29 March 2011

Pray

No, not talking to god. I'm talking about Justin Beiber's song.
Now I'm not expecting a lot of people to have seen the music video for it, but if you have, you know that its quite a piece of work. Simply a four minute compilation of the Beibs talking to people in hospitals, little kids with cancer dancing, and poor people. I have nothing wrong with community service, in fact, I strongly encourage it. My problem with "Pray" is that its hardly a music video. It seems like artists these days don't appreciate the cherished history of the MV (see what I did there).
These videos used to define the artist back in the day. When MTV premiered, it was simply music videos and music news, just that. Artists made funny and entertaining videos that defined there sound and style. Some personal favorites:
  • Safety Dance- Men with Hats
  • Whip it- Devo
  • California Love- Tupac feat Dr.Dre
  • Pop Musik- M
  • Girls on Film- Duran Duran
  • Rock the Casbah- The Clash
Now don't get me wrong, there are still good music videos today, they just seem to be dying breed, and that makes me really sad.
Artists such as Lady GaGa think that making there videos edgy and expensive will instantly make them a hit, and sadly it often does. I say forget about spending tons of money! You can make a great video with some people, a camera, and a boom-box (those should really be brought back b t dubs). Most importantly, try to capture the essence of the artist and song in the video. Ex. Single Ladies. We all loved to see Beyonce do her single thing! Catchy song + catchy dance= awesome video!!
Oh, and please don't put dialogue in the video. If its that complex, make a movie. Ex. Kanye West

Sequin sperries? I think so!

28 March 2011

memories...

So today I was wondering around on the computer and look what found! Handbalancing 2010, gosh I miss it. And not just handbalancing. I miss my crazy weird friends, the stress of cuts, the relief of making it, the costume fittings, the dress rehearsals, just everything... Argh Paige don't make yourself sad!! Thankfully I just have to endure five months and I can finally be back where I belong. In the circus.
Its funny when people call you a "circus freak" and think you're going to get enraged and start talking how its an 'art' or something. To any true performer, it's not demeaning at all, in fact, I really miss people calling me that. Circus Freak is much better than the names associated with cheerleading.
I'm still not sure what acts I want to do next year. I know I wont have time for more than two, but im fine with that. Lear (suspended hoop used like a trapeze) is SO beautiful, and just too much fun to play on. Duotrapeeze (two girls on one trapeze) is also really cool! I'll probably do lear knowing myself, but thats not a bad thing :)
People that have seen the circus in previous years know that their is always a theme for all of the acts to go off of. This years theme is "Lands of Enchantment" whatever that means... So theme wise, it wasn't a bad year to miss. I am ,though, curious to know what the trainers did to represent that theme, so I cant wait to go and watch. It's always the first three weekends of May, so mark your calendars!

Angry Birds: The Movie

26 March 2011

USA Cheer Nationals 2011

As you probably know, I am a cheerleader. If you dont, I might not know you. If I dont know you, its pretty weird that your reading this.
Anywhoo, this weekend is the biggest competition of the year. We train for months and have to qualify at regional competitions to make it to nationals. Our JV squad is so strong this year. like really, total beasts. The goal of our routine is to perform as well as possible, and if we are in the top 25% we are moved onto finals.
So on Friday we walked from the hotel to the arena to watch song compete. This was at 11:00. We then had to wait six hours till we were up on the mat. I can whole-heartedly say these were the longest six hours in my life. Around four we had time to run over our routine and practice on the mats. All of our stunts hit and we were all reasonably confident. We then had to wait backstage for our team to be called. To make the performers less nervous they had a wall that you could kiss and your lipstick would leave a mark. It was the coolest thing ever! I wish I had had my camera. The sophomores gave us a pep talk and we prayed for a good routine.
When we were called we rallied out onto the mat. I thought the lights in circus were bright, hah, those are like led's compared to these things. The cheer started and we immediately saw not only our varsity, but REV's JV tea cheering us on too! It was astonishing how much comfort it brought to have people you know sitting on the mat in front of you. As a cheerleader, you are instructed to look directly at the judges. It feels so silly because you're making the weirdest faces staring at one person you dont even know.
All of my stunts ,besides a small wobble in my split stunt, hit perfectly!! It was just so fun to get over with and just have fun in front of the judges. When we finished, we were all really satisfied. We knew it wasn't the best routine we've done, but it was really good. After we had to wait for varsity who had an absolutely flawless routine, simply perfect. Awards were at nine o'clock. We crowded onto the mat with all the other teams and waited for our results. They called our division from eighth to first. The other squads that placed higher weren't called. Holding hands, we anxiously awaited our results as they got closer and cl0ser to too first. They passed fourth, and a lot of the girls gave up hope. Then, they called REDLANDS!!! I do not think I have seen so many girls spontaneously cry (I'm not going to lie, i shed a tear or two myself) . Finals is such a great achievement, and I am so proud of all of us.
Tomorrow we go back to compete one last time and hopefully take the first place spot :)
This spring break has been sublime! I cant wait for tomorrow and school!!

24 March 2011

Im sensing the start of a phase...

haha... blogs

You know whats kind of sad? I used to be such a total pro at this blog that I changed all the HTML codes to make it look just how I wanted. Now I want to change the title post font and I am completely lost- seriously.
I feel like blogspots are truly under appreciated. Too be honest though, Tumblr is a lot better than this. I WILL try to blog more, I'm not lying, I swear.
Well, whatever. Off to nationals...