tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193160822024-03-09T18:45:59.993-08:00College Dance Team CentralWelcome to College Dance Team Central, a place where dancers, coaches, and fans can all go to get the latest information on College Dance Teams throughout the nation. Whether its discussion, articles, or competition info, everything about collegiate dance teams can be found here.College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.comBlogger338125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-30553158079612309652011-01-20T20:45:00.000-08:002011-01-20T20:49:44.866-08:00Minnesota Dance Team Takes UDA Titles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvDIboJi9IjXYGaShD19Xjcfh6rAFfvFTDQj4KLUWZPKhkSRSRbw_jiiv_dMgzki7lKQfqNH9wTFCRqxYAHqbLSLo_TszgalaPakW1MC6z-FPBJXj_e5xBoUmQH9URLsMa-_eTA/s1600/VLKDUKAHHTUMISC.20100813204612.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 83px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvDIboJi9IjXYGaShD19Xjcfh6rAFfvFTDQj4KLUWZPKhkSRSRbw_jiiv_dMgzki7lKQfqNH9wTFCRqxYAHqbLSLo_TszgalaPakW1MC6z-FPBJXj_e5xBoUmQH9URLsMa-_eTA/s320/VLKDUKAHHTUMISC.20100813204612.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564496084985830450" /></a><br />The University of Minnesota spirit squads lit up the 2011 UCA/UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando over the weekend, turning in one it best overall performances in competition history.<br /><br />For the second straight year, the Gophers’ dance team placed first in both in the jazz and pom divisions, a stunning achievement that made a huge statement about the squad’s consistency.<br /><br />For video of the Gophers' Dance Team performance visit <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=205078438">GopherSports.com</a><br /><br />For complete UDA College Nationals coverage visit <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://uda.varsity.com/default.aspx">Varsity.com</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com141tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-42342715056601089242011-01-15T10:07:00.001-08:002011-01-15T10:34:16.731-08:00UDA College Nationals Underway!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-SZgYnurTDMwLlQHU6RFUZB-ZS0OcEGCNEYXlKg_e7UB2MpBzxSnXjvkTUuJ8ikiTkcspmBM-BhwVfTykqr53uA-nDQtF7IQR5Tw2AzQGlp2pVvNg3qvWmfKOMauRSjFFD-EPg/s1600/IYTMPLVJNVEEPJJ.20100205230832.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-SZgYnurTDMwLlQHU6RFUZB-ZS0OcEGCNEYXlKg_e7UB2MpBzxSnXjvkTUuJ8ikiTkcspmBM-BhwVfTykqr53uA-nDQtF7IQR5Tw2AzQGlp2pVvNg3qvWmfKOMauRSjFFD-EPg/s320/IYTMPLVJNVEEPJJ.20100205230832.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562478271573843394" /></a>The Universal Dance Association (UDA) College Nationals are underway this weekend in Orlando. Minnesota (pictured) will attempt to defend their Division IA title from 2010. <br /><br /><br />For previews and predictions for all divisions, check the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danceteamcompetitions/">Dance Team Competitions Yahoo! Group</a><br /><br />For full coverage of the event including schedules visit <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://uda.varsity.com/collegentls.aspx">UDA College Nationals at Varsity.com</a><br /><br />Don't forget to check College Dance Team Central on <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/cdtcentral">Twitter</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-46167601439299412692011-01-15T09:43:00.000-08:002011-01-15T09:54:06.832-08:00College Dance Team Central News Links<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5ayIW-6KZUxWoytmUCj0nsreEUhAD66c2unFgfKxnTz2MfVkNdvuWs20meFrG0HCJg9aJk8LGEpbhomG5uPuzov8lmb1df2pk73caCDfpDN_r7R6qytzNahOGiUQCp378R8i_g/s1600/SugarBears082810.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5ayIW-6KZUxWoytmUCj0nsreEUhAD66c2unFgfKxnTz2MfVkNdvuWs20meFrG0HCJg9aJk8LGEpbhomG5uPuzov8lmb1df2pk73caCDfpDN_r7R6qytzNahOGiUQCp378R8i_g/s320/SugarBears082810.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562472315208819650" /></a>Click on the links to enjoy the stories and as always, check the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/cdtcentral">CDTC Twitter</a> account for updates and to follow College Dance Team Central.