The Birth of Phantom Crew

It all started when Kenny dropped me a message in my Facebook inbox one day, asking me whether I am interested to join him in forming a dance crew for the 3^rd Kpop dance competition coming in July. When it comes to dance, it never fails to make me say yes.

So, instantly he added me into a group he formed in Facebook, named “The Phantom Crew”. Inside, I saw 3 more members : Aikawa, Shariff, and Kevin. I’ve previously known Shariff through a PUMP friend, Cubex. While Kevin seems to be one of Cubex’s friend as well. I saw his name listed in the Sabah PUMP group but I’ve never seen him face to face before. Aikawa is new to me, he seems like some Japanese-Korean kid. LOL.

Not long after that, Aikawa brought in one of his dance buddy, Major. Meanwhile, Kristy and another girl who I cannot remember her name (LOL, SORRY.) was also added into the crew by Kenny. Kevin then brought in Ronney to the crew and we started as a 9 members crew. We discussed about what songs to use for the competition. What Korean group name is more suitable than “Phantom”. What clothes to wear. What sort of wind and style to go with. Everything is new for us, a brand new feel, a brand new experience, and a brand new crew.

First day of dance practice was on the 29^th May’12. It was a funny and shy first meet up between the members. We do not have any dance studios to go to, so they suggested an empty quiet space in Co-op Mart Kolombong. Just behind the supermarket, there is an empty space in front of the office upstairs, we can even use the dark glasses as mirror. I was waiting alone for Kenny in front of the supermarket when Ronney and Kevin walk passed in front of me. They both looked at me for a while and I first thought Ronney was Aikawa. I even remembered I almost called for them but I paused when I thought I might get them wrong. LOL! I went in the supermarket and pretended to look at things when the security guard and some of the supermarket employees seemed to be staring at me in a weird way. As I was looking around, I turned and bumped into a tall guy. I looked at him with a stun and blank face as I was a bit shocked when he suddenly appear in front of me. He paused a while before saying “Are you Grace? Kenny’s friend?” LOL! Then I realized that’s Aikawa.

Apparently, Kenny asked him to look for me, as the rest of them were already waiting at the hideout. He bought batteries in the supermarket and then brought me to meet the rest. Kristy, Major, Ronney, and Kevin. Kenny then showed up with the other girl. On the first day of practice, Aikawa teached us some basic movements and routines for the first song – Teen Top’s “Crazy”. The way he teaches us is OMG-so-cute. LOL!!! Only came to realize he is quite a cute guy from that. The one thing that caught my attention the most was his smiles and laughter, damn cute. Hahaha~

The practice session was enjoyable, as Aikawa has a cheerful and playful character. He made us all feel comfortable with each other, and minimized the awkwardness to the lowest. Because not all of us were from a dance background, Aikawa tried his best to modify the movements to the simplest moves so that everyone can cope with it easily. If we are dancing as a team, it is team work and co-operation we are talking about here.

The practice ended at around 10pm. Everyone were sweating and we sat down to chat a little in order to get to know about each other more. It was fun and happy when everyone who is passionate about dance and K-Pop gets together as a team. I was glad that everyone were super friendly despite the age gap among all of us, so I guessed we will get close to each other soon enough.

Kenny, 27 years old, who is the leader of The Phantom Crew. Was a law student, but currently is working in an interior design company. Used to teach and choreo dance to students in school and also in dance studio. Was once a judge for a school dance competition. Joined the 1^st K-Pop Dance competition and his crew won the 2^nd runner up, joined the 2^nd K-Pop Dance competition last year but did not won anything.

Aikawa, the 20 years old Korean-look-alike kid, real name is Gerald btw. LOL. was currently having his semester break from Plymouth University in UK. He previously had a dance crew with his classmates and was the leader of the crews in Simon Fung secondary school and also Institut Sinaran. It was pretty obvious that he can dance very well from the moment he start teaching us just now.

Major, a 20 years old guy who was one of Gerald’s classmate and ex dance crew member. Currently doing sales work here and there, didn’t heard about where his exact working location was. LOL. We were told that his night-life was more active than his morning-life. Well, that only meant he is a clubber. LOL.

Ronney, a 20 years old guy who is currently selling and merchandising K-Pop merchandises and goodies at his friend’s shop in Star City. A K-Pop lover but is an SNSD’s loyal fan, hahaha, favourite member is TaeYeon. No dance background at all, but would like to try and gain new experiences. He asked us to remember the MU football player just in case any of us forgotten his name, LOL. The kid who was called “the golden hair” when Gerald forgot his name, haha.

Grace, a 24 years old girl who loves to PUMP. (This is me btw. LOL.) Total Big Bang freak. Hahaha. Currently working as a sales administrator for Mamee-Double Decker Company. Never participate or took part in any dance classes, dance crews or dance competitions before, but is very passionate about dance. LOL. Super K-Pop lover, so I would definitely give myself a shot, taking this chance as a start point of my dance journey and see how far I can go.

Kristy, a 27 years old girl who is very passionate about dance. Used to be Kenny’s primary classmate. Currently working in a Development company in Kolombong, if I’m not mistaken. Didn’t hear the details correctly. A super cat lover she can almost answer everything with “meow” hahahaha. A gym lover, outing active, food lover, and an instagram freak. LOL. Giving her first to dance competition as well as she doesn't have a dance background.

Kevin, a 27 years old guy who loves dubsteps and soul hip hop. Used to be Kenny’s secondary classmate. Close friend with Shariff and Kenny. Owns a computer shop in Star City selling hardwares and softwares, and also includes computer services. No dance background either but he always has a dream of forming an active dance crew and entering numerous different dance competitions like this. Knows the basic of break dance, he can do the basic 6 steps perfectly.

The anonymous girl, who is only 16 years old, and currently is still studying in form 4. Oh gosh, I don’t know any further details of her other than that. LOL. She is super silent the whole night, we actually didn’t hear her talking at all.

Shariff, the 28 years old big brother. Currently the eldest in the crew. Working at Sabah Port KK, but I’m not quite sure under which department and in what position. LOL. Super huge Michael Jackson fan.  Not really a big fan of K-Pop, but definitely loves TaeYang, just like Kevin. Always wanted to dance to TaeYang’s songs. A very funny guy, because he can be joking, sarcastic, and mimicking at the same time. LOL. But you have to understand what he is actually talking in order to get his hidden jokes and the whole funny scenario. LOL.

First meet up with the crew members was fun, and I am loving the crew already =) Practice session to be continued tomorrow night, and things seems to be going very well. Hopefully this will be an exciting, enjoyable and memorable journey for all of us.