On Thursday, March 29 the APSA family ventured to The American Embassy. On the way to the Embassy I had mixed emotions. I wasn’t sure what to expect. In the back of my mind I had a feeling that I was just going to take some pictures with the ambassador and chat a little. That’s not what it was at all! I was super excited as soon as I saw the guards posted up covering the entire building. Ms. Kerri and I noticed that all the guards had to look left and right back as the traffic went by. As we entered the building we went through a maze. It took forever to get to the main room where the event was held. When we entered the room, my face lite up. I started to see people that had a pleasant smile they looked like they wanted to talk business. As the minutes went by I started to get comfortable with talking and meeting new people. A lot of people where interesting to talk to. Their life story was amazing and I was engaged in the conversation. Some of the attendees there worked in the embassy and others where friends of friends. I even connect with them. They are my new inspirations. We started to watch a documentary film based on APSA. I never knew how big of a deal this was. I watched and learned how being in another country can impact your life forever. I now know that I definitely want to come back to China and learn more about the culture. It’s an amazing place to be. It’s the next SUPER POWER!!!

Alexia Maitland

2013 APSA Dance Scholar

Today was a much anticipated day; it was the day where we would finally be able to go shopping. Shopping in China is nothing like shopping in New York, mostly because I don’t have to work for a fare price! At home the prices in the stores are set so if you want to buy something you can’t change the price. At the Silk Market it got Crazy! Sandra was negotiating for me, which resulted in my purchase being at a lower price than previously stated. The sales woman always presented very outrageous prices but between these negotiations we were able to meet in the middle and get my item for a more reasonable price. I noticed if I left the store they would call me to return and I would get the item for a lower price.  It was a very fun experience; I learned how to bargain and I worked on my Chinese that I had learnt so far. I bought a lot of items for myself, family and friends at very low prices. I am very content with the outcome of today’s shopping and received a 13 dollar massage J….80 kuai massage.

Demi Page

2013 APSA Dance Scholar

Today was the day  we went to Tiananmen Square. It was very exciting to see the place we see that represent China on television in person. What I didn’t really like was that it was crowded and they had random people taking pictures with me, even though we allowed their children to take pictures with us. It was different, appreciative, and challenging at the same time while going through that experience.

Earlier today we walked through the park near the Dance Academy and watched some Chinese elders playing games, dancing, sword practicing, and exercising. What I really like was the old ladies dancing with the colorful ribbons because they had fun and felt free.  I even  got a chance to try and test it out. It was very cool and exciting because ribbons are something you mostly see associated with little girls, not older people. As I tried the ribbons it became easier to me and I was then able to practice almost as good as the older women.

Chen Tu

Shelby Deane

2013 APSA Dance Scholar

Between all of the dance classes the classical Chinese modern was my favorite.  The style was very different from what I am use to but also very similar.  For example they use contractions and they use sustained but sharp movements.  The teacher didn’t speak much English but it was easy enough to understand the choreography and the corrections she was giving us.  The moves were very soulful and told a story. While doing the dance I felt happy and could tell the teacher was happy while watching us perform her dance piece we had just learned in only 3 days.
While on this trip we went on a lot of excursions. My favorite one was the Great Wall of China. Even though it was really tiring to climb up the stairs and they were all un-even we made it up to the Wall. I really liked that we were dancing on the towers. Looking over the Wall made everything feel real. It just made me think about the whole trip and how lucky we all are to be able to have this amazing opportunity. The day after we all went shopping and my group went to the Silk Street market. I never had to bargain before so everything was very overwhelming. People where yelling and telling us that we were crazy for the prices we were giving them but would still sell it to us. Things were a little confusing but after a while I got the hang of it and bought a lot of things.
After experiencing everything that I have in this one week I feel very grateful to have been chosen to take part on this trip. This has opened my eyes to search around for more study abroad programs and never limiting myself.  I’m happy that I have broken out of my shell and experienced new things, met new people, did things I would have never done this if it wasn’t for APSA.

Heather Gardner
2013 APSA Dance Scholar 

The second exchange was on Wednesday!! Fun!! We came fully prepared to engage with the students from the classical department. At first they taught us their technique then we showed them one of our dances called “Stand”. Stand is a gospel dance we frequently perform throughout the US. We split up into groups based on sections and each taught the section they were assigned. To our surprise the student picked up the choreography fairly quickly!  After reviewing a few times we performed it for the people who were present. The groups from the Tuesday and Wednesday exchange really embraced and appreciated our dance while having fun at the same time. They were excited not only to be dancing along side us but also the fact that they were learning new things with an American flare. So much so, that students watching from the outside came in and started dancing with us. Seeing the Chinese student’s diligence, discipline and passion for dance itself, further inspire my own passion and love for dance. This also opened up a whole new zeal in me to always strive for success, even when the road doesn’t seem possible. Imagine yourself on the other side of the world, suddenly embedded in a whole new culture, with an intense schedule going every minute of every hour for one week! That alone will make or break a person. So, you’re probably wondering, well! Did she make it or break it? Quiet frankly I just completed a week with my glass half full, so you now know where I stand. I’ve learnt that in life’s many situations there is always a make it or break it challenge. Which category do you stand under? The choice is yours!

Kai Lancaster

2013 APSA Dance Scholars

Tuesday night was the Dance exchange between A.P.S.A. and the Beijing Dance Academy dancers. When we arrived to the exchange I wasn’t in the best mood having just woken up from a nap. However once we got to the place and the Beijing Dancers started dancing I could honestly feel the whole atmosphere change. The Chinese dancers, preformed a Classical Folk Dance and their energy was just absolutely amazing. When they moved, everyone was in sync; they each had one of those welcome home smiles you get when you’ve arrived home after a long trip while they danced. When they danced you could see the passion and enjoyment they had and it was honestly one of the best sights I’ve ever seen. They taught us sections of the dance that we wanted to learn, and in return we taught them a dance also. It was intriguing too see how fast they picked up the steps it made me question the way I learn. Interacting with the students I found it very fun because it was so easy to communicate with them because it was like we could all communicate doing what we loved which was dance. After the exchange we had a little party and we showed each other popular dances that we do and exchanged numbers that was a lot of fun. It was definitely  a night that brought us all closer together because it was just amazing to vibe off each other doing completely different styles of dancing.

Aliyah

APSA 2013 Dance Scholar

“The Great Wall” was more like the “the Great Staircase!” . . . we climb and climb and climb for hours but, it was so worth it.  The wall was built to protect China from invading enemies.  Many people died due to the rigorous schedule and hefty work.  We climbed a billion steps, landed at tower 6, climb to tower five, created a work of art, performed the work with several on lookers, climbed back down to tower six and took the toboggan down the mountain. At the bottom, we were bombarded by merchants.  We controlled ourselves because, we are going shopping tomorrow but, we Ms. Kerri gave in and purchased us some dresses for a “Ban fa: Beijing” photo shoot – - LOL.  Anyway, it’s late – we just came from seeking out a resolution for Demi’s Sweet Sixteen outfits.  We had a plan in place but, just found out that we are shopping in assigned groups tomorrow and won’t be together so, we had to adjust.  Whatever we gotta do : )  Anyway, missing Andre, Bianca, Mia, Kayla, Miya, Janna, Erica, Tara, Aeisha, Kimora and all of our little sisters!!!! I can’t believe we missed Father Jose’s rehearsal but, we will catch up.  Beijing is live!!!! Can’t wait to come back! Hoping my ESOTA faam can join me.  Nite NIte.

Shalice Hunt

APSA Dance 2013 Scholar