Michelle P's New Year's Resolution
It’s a new year full of hope and excitement that is definitely felt around the Verizon Center! This is the time of year when most of us reset our motivational clocks as resolutions are created and new goals are set in place. A majority of the time, we tend to set attention on improving our overall health, vowing to get in better shape or make changes to our diets. As Wizard Girls, we maintain a constant focus on physical fitness, diet, and health year-round, so while we are of course always looking to improve in these areas, we sometimes have to look elsewhere to set new resolutions. (I know I’m a little late, but I’m actually still working on mine!)
Obviously, our main job as Wizard Girls is to perform during games, cheering-on our team to that next victory at home - but it doesn’t stop there. Outside of our regular full-time jobs or class schedules, we attend various appearances before, during, and after games, spend time at off-site promotional events, attend weekly evening practices, schedule various salon appointments, and find time between it all to maintain healthy diets and fitness routines. No, this is not exactly a job that we can “leave on the court” at the end of the game – or the end of the season for that matter!
As professional dancers, like any other athlete, it’s important to train outside of regular practices in order to stay in shape and excel as performers. Now, I know some of you out there think all we do is shake our little pom-poms on the sideline whenever Bradley Beal sinks another shot, but I assure you, every member of this team has an extensive dance and/or cheer background, and coach Derric does NOT design his choreography for the weak of stamina! Promotions and performances continue even after the official close of the NBA season with Wizard Girl auditions beginning shortly after in the summer. Each year, the turnout of new talent vying for our coveted Wizard Girl spots seems to get a little more competitive, constantly ramping up the importance of staying in peak physical condition at all times. Thanks to our generous sponsors at Sport & Health Club, we are never too far away from a convenient place to exercise in the DC metro area, and luckily, my full-time job as a Registered Dietitian makes it that much easier to ensure that I’m eating well, too.
I remember feeling fairly overwhelmed trying to juggle all of these priorities at the start of my rookie year, but now, as a third-year veteran, it’s become so much of an everyday lifestyle I can’t remember what I did with my time before! Each day holds a different agenda, but you can bet nearly everyone, especially during the season, includes some form of physical activity.
Maybe this year, I’ll take my resolution inspiration from Leah, who wants to start writing more hand-written letters to loved ones. Keep an eye out – one might show up in your mailbox, letting you know how much I appreciate your continued support and Dance Cam performances in the stands!
Have a very happy (and healthy) New Year, Wizards Fans! We can’t wait to see you in 2013!
