More sunscreen for drill teams

Remember that you're a team--and that is a sort of family. Don't do anything to hurt your teammates. There is a difference between discipline and spite. And if someone is being spiteful to you, don't make it worse by gossiping behind her back. Talk to your big sister, your line mom, your officer, or to whomever you're supposed to go.

Wear deodorant.

Jealousy won't get you a place in a line, a sport in a dance, an office, and award or a friend. Don't be jealous. You may not have been dancing your whole life. You may not work for a professional dance/drill team company. But no one, not even Mikhail Baryshnikov, can do everything perfectly. Disliking someone because she's a better dancer, made officer or is doing her solo in your show is silly.

Learn from those who have more experience. Share yours with those who have less.

When you watch yourself in the mirror or on tape, find good things, too. Listen to constructive criticism and learn from it. Don't take insults about you, your team or anything else to heart. But don't ignore the truth.

Keep everything--packing lists, tryout numbers, spirit notes, old shoes (if they aren't a health hazard), costumes, programs... Throw away the half-empty soda can you put on top of your locker a month ago.

Stretch, of course.

If you don't want to be an officer or don't plan on majoring in dance or being a director, that's OK. But while you are on drill team, love it as if you were. Otherwise, it's not fair to you teammates, you'll be miserable. That's not what drill team is all about. If you're miserable, maybe it's not for you.

Shave your underarms every day.

Be nice to your parents. They're probably the ones who pay (most of the time) for your to be in drill team, who drive you to practice and performances and who cheer for you. They're probably the ones who help polish boots, curl hair, safety pin costumes, bake cookies and help with fundraisers.

Booster clubs are essential. Thank them.

If you have them, thank the managers, too. Not that your team isn't strong enough to move big stuff, but managers seem to get a kick out of doing it.

You probably won't make everything for which you try out, but if you want to try out--even a little bit--give it your best shot. Auditions make you stronger, and whatever happens, God has a reason for it.

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