Featured Story
Performer’s Perspective
Mar 27, 2009
In appreciation of all the performer's dedication and energy, WGI has recently caught up with several performers to learn more about what they experience and deal with during the season. Erika Reichert of the Sacred Heart winter guard recently told WGI what it’s like to be a part of such a competitive activity.
I have been marching with Sacred Heart World Guard for several years now, and loving every moment of it. I was a part of "Desert Oasis" in 2005, "Art of War" in 2007, "With Love Elvis” in 2008, and currently in "Private Dancer" as the soloist dancer. I really enjoyed marching color guard in high school and I knew my passion for this activity had to continue. I'm very happy to be a member of Sacred Heart.
Over the years we have had many traditions, from our Sacred Heart chants, Betty's kisses, pulse circles, and sticking to one side of poles while walking to warm ups. But my absolute favorite tradition we share is our prayer circle before we go out on the floor. All hands in, reaching for the center, reciting the Hail Mary always followed by an inspirational quote of the day by one of our instructors. It's at that very moment that I stand so proud to be a part of this group.
Outside of color guard I spend most of my time dedicated to dance. I currently teach my own Hip Hop program at Unique Dance Steps Academy. If I'm not teaching I'm dancing with a local dance team. We've actually been given the opportunity to dance at a few Boston Celtics games. It's been really exciting. But I'd have to say the best job I have is working for Usher at his Camp New Look. I'm given the chance to work with kids through out the country pursue their dance careers.
Well if it wasn't for my day planner I'd be lost! I've always been an ambitious gal. I'm holding four jobs at the moment, on top of doing guard. Either the coffee shop, the tailoring shop, the salon or dance studio! I have excellent time management skills. I do wish I could spend more time with friends and family outside of what I'm involved in. But when you love everything you do you make time and make it work for you.
One of the achievements I am most proud of is knowing that I have left my mark in the hearts of younger kids who share the same passion to perform as I do. Being able to be considered as a role model is most gratifying. I love giving my extra energy and dedicating a piece of myself to help each program I'm involved in. There's nothing better than knowing you've made a difference in a child’s life. To me that's my greatest achievement.
In my future I plan to dance out as much as possible and get myself to as many auditions as I can. Even if that means moving away, and leaving my comfort zone behind. I believe I'm in the right state of mind to push forward with my passion for dance. I'm currently one of three backup dancers for a local pop singer who's pursuing a record deal. Words could not express how happy I would be to tour and perform every night. We've already booked shows for the summer, so in my near future I hope to be closer to my dream,
The 2009 season has been extremely special for me because I was given the opportunity to be the soloist dancer throughout the show. Performing to the music of Tina Turner is so much fun! To portray the energy of a superstar on the floor was a great experience for me. This year it was so awesome to have actual fans. One of the best feelings is to know that I've inspired younger guard members. I also think this was one of the most memorable group of friends to march with. We had a lot of fun this season.
There have been so many funny moments this season, but the one I couldn't get out of my head was the weekend we started...and still continue to sing opera to just about every pop song on the radio. Not to mention our show! Proud Mary dance feature opera style here we come! So funny.
The most memorable performance was our exhibition at Swansea high school. That weekend we made changes and worked so hard to perfect everything, while keeping our performance up the whole time. It really paid off. The energy out on the floor was amazing! The crowd response was out of this world. We all walked off knowing it was such a great run. That kind of feeling is almost indescribable.
There are so many beneficial lessons during this activity. Teamwork is a big one. To help each other push through difficult rehearsals and feed off each other’s energy is most important. I've also learned to work very well under pressure. It’s all about being focused. One of my instructors had said 30 percent is your hands, and the other 70 percent is your head. It really made me think, and its very true. I've learned you need to be confident in everything you approach. It will only allow you to achieve more, not only in color guard, but throughout life.
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