it's the final lap. don't give up now.
dear Rebels members,
it's the last week heading up to the competition. it is going to be tiring. it is going to be tough. just a word to everyone, it's not enough to just know your steps and dance them, ok. you need to perfect your routines as well. all the little little things like how you walk to position, arm levels, timing, sharpness, synchronization, energy, facial expression, eye contact with the audience, your sense of performance. they matter. we mean it when we say a clean routine will get you far. but know that you are aiming for a reasonable level of perfection. if it's good enough, move on. don't dwell on a set for an unnecessarily long period of time.
do not leave all the correction to just one person to point out cos you will end up hating that person for "nitpicking" on the "small" details and making you practice again and again. you are a team. there must be an understanding that all of you have to do all that is possible to help each other perfect your routine. if any of you notice something that can be corrected, say it out. and if you have any problems or opinions on a matter, say it out. do not keep it to yourself and sulk about it alone. SAY IT OUT.
it's the last lap. when practising, it is really important to do so full-out. yes, it is tiring, but you need to get used to it so on the competition day itself, your body would already be conditioned to handle the stress. since the competition will last pretty much an entire day, all the waiting and nervousness will definitely suck you dry of your energy. do not wait to be told to practise full-out. plus, if you do your routines properly and get it right, then there would not be a need to keep repeating the same thing over and over till you feel like strangling someone...
we are all tired now. do not waste time waiting for others to call you to come to position. please take the initiative to get up and be ready when it is your turn to practise.
for stunts, if a mistake happens, get ready to continue with the next stunt immediately. do not give dramatic sighs, put on a sour face, groan or wander off. know that EVERYONE is frustrated too. so keep your displays to yourself. do not add to everyone else's frustration. and when pointing out a mistake, say it nicely. no one likes being blamed in an accusing manner.
in sports, it is not just about competing and being good. it's about character as well. watch your temper, watch your words, watch your actions, watch your expressions. they reflect what kind of a person you are.
on the competition day, you are going to see other teams practice and perform. some will not be so good. do not laugh at them, inwardly or outwardly. some will be good. do not get discouraged and give up before you have even fought the battle. like what was said nearer the top of this freaking long post: a clean routine goes a LONG way. put on a good show on the mat regardless of anything. even if you think you can't win, give a kickass performance that reeks of confidence. let the audience at least remember you as that team with the energy and kickass performance :)
tempers are going to fly under the pressure we are all facing right now. try to keep your cool. we can pull through this.
Behold, our might,
The Rebels rise to pow'r,
Time for battle, time to fight,
Rebels to the fore,
Spirit, strength, determination,
We're taking over, the floor!
