All week long Remote Control will be posting reactions to Michael Jackson's death from select ABDCrews. Check out Rino from Beat Freaks's stunned response below...
I'm still in denial about what happened to Michael. I don't even know how to begin expressing my thoughts since he's been the biggest inspiration to me, ever. He really influenced who I am today. All I can do is pray for his soul and his family, friends and all the Michael fans that have been effected by this news.
On Thursday afternoon, Maryss and I were teaching class and playing Michael's songs as our warm up because there was a slight chance of us going to check out his rehearsal later that night. After our class, the rest of Beat Freaks gave us the news.
We couldn't believe it, didn't feel it. I thought it was another bad rumor, yet all my friends kept texting and calling me about the news. We had to do something, so we went to his parents' house to show some love, respect and support. When I got home, the media was forcing me to face the fact that he was gone. I couldn't sleep. I just kept watching Michael's videos on MTV. I was very emotional and kept thinking about how he's been there all my life.
When I first watched "Moonwalker" in my house in Okinawa, Japan, I was 10 and had never seen or felt anything like it before. Then when I went to the Dangerous tour, it changed my life forever. I knew I had to come to America.
I have always loved to dance, but Michael really taught me to have more passion for music and performing. Everything I do now, you can see Michael in me. On Episode 3 of ABDC (Season 3, Britney Spears Challenge), Beat Freaks performed a version of Michael's "Dangerous" video. On the last episode, we all wore MJ gloves to represent our love and dedication to him.
I've met a lot of my friends here in L.A. because of Michael. Maryss and I became best friends because of him. I am in Beat Freaks because of Michael. I thank him so much for it and really wish that I could have gotten a chance to tell him.
No one will ever be like Michael Jackson -- he's left such a huge impact on the entertainment industry. He will keep living through our hearts, and we will continue to carry on his legacy.
Michael, you were the truest entertainer and I already miss you so much!! Thank you for all your hard work, talent and love. And thank you so much for showing me what it's like to live my dream.
Rino
BEAT FREAKS
ABDC, Season 3