Psych yourself for great practices and performances
You're hot and sweat is running down your face; your shoes won't stay tied and bruises cover your knees; your muscles are sore and your throat is parched; you're doing the routine one more time because there are still memory mistakes; you just can't get that one 8-count. It's been a LONG day, and practice isn't even half way over.
Even if you love drill team with all your heart, rehearsals can still be tiresome and exhausting. Unfortunately, these same rehearsals are what make or break your time in the spotlight. One of my favorite drill team quotes, which I found on a T-shirt from Just for Kix, is "You soon forget the practice...You never forget the performance."
But since more than half of drill team time IS practice, why not make it something you won't soon forget? Rehearsals is a time to work hard, but who says you can't have fun, learn, or grow as a person and a dancer while doing it? Bookstores are full of little inspirational books like Chicken Soup for the Soul and books of quotes suitable for team devotions and discussions, sharing with a fellow teammate, or just reading for yourself. Magazines like Insights, published by the Dance/Drill Team Directors of America, also offer hints for making rehearsals more enjoyable.
Still looking for inspiration? Try drill team web sites that feature heart-warming stories and poems. American Dance/Drill Team School posts its weekly newsletter on their web site, and each letter includes verses and prose that warm the heart. Dancer Online also features a touching story on its site: the dancer of the month.
Even if they're not exclusively devoted to dance and drill teams, many web sites have thought-provoking and encouraging poems and stories. Some of my favorites include Inspiration Point, Yahoo links to inspirational quotes, Motivational Quotations from Motivating Moments, and Positive Press. And don't forget to send those of your teammates who have Internet access an inspirational, free electronic card from Blue Mountain Arts-Encouragement.
Practice is also more fun when you have a humorous diversion from the temperatures. Social or pep officers can organize contests with simple prizes like stickers or candy. Declare a spirit day - wear goofy boxers, pig tails, hats, or dress as twins...be creative!
Practice spontaneous spirit: cheer for your line moms, big and little sisters, officers, squad members, friends, or even someone to whom you haven't talked recently. "Yeah, Jane!!!" costs nothing to say, but it makes Jane's day. Or make up a song to sing as you're running to your beginning position...AGAIN!
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