When I was in High School, I wanted so desperately to be a cheerleader...however, with the chubby body and the unpopularity, there was no way it would happen.
I danced in my bedroom, in my living room. I cheered in my back yard...where only I could see me. I went to most sporting events and yelled my heart out for my beloved Wolves...but never participated in the poms shaking or the drill team routines.
Tonight as a diversion to the political hooha that is happening on most local stations (and online) I've chosen to watch the state dance/drill competition (both high school and college.) It's the 40th anniversary of the competition. There are so many categories: kick, lights, novelty, flags, poms, hoopla, community service, special judges awards, hip hop...and it goes on and on.
Several things I'm noticing
1. Precision is everything
2. Male drill teams are popular
3. Participants are ALL sizes and shapes
4. High energy is a MUST
Compare these 4 things to life as we know it...
If we are to succeed at anything, precision is a must. We must do what we do flawlessly. In a female dominated society (yes I believe that) it is more and more popular for males to be the stay at home parents, the cooks, the taxi shufflers. Participants in life come in all sizes and shapes and the older we are the less we care about how a person looks...so long as their personal hygiene is up to snuff and they are kind and respectful. High energy...well, let's just say, energy to get through the day is what we need.
My kudos to the instructors and participants who prepare countless hours to perform before a panel of judges...to the parents and fans who support this event...BRAVO!
Remember...it's never to late to be a cheerleader...in whatever form we can be...from the sidelines, in the throes of the events, only in our minds.