The noisy chattering of the students echoed in the hall. Everyone was enthusiastically participating in the Zumba, as the students vigorously shaking their bodies, following the steps as shown by the teachers on stage. “Wow! So extra lah these students,” Erissa giggled. Today was the third day of our School Based Experience at SK Sembulan. They were having sports day and the teachers, along with the students were in high spirits. “The trainee teachers over there, come on let’s dance!”, suddenly one of the teachers shouted with a huge smile on her face. I smiled back, and with an unwilling heart, I forced myself to move my body and copied the teachers’ movements but with lack enthusiasm though because my stiff body did not allow myself to do exactly what the teachers did.
Later after the intense workout, I was assigned to look after the students for the shot put event. I pretty much was just looking around, making sure that no students were disturbing the sports event or attempting any dangerous actions that might lead to accidents or injuries. I moved around and observed the students. My eyes were caught at a scene where a group of male students was ‘playing’ with sand (sighs, these children...). I approached them and started conversing with some of the students. “Why are you playing with...sand?” I asked in confusion. A tanned-skin boy looked at me and giggled. “Nothing, teacher”, his smile was bright. Then the conversation went on with a series of questions-and-answers. “Teacher, I am taking part in the dancing for the closing ceremony of the school sports day tomorrow,” he suddenly informed me. I was quite surprised by his statement because when it comes to dancing, female students definitely stealing the spotlight, and I was not very familiar with seeing male students dance. “Did the teacher force you?” I asked. “No lah. I went for an audition. I like to dance,” he cheerfully explained. “Ooh, interesting. So have you danced before?” I continued. “Yes. I have taken part in many competitions and when I was in Year 3, I joined the Pertandingan Persembahan Seni Kreatif ASNB Sabah and our school got first place,” he replied. Again, I was amazed by this boy. “Ooh, really?! Now I can’t wait to see you dance tomorrow!” I couldn’t hide my excitement. The bell suddenly rang, signaling the time of the most anticipated period by everyone; recess. “Teacher, I’m going to the canteen. I want to hurry before the nasi goreng runs out. Bye, teacher!” he hurriedly left while waving towards me. I waved back and went straight to the staff room.
The next day was a fine day. The weather was warm with the bright and blinding rays of sunshine. I was looking forward to the dancing performance during the closing ceremony of the sports day. After all the speeches and prize-giving ceremony, it was time for the students to show off their honed dancing skills! The sensational ‘Ddu Ddu Duu’ song by Blackpink blasted out of in the air. The students were cheering loudly when the dancers started moving their bodies, synchronised with the fast rhythm of the song. My eyes were shifted on the boy. I was captivated by his sharp and precise movements. “Oh, Lord! How is it possible for this boy to be so talented?!” I spilled out my thoughts. I cheered loudly at the top of my lungs along with the other students when the song was reaching the climax because as the song was getting harder and faster, the dancers still nailed those dance steps perfectly like pros. I literally got goosebumps! Among all the dancers, the boy hooked my attention the most. Not only he has the groove, but his facial expression was on point too, depicting overwhelmed emotions which living up the story of the song.
After the closing ceremony, I immediately searched for the boy. “Do you know how amazing you are?! You are so blessed with such fantastic talent, boy!”I blurted out words so fast excitedly like a proud mother the moment I found him. The boy simply thanked me shyly. We took pictures together and that was pretty much one of the most unforgettable memories during my last School Based Experience. And now I suddenly realise, I never asked the boy’s name at all! Well, it seems like I will always remember him, as the boy who danced like a pro.