CULLMAN, Ala. — Cullman senior dance line captain Zadria Thompson will be heading into her third and final season on the dance line and her first as the captain. She has enjoyed every second of that experience so far and has learned so much.
“It is the best. I have made so many new friends and grew closer to others. We spend a lot of time together and we are more like family than just a team. I love the girls so much; they have helped me grow as a person and as a dancer. We have pre-show rituals, which is my favorite part of the games. It’s just so much fun helping as a leader, but also being a part of this family,” Thompson said. “I’ve learned how to be a leader and how important communication and teamwork is. But most importantly, I’ve learned not to take the time you have with people or the things you love for granted, because you only have four years of high school, and sadly, this is my last year. I will forever cherish the memories and life lessons I have learned. The band members have become more like a second family to me.”
Zadria is so blessed to be around some amazing band members and some incredible band directors.
“It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. We have the best band directors, Mr. Smith and Mr. Tauscher. There are so many talented and outstanding people in our band. We get to go and do once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our band trips. This year, we are going to Chicago in September and march in a parade that will be broadcasted on T.V. It’s really been an honor to be a part of this band. It wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t have the support of our band booster parents, school board, and directors. They are the one that make us be able to not only go on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, but also perform at our best,”
She added,
“My band directors are awesome. They are very kind, super funny, and care for each and every one of us. I have learned that if it doesn’t work out the first time, never give up and practice. Mr. Smith tells the band his experience in high school auditions every year when we have auditions. It’s very encouraging and I will never forget the stories they tell us about their experiences throughout high school and how they overcame the hard times.”
She has seen so much improvement during her time on the dance line so far and has continued to work on her skill set as she gets ready for this upcoming season.
“I have seen so much improvement in my performance since day one. When I started in the band, I went from not knowing how to do the tricks we do in shows or play my instrument, to knowing how to march, play my show music, and being captain. Without the help and encouragement of my middle school director, Mrs. Bean, and my current directors and dance instructor, I wouldn’t be in the place that I am today,” she said. “I have continued to practice all my leaps, turns, and kicks. I’ve also been working on keeping the core strong, looking at the crowd and not at the ground, and doing exercises to get higher off the ground on my leaps. Our dance instructor has also been teaching us new tricks and kicks this year.”
Zadria talked about the goals for this upcoming season and what will make this band special to watch.
“My individual goals for this year are making it the best last year and trying my hardest to make sure our routines are sharp and clean. As Mr. Smith says, ‘This will be the last time’, and we yell, ‘The best time!’. My team goals are making sure that everyone comes in with positive attitudes and confidence and making sure that we are hitting the routines with sharp arms and pointed toes,” she said. “What will make our band special to watch is our hard work and dedication to make a show that everyone will enjoy musically and virtually, from the instrumentalist making elaborate formations on the field and while playing music, to the visual ensemble spinning flags, throwing batons, and kick lines.”
She talked about her role models, the best advice that someone ever gave her, and what she’s looking forward to the most this upcoming season.
“My role models are definitely my dance instructor, the drum major, Reese Sheffield, and my band directors,” she said. “One of my close friends that was on dance line with me last year texted this week and I would say that would be the best advice and encouragement that someone ever gave me, ‘I just wanted to say I’m so proud of you. All the years I’ve known you, you’ve worked super hard to dance your heart out and now, you get to encourage the younger girls to do the same. Even when it gets frustrating, I want you to make every moment the best it can be. I’d honestly go back to high school for one more year just to make another year of band memories. I say all that to say, you have a passion and a talent for dance, and I want you to remember the good and bad moments alike. They’re all special.’ I’m looking forward to making more memories at games and pep rallies with my friends that I can keep and look back on, five years from now.”
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