The “Orlando Move” and Keeping Your Bearing

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Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Orlando De La Paz When I was in high school (Agua Fria in Avondale, AZ) I was on the drill team for our Air Force JROTC unit. During my sophomore year, at a competition in Phoenix, one of my teammates performed an incredible feat. We were always up against Tolleson High School Marine Corps JROTC and …

“Military Flavor”

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‘Our drill team does a Stomp routine for our program this year.’ ‘Our drill team does cheer-like movements and we sing/chant throughout our routine.’ What is “Military Flavor” This is a term that we cannot define so that it is crystal clear. We can define it, but it is more of a subjective term. Military flavor is a “uniform.” Why …

How’s your recovery?

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During a performance anything can happen. If you haven’t yet, read, Learning to Drop and then come back here. Also, read these: Appreciating Creative Ability, “Military Flavor.” and especially, Regarding a Driller’s Bearing. Military bearing is one of the keys to a good performance, this cannot be emphasized enough and it has much to do with your recovery. Recovery A return …

Appreciating Creative Ability

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Back when I was about nine or 10 years old my family went out to what was supposed to be a really nice restaurant in Sun City, Arizona. My grandmother, father, mother, sister and I looked forward to having a relatively expensive but nice meal. We had reservations and walked in with plenty of time. As we entered the hostess …

How to Adjust During a Performance

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The human eye will notice whatever is moving or, if many objects are moving, will notice moving the fastest and then, within about 5 to 10 seconds, look away. If you are on an honor guard or drill team, you know that your movements are scrutinized constantly, especially in competition. You’ve practiced your movements over and over and yet, you …