August 2011 #1: Andrew Galang

Talent, ambition, drive and youthfulness are what Andrew Galang possesses for him to be August’s Youth of the Month. A positive contributor to the dance community for 5 years, Andrew’s journey begins as a student taking recreational hip hop classes. This ignited a passion to learn other styles to help Andrew diversify his ability in dance, training in contemporary and ballet. Andrew’s hard work and dedication brought him to the front of the class, where the roles are reversed and he is the one teaching and inspiring other dancers to bring out the best in themselves. His inspiration originates from seeing raw untrained dancers break through their boundaries for the first time, and transition into becoming a better dancer. Andrew is currently a member and coach under DREAM dance studio, where the core of his training originated. Andrew’s growth in DREAM has led him to where he is now, being one of the studio’s coordinators and coach.

From when I first started, I would never have imagined at where I am now. I was the one who was inspired by leaders around me. When I first heard that I’ve inspired someone when I dance, it was very rewarding.

Through Andrew’s journey in training and dance, Andrew had been given the opportunity to teach out in Oslo, Norway at the age of only 16 years old. There, Andrew stayed for a month teaching and learning, gaining only what the best can offer.

Sometimes people under estimate the things a 16 years old can do, but if you put your mind to it, and are determined, you can achieve anything. That trip to Norway gave me motivation to keep going, and let me know I was doing something right.

Doing something you love doesn’t always give you the support you need from loved ones. That was one of the hardest struggles Andrew had to learn to strive through. “The only thing I could do is show them, and prove them wrong.” Dancing is Andrew’s passion, and he can only strive for the best, always learning, and always seeing himself as a student.

Be sure to visit DREAM dance studio’s YouTube page to grab snippets of Andrew’s talent in action. Dedication and hard work is the product of Andrew Galang.

About the Author: Heather Lam

Heather is one of the newest members to join the Y57 team! If she isn't busting out her swag or dancing in them stiletto heel pumps for two of Vancouver's dance crews, she is studying on the lone mountain of SFU finishing her third year as a Communications major. Heather is constantly inspired by her surroundings to reach for the stars as she strives for only the best to come. Her interests include hip hop dancing, snowboarding and basketball. Having to travel the distance thus so far in life, nothing is impossible for this upbeat and outgoing girl. FUN FACT: Heather has played the clarinet for seven years!

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