Last season, the team was allotted quarter breaks as well as halftime but, unfortunately, this year those quarter breaks were not possible this season. It actually worked out well for us as coaches because it lessened our workload. This year we were also allowed to perform for the Volleyball season so it probably would have been a bit much with choreography! Things happen for a reason!
I'm a perfectionist and I don't believe in repeating choreography on the court. This puts a lot of pressure on me and on my assistant coach. We always have to produce and produce quickly. It's a catch 22 because our girls are now in a routine where they are used to pieces switching over so much that when we ask them to remember something from....like 3 months ago, they can't!!!
Getting the girls ready for these games is not as easy as one may think. They are very talented but they are not professionals. Sometimes they don't pick up as quickly as we like or they do not remember or practice as much as we would like. They are still high school girls getting a high school education so they wouldn't naturally give to us what a pro dance team would. We understand that. So the pressure is not only on us to get those routines out and get them out clean, but it's also on them to master and execute to our liking!
The team is disciplined. I can definitely say that. Even though they are a high school dance team, I treat them as they are pros. I feel this can prepare them for any element in life if I do it that way. They are not babies to me. I know they can handle it and they have.
(above: Washington Wizards Dance Team)
This prep has worked to my benefit because as we now prepare for the Wizards they are on their A-game. There is always little issues like arms and such but that's even with the pros. You need to explain and tell them where to go and how to place them; whether it's fist, blades, etc. And you must continue to remind them.
So today marked the official first rehearsal and it went really well. I find myself watching and re-watching their videos to perfect lines and add to certain areas that I feel is lacking. That is what I did after their rehearsal. I studied them. I posted their rehearsal video on Facebook today so they could study it also. I'm always encouraging them to not only study their own footage but on other dance teams as well. I usually don't post unfinished routines online because I have been a victim of choreography theft (as crazy as it sounds, it happens) but I'm not worried about that at this point.
What most don't understand is that myself as well as my assistant are full-time choreographers. This is not a part-time job for us. We look at the dance team at Padua as a part of our regular schedule; not as a side job or that "easy" gig. We treat them like the pro dancers or students, competition teams, etc that we work with. We give them the same heart, dedication and encouragement that we would to our own companies, pro dance teams or classes. There is times that I stay up very late working on PDT related projects, choreography and plans for the next year.
I attended Padua and I didn't have this so I'm giving them what I know I would have loved and appreciated when I went to the school. It's only right.
The girls stepped up to the plate at this rehearsal and I only hope that they continue to do so. We are done about 42 seconds of a 4 minute routine. And It's an intense 42 seconds!!!
Great job PDT 2010/2011
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