VDT Dances their Way Back to Practices

As schools start bringing back sports for the fall, there are many new changes that have been made to adjust to the restrictions in place because of COVID-19.

India Reed, a junior on the drill team, states, “Practices this year have been very different and not ideal, definitely something in need of acclamation. The coaches are trying their best to make the most out of these circumstances.”

Since many restrictions have to be put in place for Drill Team in order to stay safe and healthy while still being able to practice, meeting has been a challenge. Some of those restrictions include completing a health survey before each practice, using face masks, and practicing outside, six feet apart. At this time, drill team is only allowed two practices a week.

All teams know they have had to be flexible, and drill is no exception. “Competitions are up in the air right now, nobody really knows,” India stated. Currently VDT is planning on going to state but it will be virtual. “Nationals are out of the question, we are not allowed to compete.”

Even with all the uncertainty that comes with sports this year, VDT has chosen team captains for a sense of normalcy. This year’s  team captains are senior Amaris Kirksey and junior Katie Ridings.

“I love being a team captain and with it being my senior year, it helps me show myself how far I’ve grown as a dancer and a leader since a freshman on VDT,” Amaris stated. Her goals this year as a team captain include “always making sure as a team, we are always on the same page, whether that be with positive attitudes/vibes or our work ethic. Both are very important when it comes to being on a team, especially one that is together all the time, like ours is or hopefully will be post-COVID.”

“So far, a challenge at practice we have faced would be trying to get everyone’s technique and strength to the same level again since we have a good mix of veterans and newcomers from JVDT this year,” Amaris commented. “Also getting everyone used to and comfortable with each other has been a challenge since we haven’t had a lot of bonding time yet.”

Every team captain has to have some good qualities in order to succeed. According to Amaris, “Some good qualities I think a team captain should have, is the ability to know when to lighten up the vibes at practice. Especially at the long and draining practices where we do everything over and over until we can’t get it wrong – to make us better.” She adds, “The captain shouldn’t be telling everyone to get better without being the one who is willing to come to practice early or stay late to make sure that one person improves as well as the team.”

Overall, Amaris is excited about what the team will bring them this year, and they will stay positive through everything happening right now.

Katie Ridings is also a team captain this year. Some qualities she thinks a team captain should have include “being able to communicate with the team and the coaches. It is also important that a team captain is patient and a good listener to ensure the best possible outcome for the team.”

Katie adds that “some challenges we have faced at practice is not being able to practice all of our skills because we practice outside.” Her goals as a team captain this year are “for everyone that is involved with the team to have fun and perform at our very best at every performance.”

Varsity Drill Team had their first performance of the year on Thursday October 29 at the varsity soccer game at 4:30 pm. Check out Varsity Drill Team’s Instagram for updates on practices and performances.