labeautevraie

Hey folks: I'm relatively new to the DCP forums, ironically enough since I follow DCI and WGI all the time. However, I was curious if anyone could give me some tips. I'm a 2008 age-out (AKA - 27 now), and I'm looking to perform again and go out for a DCA drum corps. I've been eyeing Carolina Gold, Caballeros, and a few others that are relatively close (6 hours or so from where I live in northern Virginia). But here's what I'm facing: I haven't spun competitively since April 2008. I'm still very much involved in the sport (I coach two groups in the AIA circuit with my roommate and another friend of ours), I know what the contemporary aspects are ... But it has changed some in the past four years. A few questions: 1) What would you suggest I work on before open houses and auditions? I spun rifle and flag my entire color guard career. Any new, emerging techniques some of these great DCA corps may be using I should familiarize myself with? 2) What do most corps look at as far as movement basics? I consider my movement my weakest area, BUT I do consider myself a good spinner. 3) Any training regimens I should look into? I've gained weight since aging out (I know a lot of people do) and I'm a bigger girl, but I'm looking at running and other cardio. Thoughts for those who have marched or do march DCA corps? 4) What else should I know about going into a DCA corps? Anything and everything useful would be great, especially from folks who used to march, took a break, and want to go back. :) Thanks so much ... I'm excited and nervous all at the same time, haha. I miss performing and spinning so much, and I really think it would help me become a stronger coach as well ... So my apologies for the huge post. Thanks guys! :) - Lindsay

I know I'm absolutely no expert on all this, but the IO shows I got to see at finals (especially Alter Ego, Ventures and Black Watch) were all stunning. I have to say that Alter Ego is probably looking at the most emotional show, especially once the audience realizes the symbolism of the floor, the music, etc. (My group was sitting in the back so we had a harder time understanding what was coming out of the speakers.) Either way I cannot wait to see the groups perform again at Dayton. It's going to be BRILLIANT. :)

I just want to wish everyone competing in all the categories good luck this weekend! This is my first WGI Power Regional, even though I am aging out, and I'm pretty excited - I know the talent in WGI can hardly be matched. :D Can't wait to see you all there and if you see me, don't hesitate to say hi! :) Good luck, all!

I hope to still be spinning SOMEWHERE by the time I'm 30! For people who truly love guard, it's too much of a passion to give up. Hell, I'm even planning on teaching for a while and once that goes south, I'd love to judge! :D But I say if you've got the drive and the energy to do guard (even if you're 30, 40, 50 whatever!) then do it! :D You'll be my hero!

I remember that performance - she rocked it OUTTTT. Haha. And I think it's awesome that guard is a sport where bigger girls can really perform and be athletic and not be judged for it. I know when I played volleyball I was judged far more harshly since, even though I was quite good, I was large and didn't rock out the short shorts and such the way they did. But either way, it's good to see a sport that can embrace that. :)

OK, just so everyone doesn't think I'm a potty-mouthed perv, it was just C.O.C.K. as in "to draw back in preparation for throwing or hitting." :P

Oh lordy! Guard is probably a breeding ground for things that sound ridiculous and/or inappropriate to those in the outside world! I've heard, at one point or another, from each of my instructors - "Give me head there!" in reference to lifting the head and performing higher. "Amber alert" is something I've heard recently. "One and two and grab and ####!" That was in reference to the counts before a rifle toss.

Thank you all so much for the suggestions, I do appreciate it! :D I will definitely take what was said to heart - I'm sure I've got a lot to work on! :) Take care, keep on spinnin'!

Hey all: I was just wondering if anyone knew any good techniques to help bigger girls (such as myself) with technique and movement. I've done guard for seven years now, so I'm more than comfortable with equipment, but I would really love to improve my movement. Unfortunately, girls (and guys) such as myself face certain physical boundaries that many of our thinner counterparts don't such as knock knees, the inability to get feet completely together, etc. What is the best way to address things like this? I've seen many bigger women and men move BEAUTIFULLY in world guards and open guards ... I guess I'm just trying to figure out their secrets! :) I apologize if I offend anyone - I just really want to learn how to move gracefully as I know all of you do! Thanks so much, have a great weekend and good luck to the competing units! :D

Either way, when I saw their show at Nashville it was absolutely stunning. Heck, all the shows I saw that day were!!!

Aliens, art, food, bars and WGI ... what more does the world need? I think the answer is nothing. I may never leave Dayton because it sounds amazing. (First timer here ... spending my age out year in Ohio, woo!)