will go. Diana Chelaru was someone I've never heard of prior to this competition, and I really adore her powerful, but athletic, beautiful, and fun style. Earning the silver medal in the floor final, her individuality out on the floor is very distinct and refreshing. Finally, Ana Porgras, whom gymnastics fanatics have become slightly obsessed with, looked very good at this competition. I'm hoping for more difficulty from her (she has only a full-twisting Yurchenko at the 2010 Worlds, and I think she could gain more difficulty on all other three apparatuses), but she is a beautiful gymnast, with wonderful lines and great ambition. I am slightly deterred by her hands, as a picky ballet fan, but other than that, I really love her. She is a huge hope for the sport.
Here is Diana Chelaru's floor routine from the team final: I was wowed by her power and personality!
The Chinese team is definitely not the superstar team it was in 2008, but is still doing fairly well for itself, winning the team bronze medal. I'm excited to see He Kexin, Jiang Yuyuan, and Deng Linlin still on the team. I hope to see some forward movement from He Kexin: can you imagine what a threat in the all-around she would be with that bars score? Jiang Yuyuan looks very good, I'm thrilled to see her lovely gymnastics and personality back. Her gymnastics is very clean and beautiful: once again, I'm excited to see her future progress. Deng Linlin, the adorable, tiny 16 year old in Beijing has really developed as a gymnast. Her power is so incredible, especially since it's found in such a tiny gymnast. Finally, Huang Qiushuang is China's new all-around rising star: she seems young and still slightly inexperienced, but very exciting. I hope for more dramatic choreography for her, because she has incredible potential.
Solid beam routine from Jiang Yuyuan in the all-around competition:
The American team looked good, winning the team silver medal. I'm excited to see Alicia Sacramone back, especially after her disappointing performance in Beijing in the team competition. Once again, I really am inspired by her decision to come back, as well as her current success. Rebecca Bross is quite a good gymnast, very dynamic. I'm not a huge fan, but I think highly of what she has achieved and her powerful style. To finish, I would like to say how surprised and excited I was with Alexandra Raisman. She is incredibly stylish, powerful, with very good form. I love her individuality and personality, and can't wait to see what comes next for her!
Here is Alexandra Raisman's floor exercise in the team final: move ahead to 1:05 to see where her routine actually begins.
On another note, I was very impressed with Vanessa Ferrari. She was the Italian all-around champion at the 2006 World Championships, but is still performing very well now. I was not sure she had that in her, and am so glad she is so successful! Also, Beth Tweddle's (from the UK) bars performance in the finals was absolutely astonishing: a deserving champion. I'm sure there are more gymnasts who I was very excited with, and I apologize for not including them.
Beth Tweddle's incredible bars routine in the event finals:
Aliya Mustafina: 2010 World Champion! I am absolutely thrilled for her, she is a wonderful, very exciting gymnast, even at only 16! Her form is very good (except perhaps for her twists), and her style is very traditionally Russian which is wonderful: one can absolutely see her ballet training. She has remarkable difficulty and exciting routines; she is an breathtaking gymnast who deserved completely her all-around title and five total medals at this championship. Here is a video of her beautiful floor routine that completed her all-around competition.
Although I know so much can change in two years in the gymnastics world, this 2010 World Gymnastics Championship has made me very excited for the future and for the 2012 London Olympics. These girls are extremely talented, with innovative skills and gorgeous styles. Every team and every gymnast is unique and exciting, and the future seems to be very bright indeed for gymnastics!
I'm very excited to see the leaps and bounds women's gymnastics has travelled since 2009: I have been watching the 2010 World Gymnastics Championships and am really looking forward to this year's competitions and of course, the 2012 London Olympics.
The Russian team looked excellent at the 2010 World Championships. Ever since the fall of the Soviet Union, Russian gymnastics has not been what it once was. The 1996 Olympic team was very good, but was somewhat disjointed as its gymnasts were now separated into the Ukrainian, Belarusian, and other teams. The 2000 Olympic team caused an incredible amount of drama as they begrudgingly accepted the silver medal in the team competition. The 2004 Olympic team cried in jubilation as they accepted their bronze medal. Later, in 2008, they looked on in disappointment as they earned fourth place.
A far cry from the absolutely dominant team from the Soviet Union.