<br /><br />- Lenoir-Rhyne announces SugarBears Auditions (pictured): <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lrbears.com/article.asp?articleID=912">LRBears.com</a><br /><br />- Bleacher Report: Meet the TCU Dance Team: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/558803-rose-bowl-2011-meet-the-tcu-dance-team">Bleacher Report</a><br /><br />- Washington State announces Junior Crimson Girls Clinics: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wsutoday.wsu.edu/pages/publications.asp?Action=Detail&PublicationID=23561&TypeID=1">WSU Today</a><br /><br />- UCA Honeybears prepare for nationals: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ucasports.com/news/2011/1/12/DANCE_0112110209.aspx">UCAsports.com</a><br /><br />- EKU Dance Team travels to nationals: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ekusports.com/news/2011/1/14/Spirit_0114115546.aspx?path=DT">EKUsports.com</a><br /><br />- ISU Bengal Dancers perform before heading to nationals: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/article_fbc92ca4-1ed2-11e0-b0ff-001cc4c03286.html">Idaho State Journal</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-9300949440461308102010-12-19T21:26:00.000-08:002010-12-19T21:34:12.158-08:00College Dance Team Central News Links<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK4RNT0V6W122QF5fmbWDnVsBgt4ZPsPHs9vOnqvuKXT3SNMB_iiqGTJieIuFMVB2HYXbsd-2FbL0-4qo4oRg5f2KjlYjlYWjpYHG2900RX-OWwMcF3oI_K5cT3VVZt9GFL74XA/s1600/gg1011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK4RNT0V6W122QF5fmbWDnVsBgt4ZPsPHs9vOnqvuKXT3SNMB_iiqGTJieIuFMVB2HYXbsd-2FbL0-4qo4oRg5f2KjlYjlYWjpYHG2900RX-OWwMcF3oI_K5cT3VVZt9GFL74XA/s320/gg1011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552633385586880210" /></a>Click on the links to enjoy the stories and as always, check the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/cdtcentral">CDTC Twitter</a> account for updates and to follow College Dance Team Central.<br /><br />- LSU Golden Girls (pictured) make sick kid one of their own: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20101129/ARTICLES/101129612/1008?Title=Golden-Girls-make-sick-kid-one-of-their-own">Daily Comet</a><br /><br />- Penn State Lionettes boost team morale: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2010/12/09/lionettes_feature.aspx">Daily Collegian</a><br /><br />- UMKC dancer Shanna Colbern named Player of the Week: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://unews.com/2010/12/06/player-of-the-week-shanna-colbern/">UMKC University News</a><br /><br />- Meet Syracuse dancer Bethany Whitley: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.syracuse.com/su-sports-talk/2010/12/meet_the_syracuse_dance_team_bethany_whitley.html">Syracuse.com</a><br /><br />- Former NC State dance coach pleads guilty to embezzlement: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/8789165/">WRAL.com</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-76628774007162078782010-11-13T15:29:00.000-08:002010-11-13T15:45:33.058-08:00College Dance Team Central News Links<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrCNZ5A2kS_4LMyMUnd1nOzpZws1L_1Fn0WxJlHZorP1AwmF_5PukUodkQ_TFVaXouinBFmCgZpgGbOxzK9DB8rHLYhzPOqWGWqjERwj-gZyXmy1KjQ1oJThine2QDk3KRFFg-w/s1600/73537_1432089205314_1325400118_971877_6984596_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrCNZ5A2kS_4LMyMUnd1nOzpZws1L_1Fn0WxJlHZorP1AwmF_5PukUodkQ_TFVaXouinBFmCgZpgGbOxzK9DB8rHLYhzPOqWGWqjERwj-gZyXmy1KjQ1oJThine2QDk3KRFFg-w/s320/73537_1432089205314_1325400118_971877_6984596_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539184477179729026" /></a>Click on the links to enjoy the stories and as always, check the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/cdtcentral">CDTC Twitter</a> account for updates and to follow College Dance Team Central.<br /><br />- Breaking down the Keene State Dance Team: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.keeneequinox.com/sports/breaking-down-the-dance-team-1.2393179">The Equinox</a><br /><br />- West Virginia dancer finalist in national spirit competition : <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thedaonline.com/news/dance-team-member-finalist-in-national-spirit-competition-1.1747835">The Daily Athenaeum</a><br /><br />- Dancing in their shoes, Elon Dance Team: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.elon.edu/pendulum/Story.aspx?id=4519">The Pendulum</a><br /><br />- Unexpected breaks heart not spirit, EKU Dance