Watching the stars

It has already been 17 weeks into the physie year and learning the syllabus has been fun, challenging and rewarding so far. Each year the association puts together a DVD of the syllabus which is released at the end of May, so I just got it. The videos allow physie students to see how the routines are performed and are shown in front (mirror) and back views. It's also done with the music (although you can buy a CD separately). I think that this is particularly helpful as the routines are only snippets of songs and you won't need to find the specific verses and put them on loop.

The syllabus DVD performers are all girls and ladies who have won their respective categories at the national championships the year before and are in the same age division for this year. For example, 11-12 year olds have the same routines but are judged separately. The winner of the 11 year old age group gets to be on the DVD the year following their victory. This makes sense as she will still be in that age group the year after the win while the winner of 12 years will have progressed to the next age bracket.

It is delightful to see these champions demonstrate their talents for us physie-goers. Additionally, these DVD girls and ladies serve as positive role models for their peers. The performers and their teachers have spent innumerable hours of behind-the-scenes rehearsal to ensure flawless delivery of the syllabi. And don't forget these girls and ladies have perfected all this in a mere few months. It is truly inspiring to watch the performers. Likewise, these DVD girls/ladies will have undoubtedly gained inspiration from the whole process. From the excitement of becoming champion and learning their routines to meeting others and being filmed in a professional studio, the experience I would assume is one that they'll never forget. For the time being, I'll keep practising at class and with the DVD and try my best at my first practice competition which is coming up very soon.

Edit: I have found out that the girl demonstrating the 5-6 year's syllabus was actually last year's 6 year's winner. The routines for 5/6 and 7/8 age groups are the same and only the music is different.