It's prelims day

We knew today was going to be a long day since we perform 2nd to last in prelims at 10.50pm. So the guard met at 10am and went to BigBoy(!) for breakfast. The staff's day started slightly earlier with check in at WGI HQ which all went very smoothly.

Having eaten breakfast we travelled to our rehearsal site for a short 4 hour block. This facility houses 3 basketball arenas so potentially could have had 3 guards there.  Fortunately for us, there were only 2 (although the other was a guard from Florida with very loud music!)

Rehearsal went very well with the guard continuing to get stronger and more consistent and confident.

Once rehearsal was finished, we travelled back to the hotel for 3 hours of relaxation and show prep.

We left at 9pm in the pouring rain and headed to the arena, everyone in good spirits.  We had 20 mins before our check in time, the guard had a chance to calm their nerves and watch a few guards.  The atmosphere was good but the arena wasn't very full.

We checked in at 9.55 and proceeded through the process of body warm ups, transit equipment warm ups and finally to the tunnel.

The guard was relaxed if a little nervous (for many this is their first WGI experience).  They had a good first performance; some of the members had their best run of the season, others were a little disappointed with their show.  But nothing can change what had happened and the crowd received them warmly and had a partial standing ovation at the conclusion of the show.

After sorting all the equipment and props we moved to have our pictures taken and then made a swift exit (knowing we will have an early start tomorrow).

We all gathered in the foyer of the hotel, pressing "refresh" like crazy on our phones.  Finally the scores were in and Rob announced to a jubilant crowd that we had scored 87.7 and placed 3rd in our round.  Lots of looks of amazement and hugs and tears as it sunk in.  Then we realised we had beaten Fantasia and Zydecco WOW!!

The guard starts early tomorrow with a short 2 hour rehearsal, some down time and then our semi finals performance at 4pm (9pm UK time).

The support from the UK (& around the world) has been amazing. And we are feeling the love and really appreciate it, it means a great deal to us, so THANK YOU.

More to come as the adventure continues.....