Team: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.www.easternprogress.com/media/storage/paper419/news/2010/11/11/Features/Unexpected.Injury.Breaks.Heart.Not.Spirit-3957101.shtml">The Eastern Progress</a><br /><br />- Meet the Syracuse Dance Team, Ja'Nel (pictured): <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.syracuse.com/su-sports-talk/2010/11/meet_the_syracuse_dance_team_janel_davis.html">Syracuse.com</a><br /><br />- Redsteppers let 27 women continue passion for dance (Indiana): <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=78328">Indiana Daily Student</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-68872540013577340032010-11-05T19:40:00.000-07:002010-11-05T20:09:59.619-07:00UTC Sugar Mocs Dancers Benched In Uniform Dispute<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9s7MwIyY8XACbHy-orIFLV4ht5NpuUhGhjPvHOYXXxIhU7s8vP-O2aMNXIGJKQl2pXHczAKX-ZukKW2YaUYeqt1pYSVi1fU4cz3oU9wybCSBxGjbDX01kF6DF7msItqz_rCMmg/s1600/KWXHGBLIQORYEWT.20070804205206.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9s7MwIyY8XACbHy-orIFLV4ht5NpuUhGhjPvHOYXXxIhU7s8vP-O2aMNXIGJKQl2pXHczAKX-ZukKW2YaUYeqt1pYSVi1fU4cz3oU9wybCSBxGjbDX01kF6DF7msItqz_rCMmg/s320/KWXHGBLIQORYEWT.20070804205206.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536262012861678594" /></a>Two members of the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Sugar Mocs Dance Team were not allowed to perform because they refused to wear their new uniforms (not the uniform pictured to the left). As reported in several articles, the dancers requested to wear tights under their shorts, but their request was not granted and they were "benched" for a football game on October 16. The incident was reported locally and has been picked up nationally, even making an appearance on AOL Fanhouse. <br /><br />The disciplinary action against dancers who were obviously not comfortable performing in their team's uniform brings up numerous questions that college administrators, coaches and dancers have been grappling with some time. What is permissible attire for dance teams? How far do you "push the limits" not only in terms of uniforms but also performance routines? What is appropriate disciplinary action for dancers that refuse to perform? Who, if anyone, is at fault in this situation? How can such an incident be avoided in the future?<br /><br />CDTC and the College Dance Team community would love to hear your opinions on the matter. Please log your thoughts in the comments section below.<br /><br />Here are links to some articles on the web about the UTC Sugar Mocs, with a pic of the uniform in question from the News Channel 9 website.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uR8BB7mCmOQ8fK26MbVC6cMivKpIVHlPJzyBYzGI63_rkbmEbtGTWJEU73s4lxfG59UEhOXJT-afCQXIYkFn-qjwF0bMmUVwaDVhyphenhyphen7dZysnS2NraRrZHEG5PQnREgtJD8sAu0w/s1600/picture_3_04.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uR8BB7mCmOQ8fK26MbVC6cMivKpIVHlPJzyBYzGI63_rkbmEbtGTWJEU73s4lxfG59UEhOXJT-afCQXIYkFn-qjwF0bMmUVwaDVhyphenhyphen7dZysnS2NraRrZHEG5PQnREgtJD8sAu0w/s320/picture_3_04.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536267347875227570" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2010/11/05/univ-of-tennessee-chattanooga-dancers-refuse-to-wear-too-skimpy/">Fanhouse</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.newschannel9.com/news/short-995925-mocs-university.html">News Channel 9 (with video)</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://chattanoogapulse.com/newsfeatures/breaking-news/sugar-mocs-object-to-too-short-dance-shorts123/">Chattanooga Pulse</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_187777.asp">The Chattanoogan</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.www.utcecho.com/media/storage/paper483/news/2010/11/04/News/Dancers.Question.Uniforms.At.Game-3953662.shtml">The University Echo</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-20808048584984115252010-10-30T13:08:00.000-07:002010-10-30T13:30:16.791-07:00College Dance Team Central News Links<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJM_mKfg-XUg7JMO9RmAFMdV6OJWrXPM44mHZgiLePopz5rRb7HbviYvLwwvb8TLYVTa33yj9JPFdmfFrc1UmZ_LS3lW2ETe4BxjrKwPrLAIbEf2FnngA63wUUZ3vVXAYbfOyNw/s1600/2588915784.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJM_mKfg-XUg7JMO9RmAFMdV6OJWrXPM44mHZgiLePopz5rRb7HbviYvLwwvb8TLYVTa33yj9JPFdmfFrc1UmZ_LS3lW2ETe4BxjrKwPrLAIbEf2FnngA63wUUZ3vVXAYbfOyNw/s320/2588915784.