Now, it seems they may be making their return. Their team looks gorgeous: well-trained in ballet with great style and difficulty as well. I was very pleased with their win at the team competition, and know that they must be thrilled! Tatiana Nabieva and Aliya Mustafina stand out in particular, as the two who qualified for the all-around competition. I know that Ksenia Semenova, the adorable and very talented gymnast who placed fourth in the all-around competition in Beijing, was on the world team; however, she was not the star like I had expected. Hopefully she is still healthy and training: I really admire and love her style. Tatiana Nabieva has some incredible difficulty (a toe-on laid out Tkatchev and Amanar vault (round off to 2.5 twist): wow!), but I'm not extremely taken by her because of some form issues. She is an incredible gymnast, nevertheless. I never thought in 2008 that I would like Ksenia Afanasyeva so much: her stylish, but extremely powerful gymnastics is wonderful, and reminiscent of the lovely Anna Pavlova. It was a shame about the two falls she had in the floor final. Aliya Mustafina is an enormous talent who I really love! I'll post more about her later.
Here is Ksenia Afanasyeva's gorgeous floor routine from the team final.
I'm thrilled to see Sandra Izsbasa still on the Romanian team, even after becoming the Olympic Champion on floor exercise in 2008. She is not at the level she once was, but I'm very inspired by her comeback and hope she will continue to grow. One of my favorites, Gabriela Dragoi, is also still on the team. She is not as prominent a team member as I hoped she would be at this point (she was 16 and a rising star in 2008, qualifying for the Olympic balance beam final), but once again, I am excited to see where she will go. Diana Chelaru was someone I've never heard of prior to this competition, and I really adore her powerful, but athletic, beautiful, and fun style. Earning the silver medal in the floor final, her individuality out on the floor is very distinct and refreshing. Finally, Ana Porgras, whom gymnastics fanatics have become slightly obsessed with, looked very good at this competition. I'm hoping for more difficulty from her (she has only a full-twisting Yurchenko at the 2010 Worlds, and I think she could gain more difficulty on all other three apparatuses), but she is a beautiful gymnast, with wonderful lines and great ambition. I am slightly deterred by her hands, as a picky ballet fan, but other than that, I really love her. She is a huge hope for the sport.
Here is Diana Chelaru's floor routine from the team final: I was wowed by her power and personality!
The Chinese team is definitely not the superstar team it was in 2008, but is still doing fairly well for itself, winning the team bronze medal. I'm excited to see He Kexin, Jiang Yuyuan, and Deng Linlin still on the team. I hope to see some forward movement from He Kexin: can you imagine what a threat in the all-around she would be with that bars score? Jiang Yuyuan looks very good, I'm thrilled to see her lovely gymnastics and personality back. Her gymnastics is very clean and beautiful: once again, I'm excited to see her future progress. Deng Linlin, the adorable, tiny 16 year old in Beijing has really developed as a gymnast. Her power is so incredible, especially since it's found in such a tiny gymnast. Finally, Huang Qiushuang is China's new all-around rising star: she seems young and still slightly inexperienced, but very exciting. I hope for more dramatic choreography for her, because she has incredible potential.
Solid beam routine from Jiang Yuyuan in the all-around competition:
The American team looked good, winning the team silver medal. I'm excited to see Alicia Sacramone back, especially after her disappointing performance in Beijing in the team competition. Once again, I really am inspired by her decision to come back, as well as her current success. Rebecca Bross is quite a good gymnast, very dynamic. I'm not a huge fan, but I think highly of what she has achieved and her powerful style. To finish, I would like to say how surprised and excited I was with Alexandra Raisman. She is incredibly stylish, powerful, with very good form. I love her individuality and personality, and can't wait to see what comes next for her!
Here is Alexandra Raisman's floor exercise in the team final: move ahead to 1:05 to see where her routine actually begins.
On another note, I was very impressed with Vanessa Ferrari. She was the Italian all-around champion at the 2006 World Championships, but is still performing very well now. I was not sure she had that in her, and am so glad she is so successful! Also, Beth Tweddle's (from the UK) bars performance in the finals was absolutely astonishing: a deserving champion. I'm sure there are more gymnasts who I was very excited with, and I apologize for not including them.
