Day 22: Hey, Sessssy Lady

Today was a special day for both us teachers, and the kiddos. They had a dance competition scheduled, where they were to compete against the others classes their age. They were to dance to the five songs they dance and warm up to when they arrive at school. Because our apartments are right next to the school, I have become very familiar with these songs for I wake up to them blasting over the Kaiyin intercom every morning. I must admit, though, they are quite happy and lighthearted songs. They make me feel like I'm on "It's a small world" at Disneyland, all day. Also, these songs drown out the sound of the loogies, so it's definitely a win-win situation.

The kids competition was an hour this morning, so they missed their first three of six English classes. Although I wanted to teach all six lessons, I was much more excited that I too could miss class and go watch the competition. All of the kids were dressed in their matching coral sweatsuits and ready to go first thing in the morning. The younger of the two kindy classes went first, which has the students like Jelemy (funniest/slowest speaking child ever), Angel (the little one who always furrows her brow and snarls at you), Jackie (the cutest little one, but always just wants to play and cause havoc), Marcus (the naughty one I mentioned in another entry) etc. Even though these kids are only four or five, they are loaded with a variety of different personalities and a surprising amount of attitude.

As we began watching, I noticed one of the sassiest of the sassies, Ms. Sami, just shaking her booty, making kissy faces to the crowd, etc. Her excitement and enthusiasm alone could have won the competition for her group, she is just the cutest thing. Then, I turned focus to Jackie and Angel, who were standing next to each other, first mistake. I caught Jackie sneaking over to Angel and smacking her head with his workout rings, him chuckling and then running back to his spot, Angel furrowed her brow, and began crying. Even funnier note, I caught it all on video. It was so sad, but also incredibly funny. There's something about little kids beating up on each other that is so funny sometimes, I don't know what it is though. Anyways, Jackie then got the evil eye from one of his Chinese teachers, and all was back in order and moving smoothly.

Another one of my favorite moments is when the song, "If you're happy and you know it" came on. I decided to film Jelemy and Marcus who were standing next to each other, mistake number two. When it said, "clap your hands", Marcus ever so naturally clapped his hands, but with Jelemy's face in between. Jelemy didn't have the slightest idea of what was going on, but Marcus continued until the Chinese teachers came over and set him straight. Then, when the song said "If you're happy and you know it, shout hooray", all of the kids jumped high into the air on "hooray". However, poor little Jelemy was about three or four counts off, every time, and just couldn't quite make it to be in sync with the other kids. I have this on video as well, and I've watched it about thirty times already; it still gets me every time. These kids are so goofy, and so sweet; their funny little quirks can always put a smile on my face.

The little kindy class did great and provided quite the entertainment, but the older of the two (the ones that are in my home group) definitely had better coordination and weren't afraid to bust a move. A few days ago in class, all the kids randomly began dancing to Gangham Style, and we weren't really sure where it came from. It was perfectly coordinated, though, and all of the kids were on the same page with the dance moves. I then put together that this belonged in their warm up routine every morning, but we seemed to miss seeing it most days.

I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to see this dance front row today, and catch my little one's on video. One of the sweetest moments, actually, was when little Dolphin's mom was practicing with him before the competition and she too busted out doing the Gangham style. It was that moment when I realized why Dolphin had such a big heart.

The music started and all of the kids put on their straightest faces. I forgot how seriously the Chinese take their performances and how important they are to them. I absolutely love that aspect of their culture, though. We have seen some good shows and I hope for more to come in the future.

As the kids danced to the song, you could hear their little voices singing the chorus and it went, "Heyyyyyy Sessssssy Lady!" X's are really hard for them, so sesy is the new sexy. I was dying. I honestly was so happy and giddy about their little dances, I felt as if I was one (or all) of their parents watching their little performance. I remember my parents coming to watch my school plays, my many soccer games, my talent shows, etc. I feel as if this could be a similar feeling as my parents got when they came to watch me. I love these kids so much, and having the opportunity to spend so much time with them and teach them is such an honor. I have been so lucky to have had this opportunity come into my life. I have already learned so much about myself, my life, the culture here, etc. that I couldn't have otherwise. I love it here, so much and I can't wait for the next adventure.

Pictures:
1: Sami, the first one you see. You can feel her sass even through this picture.
2: Joe, Coco, and Melanie, warming up and hiding from the camera
3: Last move of Gangham Style for the older kids, such poise
4: Shout, "Hooray"
5. My sweet, cuddly, little Jason (He is so smart, it's ridiculous)