We're cookin'

[Adam King]

Just wanted everyone to know that I appreciate the great job at Tuttle Mall today. Our performance garnered us interest from three other people to come do shows for their businesses/organizations and we handed out 18 beginner class fliers during the show. Someone walked away with our sign-up sheet, and I can't fathom why, but I'm hoping some of those folks who took fliers inquire with a call.

In the meantime, please leave comments below on what you thought of the show (yes, even those of you who just attended and didn't clog), the venue and if you'd like to go back in the future. I thought it was a cool way to introduce who we are to a lot of people at once. Apologies for not being as good on the mic today, but my brain and body were one big unfocused mess since I was getting over being sick. I promise a much better performance at our next show.

[Kristina]

I think we did a good job but I agree that we do need to be more enthusiastic and energetic. We have to come out of our comfort zone. It can be a challenge to smile AND move our feet at the same time, let alone wave at people and clap in unison. The pre arranged positioning that we did at UAC was a good idea and even though we didn't adhere to it all the time I think we should make that a regular practice. Someone has to be in the front row. Personally, I would not mind going back there. I liked it and I think it liked us. And Adam, although feeling under the weather, you did just fine. Bravo to you for all the work you put into it today. We appreciate it.

[LINDA]

I was amazed of how many people stood around us and looked over the second floor balcony. also I for sure want to dance there again. I loved that area also . I had no idea you were not feeling that well. You would never had known it. You are such a GREAT instructor. Our success as a clogging team comes from all your wonderful instructions and patience you give us. I also think that Geraldine is WONDERFUL. in taking the time to video you and make dvd copies for all of us. This is truly a great thing to practice with. I Honestly I hear your voice on my tv for hours every day . I do watch the videos alot. I was really tired today myself from staying up half the night practicing, Bit by bit in which I did not even dance due to being wore out from the number before,. And still I messed up or mainly flat out puckered out on another number !!!!! SORRY . I still say we are on our way to being well known in the columbus area . Way to go to all of us !! And I am going to start eating more WHEATIES ( HA )

[Kristina]

I would like to add one more thing. As long as we're in costume, we should continue to project the image that we should be projecting onstage. That doesn't mean to whoop and hollar and do basics to and from our performances. It means that as long as we have our Yellow Rose shirts on, and we're in a vacinity where people may have seen our show or may be on their way to seeing us, we should smile, be friendly and polite, so as not to tarnish our reputation as a team. There's nothing more disappointing than going to see a show, whether it be a concert, circus or the log cutting guy at the fair, then rub shoulders with one of the performers afterward to find out that they're a jerk. It makes me not want to spend my money or time going to see them again. Not that anyone is paying money or travelling long distances to see us, or that I'm accusing anyone of dismissing their onstage persona as soon as our hour is over. It was just something that I thought of that I thought might help. So in closing, when in costume, smile.

[Jo White]

I enjoyed performing at the Mall and loved the interest that passersby had in watching us. It was good to know that many of them made the effort to find out when the performance was going to start and made it a point to return for the show. My wish is that there might be some way that we could do a warm up somewhere that wouldn't be accessible to the audience before our shows. It was fun to practice our stage personas during class. I'm trying to envision myself in front of a crowd IN THE FRONT ROW as I practice at home in order to cope with the distracting thoughts such as, "Did anyone see me just mess up? Am I smiling? Am I looking like a fool by smiling too much? What is the audience thinking? Etc., etc." I guess the key for me is to practice FOCUSING and to try to stay out of my head. And, of course, I need to just practice, practice, practice and then practice some more.

[Kristina]

Here's a secret. If you start out smiling, after awhile your lips will dry and adhere to your teeth and you will be stuck like that. There is no such thing as smiling too much. Think about the circus girls who swing upside down from their hair. They smile the entire time. And that's what makes them look so glamorous. I distract myself with my thoughts, too so I know what you mean about that. I try to stop thinking and do whatever comes naturally. Usually, that turns out to be realizing that my lip is stuck to my teeth again.

[Jo White]

Great tips, Kristina! Another idea might be to wear wax lips with big smiles.