Getting Motivated
by Jessica Jones
The Dancin Divas, a dynamic group of ladies, are getting ready for their performance at the Magic City Classic.
Every team leader needs a way to motivate and encourage its members. For Adrienne Henderson, captain of the Dancin Divas, letting the team know about the support they receive from the city and the high expectations of the viewers seemed to be the right way to go.
“Being from the Birmingham area, I have attended the Magic City Classic for years,” Henderson said. “I talked to each dancer and told them about the support the city of Birmingham shows each year during the Classic. I told them the crowd expects a great show and we are going to give them one.”
The advice she gives her team
“I am encouraging them to work hard on their routines, stay focused and have a good time,” she said.
A Sneak Peak…or not
While she couldn’t say exactly what they would be doing for their Classic performance, she did say, “the fans are in for a treat.”
First-Time Performances at the Classic
by Jesssica Jones
Tamera Gray
Tamera Gray, a psychology major who hails from Atlanta, Ga. will be performing in the Magic City Classic for the first time as an Alabama A&M Dancing Diva.
Q. How long have you been a dancer?
A. I was put in my first dance class at two and have been in love with it ever since.
Q. How long have you been preparing for the Classic?
A. I’ve been preparing for classic by coming to practice ready to work! No matter how tired or how sore I may be, I’m just going to push myself physically and mentally, ready to put my all into what I do and just do what I do best.
Q. Feeling any pressure yet?
A. I am feeling a lot of pressure of living up to the high standards and great reputation of the dynamic Dancin’ Divas. They never disappoint and just being a part of this divine organization is a lot of pressure. Dancing in front of such a large audience will either make or break me as a dancer. Either I rise to the occasion or sink. I’m going to make it my responsibility to get the job done which is to please the audience.
Q. Have the other Dancin’ Divas given you advice on how to handle your first Classic performance?
A. I was told to just not let the nerves get to me and just do what I love to do, which is dance.
Q. What are you expecting your first Classic experience to be like?
A. At the Classic I’m expecting thousands of diehard fans, bright lights, and especially the exhilarating battle between the Mighty Marching Hornets and Stingettes and the Marching Maroon and White and Dancin’ Divas.
Mikaila Hoskin
Mikaila Hoskin, an accounting major from Columbus, Ga., will be participating in the Magic City Classic for the first time as Dancin’ Diva.
Q. How long have you been a dancer?
A. I have been dancing for five years.
Q. How have you been preparing for the Classic?
A. While getting ready for Classic I have been working on showmanship, on how to entertain the crowd. I’ve also been practicing and stretching every day. The closer I get, the more timid I get. Not in a bad way. But I can feel the pressure coming from the upperclassmen and from within.
Q. Feeling the pressure, yet?
A. The expectations are high for me, especially because I am a freshman. I will be nervous when I see the crowd. But, when the crowd approaches I know what time it is. The crowd usually gets me going. Once I feel the crowd, I make them feel me.
Q. Have the other dancers given you any advice on how to handle your first Classic?
A. I’ve been told to make sure I exaggerate my performance so everyone can see, people from the side, front, across the filed, or at the entrance.
Q. What are you expecting your first Classic experience to be like?
A. I am expecting it to be thrilling. I know it will be loud and thousands of fans and spectators watching. But, I am hoping for a good time. I’m ready to have fun with my teammates. Although I expect it to be nerve-racking. I believe this event will be one to remember.
ASU Cheerleader
Paris Wims, a theatre major from Atlanta, Ga., will be performing in the Magic City Classic for the first time as a cheerleader for Alabama State University.
Q. How long have you been a cheerleader?
A. I started cheering for Alabama State four weeks ago.
Q.How long have you been preparing for the Classic?
A. We’ve been preparing since day one. We’re just eager to go and cheer for this Classic that I hear so much about. Practice makes perfect.
Q. Feeling the pressure, yet?
A. Not so much pressure. I’m just ready to go out and have fun and have a good time and just enjoy that experience that everybody talks about.
Q. How do you feel about performing in front of such a large crowd that has such high expectations?
A. I’m a theatre major so I love the attention from a big audience and that just makes me want to do it more. I just like the attention from a big audience.
