Who else knew that Broward College has a pep squad? BC has
tons of clubs and sports that most students don't know about because, well,
most students either take online classes or don't stay on campus long enough to
explore the clubs and organizations. Another key factor would be that a lot of
students are full grown busy adults. Even though there are a lot of clubs for
almost every interest, Pep Squad was one I vowed to try out for.
For the record, I knew the tryout was going to be a
disaster. A laughable experience, but
still no way would I make the team with my routine. It had to be a minute long
that was clean dancing showcasing my skills. Anyone that knows me knows my
dancing skills make Carlton from Fresh Prince look like Channing Tatum in Magic Mike. Don't
get me wrong, I practiced my dance routine for almost a month (with trusted
friends) before trying out, and overtime it wasn't half bad. The song I chose
had a simple beat, and I found easy moves on YouTube. I practiced over and
over, pushing all forms of doubt out of mind.
It wasn't the first time I had tried out for cheerleading, I
tried out and failed miserably in middle school, where the girls were more
vicious. I didn't bother trying out in high school because at my Alma Mater
(Miramar High School) the tryouts were held in front of an audience. People who
paid for tickets to come and watch everyone tryout (for cheerleading, step
team, dance team, majorettes etc.) in the gym after school. With the fresh
memories of me failing in the 6th grade, there was no way I was going to try
out again 9th grade, or anytime in high school for that matter. It felt too
intimidating. Now in college, I was ready to try one more time before giving up
and accepting that I wasn't meant to wear the uniform so many girls crave.
Why did I try if I knew I was going to fail? Because I've
wanted to be a part of a team, that wasn't volleyball or soccer, for as long as
I could remember. I know I was born with two left feet, but I had a strange
feeling that I should try anyway, even if I made a fool of myself. It's always
better to try and fail then to never have tried at all. It wasn't like I wasn't
already a part of a team, (The Observer) my editor in chief thought my trying
out would be an interesting read about my experience.
On the day of the tryout, I met with the pep squad captain
and the adviser. After some encouraging words and repeating the mantra don’t be
nervous! I got in position for the first few steps, and started the song--only
to completely freeze in front of the people who were supposed to be judging me!
I wanted to run and hide, but I knew that if I did, I'd spent all that time
practicing and perfecting for nothing, and I would've wasted their time, which
was unfair. Edith, the Pep Squad captain was nice enough (or took pity on me,
whichever) to let me start over and get the jitters out of my system, even offering
me her pom-pom to use.
(Pom-poms are so much more distracting when you're stumbling
around trying to get back in the flow of things and trying hard not to pull a
Carlton.)
Once the music started, I remembered the first few steps
which were the equivalent to the first 15 seconds. Then it all fell apart and I
remembered thinking how funny my dancing must be, and how hard the judges are
trying to stifle their laughter. So for the remaining 45 seconds, my mantra changed from don’t be nervous! To don't stop moving around! I mismatched almost
all of my carefully choreographed steps out of nervousness and thinking how
ridiculous I must have looked, flailing around instead of being graceful and poised.
It hit me mid routine that I was dancing in front of a small audience with
smiles on their faces and pom-poms in hand that I realized that was all I
wanted. I wanted to make people laugh, dance with pom-poms and feel comfortable
with my moves. Two out of three isn't bad so when the minute was up, I couldn't
help but laugh with everyone. I was just glad I tried out for this sport I
clearly wasn't meant to be a part of one more time.
Surprisingly, I got a lot of props for being brave and
dancing the way I did in front of complete strangers. I was essentially put on
the waiting list because I could use a lot of professional practice and I guess
my enthusiasm was appreciated. Edith even invited me to come and work out with
the girls that made it to see if I could improve.
I never would've gotten that invite if I hadn't been so
determined and shown so much enthusiasm, and I can say I tried out and made the
waiting list for the lady Seahawks, a squad not many people know about, but
will.
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