Hopefuls Crowd Into WSU Dance Team Tryout

Saturday’s all-day tryout featured 57 dancers with hopes of joining the Crimson Girls.
By Charles Westerman
The Daily Evergreen

Fifty-seven hopeful dancers showed up to the one-day Crimson Girls tryout Saturday at the Hollingbery studio. Eleven of the 16 slots on the roster were filled by returning members, leaving just five open to newcomers.

“We’re looking for well-rounded dancers,” WSU Dance Team Coach Erika Boruff said. “Someone who can do different styles of dancing, as well as represent WSU in a positive way.” Boruff is going into her second year as coach of the Crimson Girls. Last year, she saw her team place eighth out of 29 teams at the Universal Dance Association College Dance Team National Championship in Orlando, Fla. The Crimson Girls competed for the first time at the national championships in the 1A Hip Hop Division.

The team puts in at least 20 hours a week practicing, working out and performing during a nine-month period. In addition, members have to solicit donations to fund the program and perform well academically.

The Crimson Girls perform at a variety of events including football, basketball and volleyball games, as well as pep rallies, alumni gatherings and charity events. Members of the team are expected to be well-rounded and responsible.

Girls who make the team are given a small stipend for their participation, but they are not rewarded with an athletic scholarship. Dancers trying out for the Crimson Girls are looking to fulfill their fervor for dance, develop a strong work ethic and be a part of a team.

“Dance has always been a passion of mine,” said Jessica Garcia, a senior at Hanford High School in Richland who attended tryouts. “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to continue and be a part of the Crimson Girls program.” Tryouts lasted from eight to 12 hours, during which three cuts were made. Dancers who reach the final stage of tryouts learn and perform three routines throughout the day and also participate in interviews with the coaches. This year’s tryouts saw a competitive spirit with plenty of talented dancers.

“It’s nice to see girls who really want to support WSU, because being a Crimson Girl is definitely a supportive role,” said Ivy Wang, spirit program coordinator and assistant coach. “There’s not a lot of perks. It’s a lot of hard work, so it’s refreshing to see so many girls who want to commit to that.” This years Crimson Girls will attend a summer dance camp and will start practices a week before classes begin. WSU cheerleader tryouts will be held Saturday.