Beth Tweddle's incredible bars routine in the event finals:
Aliya Mustafina: 2010 World Champion! I am absolutely thrilled for her, she is a wonderful, very exciting gymnast, even at only 16! Her form is very good (except perhaps for her twists), and her style is very traditionally Russian which is wonderful: one can absolutely see her ballet training. She has remarkable difficulty and exciting routines; she is an breathtaking gymnast who deserved completely her all-around title and five total medals at this championship. Here is a video of her beautiful floor routine that completed her all-around competition.
Although I know so much can change in two years in the gymnastics world, this 2010 World Gymnastics Championship has made me very excited for the future and for the 2012 London Olympics. These girls are extremely talented, with innovative skills and gorgeous styles. Every team and every gymnast is unique and exciting, and the future seems to be very bright indeed for gymnastics!
Why I Love Artistic Gymnastics
I discovered the sport of artistic gymnastics (known to the majority of the world as simply "gymnastics") in 2004 whilst viewing the women's competition in Athens. I was elementary school age, and entirely engrossed in the daring acrobatics, shiny leotards, dance, and drama that altogether created gymnastics. I fervently hoped for Carly Patterson's, the sweet-looking American's, victory, and was overjoyed as she stood on her coach's shoulders. "The second American women to win the all-around competition!", the commentators continued to exclaim. As I listened carefully to the commentators' remarks, I tried to understand the complex sport. I kept hearing the words "arabian", "pirouette", "salto", etc.: I was just awed that the commentators had a quick enough eye and vast enough knowledge to tell the complex-looking skills apart! Though I didn't understand much, which included the scoring system, politics, and more, the sport still made a huge impression on me.
Fast forward four years to 2008. I was in the end of my middle school years, and was already quite a curious soul (oh yes, I had discovered YouTube and Wikipedia by this point!). Although I hadn't seen gymnastics since 2004, I meticulously wrote down what time the women's competitions would take place and kept the paper in a familiar place. I was anxious for gymnastics to begin, especially as the media was going crazy over the princess, diva, and superstar Nastia Liukin, and the all-American sweetheart, Shawn Johnson.
When the competition began, it seemed even greater than my 8-year-old mind had remembered. These talented girls were doing skills no one had competed before, while simultaneously dealing with the pressure of being on the international stage. All the girls competed fearlessly to the very best of their ability, making of themselves role models to girls all over the world.
As you may very well know, it was a good year to be American. Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson gave the performances of their lives. Nastia won (as the third American to do so) the all-around competition, as well as silver medals in the team, uneven bars, and balance beam finals, and the bronze medal on the floor exercise final. Shawn Johnson earned the silver medal in the team, floor exercise, and all-around finals. After a long, long wait, she won her Olympic gold medal on her last event final: balance beam. I was absolutely thrilled with Nastia and Shawn's amazing accomplishments, and am still stunned at how gymnasts, some only 16 years of age, can cope with the incredible pressure of Olympic competition.
My love for gymnastics began to truly develop as I saw all the wonderful things each gymnast, regardless of nationality, had to offer. I fell in love with Anna Pavlova's incredible grace and power, Ksenia Semenova's spunk and impeccable form, Cheng Fei's elegance and strength, Jiang Yuyuan's charming personality and beautiful gymnastics, Sandra Izbasa's maturity and gorgeous landings, etc. After watching the 2008 Olympics gymnastics competition over and over again on YouTube, I continued to explore the unique brilliance of each talented gymnast.
After a while, I began to explore other competitions: historical ones. I began to easily name each skill performed, and started to familiarize myself with gymnastics from the 1980s and 1990s. I saw Nadia Comaneci's legendary performances, Olga Korbut's innovative skills, and so much more. I saw full coverage of Olympic competitions dating all the way back to 1988. Due to the vast variety of YouTube's videos, I was able to explore not only celebrated routines from the past, but also brilliant but obscure ones. It was incredible for me to discover all the beauty and innovativeness that has accompanied the sport since its creation.
Being the nerd I am, I have also enjoyed the history that exists alongside artistic gymnastics. As one of the most watched sports from the summer Olympics, the sport is also incredibly political. I was able to see the dominance of the Soviet team dissipate as its powerful gymnasts were suddenly spread throughout the Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian, and other teams. I viewed the scandals that took place, as Vera Caslavska, a Czech gymnast in 1968, demurely turned her head down on the medal podium. While perhaps not seeming like a scandal at first, it made headlines worldwide: she was refusing to acknowledge the Soviet flag and national anthem of the women who suspiciously tied for the gold medal with her. There have also been global concerns of the well-being of gymnasts who, under mainly communist regimes, have been worked since a young age, forced to enter competitions underage to bring glory to their country.
