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 Hi everyone, as it's nearing the end of the squad year of 2005-2006, I have been asked to report on my first year as a Rookie Scottish Rockette.
I had only been back in Scotland for one week when I received an e-mail advertising Tryouts for the Rockettes. I had been away for five years studying and travelling, so I didn't know anyone or anything about the dance community in Scotland. I wanted to get involved in dance as quickly as I possibly could here and saw this advertisement as a great opportunity to network and meet like-minded people, even if I was unsuccessful in the audition process.
At the time of the final auditions my friend who I had danced with in Spain had come to visit and without her I really think I would have been in pieces. Thanks a million Donna, I love you! Although I didn't know a great deal about the Squad, I knew enough to really want to be part of it so badly which made me so determined.
I remember I was the first person to arrive at the gym except for the coach and a few veterans. I knew instantly that the girls were part of the Pro-Dance Squad as each of them was extremely beautiful with great figures and lovely big smiles! Everyone was so helpful and friendly towards me, which calmed me a little. The day was fantastic. Really hard work but that's why I knew I'd love it.
When the names of the successful candidates were called out I was so happy that I had made the main squad. I never knew how much it would change my life!
This year has been so crazy! There literally has not been much in Scotland that we haven't been a part of! I have never had my photo taken so much in my whole life or wore as much fake tan! We have performed at it seems every event on the sports, social and charity calendar! And we even starred in our own Charity Swimwear Calendar!
I have built great friendships with my teammates and have discovered a passion for basketball! I had never even watched a game before I joined the squad, but even on my days off I went to the Arena to watch and support the team! I'm so proud to have been a part of the squad and really hope that there are more memories to be made! Fingers crossed!
Of course the life as a professional dancer is glamorous at times… appearing at special events, meeting celebs, having your hair and make-up done and constantly having a camera on you. Not to mention travelling around Britain and being recognized! Honestly it's the funniest thing you ever seen when we are together as a group. I can't help but laugh at people's reactions.
It is a confidence boost, but you must always be friendly and high energy, prepared to talk with the fans and sign autographs, something that even now I can't get used to. The first time a fan asked me for my autograph I ignored them because I thought they were talking to someone else!!
But when it comes to the crunch, being a Scottish Rockette is a part-time job and it's not an easy one. Being part of the most successful and professional dance squad in Britain takes a lot of hard work. Training is full-on. You must keep healthy by eating right, practice in your own spare time (which I warn you when you're part of the squad you don't have much of!), go to the gym and train two or three times a week for up to three hours.
If you are dedicated and passionate about dance, excel as part of a team and are able to sacrifice enough time then come along to try out – you have nothing to lose! I'll be there so come along and say hello!
It has taken a lot of hard work for me to get things as right as I possibly could. I still have more to learn and will continue to strive and work hard to be the best I can be, to improve to the best of my ability and not to forget to have great fun! I have loved this year so much!
Thank you to everyone who has given me support. Thank you to my amazingly talented and stunning squad-mates, especially Lisa Dunlop and Linzi for always making sure I get to the gym on time! To my great wee pal Carol who came to watch me at games even though she was dying of a hangover most of the time! Good luck for tryouts! To Carole Anne (Raptor) Deeney – the greatest coach ever and Kat (Alex, Brenda) McMahon – the funniest assistant coach in the world!
To all the fans and the staff at Braehead and the Rocks fans – thank you for a great season. Last but by no mean least the Scottish Rocks team 2005-2006 – well done guys you did great. Next year Birmingham is ours so watch out Newcastle! The Scottish Rocks & Rockettes are coming to get you!!
Peace out guys – it's been emotional,
God Bless,
Wee Charlie xxxxxxxxxxxx
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