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Weigh-ins
According to the U.S. Government, a 5'2" female that weighs 136 pounds is overweight. Excuse me?? Weigh-ins. Don't know what these are? Weigh-ins are a (most often mandatory) section of a dance team's constitution that states each girl must stay within a certain weight range. If she doesn't, she won't be allowed to perform. Crazy huh? There are numerous factors that determine what you weigh.

One - Your body type.You could have a large, medium or small frame. One way to tell, take your middle finger and thumb and wrap them around your wrist. If your fingers overlap, you have a small frame. If your fingers touch, you have a medium frame. If your fingers don't touch at all, you have a large frame.
Two - Muscle content. Muscle weighs twice as much as fat. This explains why you "gain" weight when you start a weight lifting regimine. Plus, lean body mass is different for everyone.
Three - Genetics. And there's not a lot you can do about it.

Above all, if your weight doesn't affect your ability to perform, and your health is not at risk, then don't worry about the number on the scale. It's just a number. Many of the weight charts are incredibly unrealistic. If you feel that your director is being unfair or discriminatory (it does happen) talk to your parents or a school official. Let them know how you feel, discuss it with your director, and see of something can be worked out.

Are you a dance-aholic? Take the test and face the reality.
You might be a dance/drill team member if....
(Thanks to Kathryn for some of these!)
* You walk in step with other people.
* You own more leotards than dresses.
* Hallways are a place to practice leaps.
* You have an entire drawer filled with practice clothes and/or old costumes.
* You know who Gussie Nell Davis is.
* When listing hobbies/interests, dancing is the first item written.
* You have ever bought an album specifically for the "danceable" music.
* The majority of your t-shirts have dance slogans on them.
* You mark time whenver you hear a band cadence.
* You cannot listen to music without choreographing a routine in your head.
* You critique the technique of dancers on TV.
* You've gone crazy if you lose/run out of bobby pins, safety pins, shoe polish or tights.
* You have nighmares of showing up late for practice.
* You say "5,6,7,8" instead of "ready, set, go".
* The school year is divided into football, basketball, competition, and summer season instead of fall semester, spring semester and summer break.
...and of course, my favorite (which I swear by to this day)...
* You can fix anything with safety pins!
For the complete list, stop by Kathryn's page. It's one of my favorites.
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