Despite all the scandals and drama, I find artistic gymnastics an absolutely fascinating sport (actually, on further thought, some of the scandals and drama make it more interesting). It showcases, in a way I think no other sport does, precision, discipline, beauty, acrobatics, and drama. And not only that: if one wishes to explore gymnastics, he/she will be sure to find an interesting, complex tale that complements perfectly the world events that accompanied it. Quite an interesting companion to learning world history, if you ask me.
Check out thrilling Nadia Comaneci's historical performance in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal: the first routine to earn a perfect 10!
Fast forward four years to 2008. I was in the end of my middle school years, and was already quite a curious soul (oh yes, I had discovered YouTube and Wikipedia by this point!). Although I hadn't seen gymnastics since 2004, I meticulously wrote down what time the women's competitions would take place and kept the paper in a familiar place. I was anxious for gymnastics to begin, especially as the media was going crazy over the princess, diva, and superstar Nastia Liukin, and the all-American sweetheart, Shawn Johnson.
When the competition began, it seemed even greater than my 8-year-old mind had remembered. These talented girls were doing skills no one had competed before, while simultaneously dealing with the pressure of being on the international stage. All the girls competed fearlessly to the very best of their ability, making of themselves role models to girls all over the world.
As you may very well know, it was a good year to be American. Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson gave the performances of their lives. Nastia won (as the third American to do so) the all-around competition, as well as silver medals in the team, uneven bars, and balance beam finals, and the bronze medal on the floor exercise final. Shawn Johnson earned the silver medal in the team, floor exercise, and all-around finals. After a long, long wait, she won her Olympic gold medal on her last event final: balance beam. I was absolutely thrilled with Nastia and Shawn's amazing accomplishments, and am still stunned at how gymnasts, some only 16 years of age, can cope with the incredible pressure of Olympic competition.
My love for gymnastics began to truly develop as I saw all the wonderful things each gymnast, regardless of nationality, had to offer. I fell in love with Anna Pavlova's incredible grace and power, Ksenia Semenova's spunk and impeccable form, Cheng Fei's elegance and strength, Jiang Yuyuan's charming personality and beautiful gymnastics, Sandra Izbasa's maturity and gorgeous landings, etc. After watching the 2008 Olympics gymnastics competition over and over again on YouTube, I continued to explore the unique brilliance of each talented gymnast.
After a while, I began to explore other competitions: historical ones. I began to easily name each skill performed, and started to familiarize myself with gymnastics from the 1980s and 1990s. I saw Nadia Comaneci's legendary performances, Olga Korbut's innovative skills, and so much more. I saw full coverage of Olympic competitions dating all the way back to 1988. Due to the vast variety of YouTube's videos, I was able to explore not only celebrated routines from the past, but also brilliant but obscure ones. It was incredible for me to discover all the beauty and innovativeness that has accompanied the sport since its creation.
Being the nerd I am, I have also enjoyed the history that exists alongside artistic gymnastics. As one of the most watched sports from the summer Olympics, the sport is also incredibly political. I was able to see the dominance of the Soviet team dissipate as its powerful gymnasts were suddenly spread throughout the Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian, and other teams. I viewed the scandals that took place, as Vera Caslavska, a Czech gymnast in 1968, demurely turned her head down on the medal podium. While perhaps not seeming like a scandal at first, it made headlines worldwide: she was refusing to acknowledge the Soviet flag and national anthem of the women who suspiciously tied for the gold medal with her. There have also been global concerns of the well-being of gymnasts who, under mainly communist regimes, have been worked since a young age, forced to enter competitions underage to bring glory to their country.
Despite all the scandals and drama, I find artistic gymnastics an absolutely fascinating sport (actually, on further thought, some of the scandals and drama make it more interesting). It showcases, in a way I think no other sport does, precision, discipline, beauty, acrobatics, and drama. And not only that: if one wishes to explore gymnastics, he/she will be sure to find an interesting, complex tale that complements perfectly the world events that accompanied it. Quite an interesting companion to learning world history, if you ask me.
Check out thrilling Nadia Comaneci's historical performance in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal: the first routine to earn a perfect 10!
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