Team Travel to Texas

The 2009- 2010 school year I was lucky enough to be apart of the Seminole High School Dazzlers from Sanford, Florida , an extremely disciplined dance team that is nationally recognized especially for their crazy high kick routines.  March 11- 14, 2010 we were headed to Fort Worth, Texas for the 2010 MA National Competition.  I looked forward to those few days with much anticipation.  To be out of the state with 95 other girls on the team (do not forget the coaches and chaperones!) was definitely going to be an unforgettable experience.  From the plane rides to the days of competition, Texas turned out to be quite the adventure!

The plane to Fort Worth, Texas itself was not going to be easy with more than 100 people checking in from our team.  It was not too bad of a wait and we all made it on the plane.  There were some tears from the take off to the landing because some girls have never been on an airplane before.  By the time we landed it was already pretty late and everyone was tired.  Some girls were so tired that they started making raps and comebacks that did not really make sense but we still found it funny.  We finally reached the Comfort Inn, prepared for the next two days of competition, and slept.  I slept so well that night. 

The team was up early the next day, Friday, March 12 for breakfast, makeup, hairspray, and rhinestones.  I love having breakfast with the whole team before competition.  It’s usually filled with tired eyes, lots of eating, and funny stories.  We practiced hard and performed with everything we had.  We were able to watch some of the other routines competing and soloists from other teams.  It was so nice to be able to watch and the dances were amazing.  It was a long day and when I got back to the hotel, I jumped in the shower and watched a little bit of Dreamgirls before bed. 

Day 2 was pretty similar but between competing we were took a quick field trip to an outdoor water and architecture area that was simply gorgeous.  It was so nice to have lunch in such beautiful scenery.  We took lots of pictures! Before we knew it competition was over and then we had the chance to kick back and relax the next day.

Sunday was our last day in Texas.  I was sad but excited because we got to go to this gorgeous and huge mall on the way back to the airport.  I spent almost all the money I had brought on the trip here of course.  It was fun having our whole team in this huge mall for about 2 hours.  It was a really fast two hours and we were all heading home. 

The plane ride back was much easier than the plane ride to Texas but it was still somewhat of a challenge for a team with over 100 people.  I will never forget how one of the girls accidentally spilled coffee on a man in a suit waiting to board his plane for an interview.  I will never forget how such a large team bonded in those three days.  I will never forget how hard we worked.  I will never forget how much I dreaded going to school the next day.

If I could give any advice about making the most of your destination, I would say have a goal, go with people you love being with, and do it before you get old!