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533935446417939618" /></a>Click on the links to enjoy the stories and as always, check the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/cdtcentral">CDTC Twitter</a> account for updates and to follow College Dance Team Central.<br /><br />- South Dakota Dance Team adapts to D-I pressures: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.volanteonline.com/sports/dance-team-adapts-to-d-i-pressures-1.2382995">The Volante</a><br /><br />- Three cheers for the Seattle University Spirit Squad (pictured): <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.su-spectator.com/sports/three-cheers-for-spirit-squad-1.1718113">SU Spectator</a><br /><br />- Wisconsin Spirit Squad member in Athlon Sideline Spirit Contest: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.uwbadgers.com/genrel/100710aaa.html">UWBadgers.com</a><br /><br />- Former Sacred Heart Dancer a member of the New York Jets Flight Crew: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.northjersey.com/community/104368584_J-E-T-S__Fair_Lawn_woman_is_member_of_Gang_Green_Flight_Crew.htmll">North Jersey.com</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-84248686719298321572010-10-02T13:16:00.000-07:002010-10-02T13:28:53.957-07:00College Dance Team Central News Links<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5wWsVhF5tDBFk_BETNI79nDcdwPDrAPELFtYkLDOYGR09wc5KfpS0xm4N6DaUNDUhOdqtiTmUv3mXSg3FKR1EtaqupAvTF49PzVMMLjPLsfGkpUHfI6EvXauBBTOt4qsCQckRQ/s1600/636017.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5wWsVhF5tDBFk_BETNI79nDcdwPDrAPELFtYkLDOYGR09wc5KfpS0xm4N6DaUNDUhOdqtiTmUv3mXSg3FKR1EtaqupAvTF49PzVMMLjPLsfGkpUHfI6EvXauBBTOt4qsCQckRQ/s320/636017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523548328060351698" /></a>Click on the links to enjoy the stories and as always, check the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/cdtcentral">CDTC Twitter</a> account for updates and to follow College Dance Team Central.<br /><br />- Former Idaho dancer Nicole Bulcher (pictured) a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.khq.com/Global/story.asp?S=13231576">KHQ.com</a><br /><br />- Lyndon State Dance Team stepping up the beat: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.www.lyndonstatecritic.com/media/storage/paper1401/news/2010/10/01/Entertainment/Dance.Team-3939787.shtml">The Critic</a><br /><br />- Two new coaches lead Montana cheer, dance squads: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_e5e69b64-c852-11df-901b-001cc4c002e0.html">The Missoulan</a><br /><br />- Former WKU dancer loses battle with cancer: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wbko.com/news/headlines/104087644.html?ref=644">WBKO.com</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-28734108665773758332010-09-23T19:26:00.000-07:002010-09-23T19:39:23.181-07:00College Dance Team Central News Links<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bx8ZVPVoqE9oJjzA3pVCzTdzI2L_aDwIBYdLHSUvD1JLAiGzJA9dOds2Yr7jApdSMpnj7PyK2LojrVi-_wX4PCDAP_F96jCU406xo4QF_Wg5FuimRXZbt5t7GmJjqecypEBwrg/s1600/2653875551.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bx8ZVPVoqE9oJjzA3pVCzTdzI2L_aDwIBYdLHSUvD1JLAiGzJA9dOds2Yr7jApdSMpnj7PyK2LojrVi-_wX4PCDAP_F96jCU406xo4QF_Wg5FuimRXZbt5t7GmJjqecypEBwrg/s320/2653875551.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520303152468635714" /></a>More great items from the College Dance Team World with links below.<br /><br />Click on the links to enjoy the stories and as always, check the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/cdtcentral">CDTC Twitter</a> account for updates and to follow College Dance Team Central.<br /><br />- Sac State Hornet Girlz (pictured) work to build spirit: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.statehornet.com/sports/hornet-girlz-dance-team-works-to-boost-spirit-and-help-sac-state-community-1.1571586">State Hornet.com</a><br /><br /><b>Note:</b> College Dance Team Central featured the Hornet Girlz and coach Jolie Roberts back in 2006. To read that exclusive feature <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://collegedanceteam.blogspot.com/2006/08/jolie-roberts-takes-sacramento-state.html">Click Here</a><br /><br />- Wesleyan Scarlett Dancers win at UDA Camp in San Marcos: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.therambler.org/sports/starlett-dancers-win-at-uda-1.2323984">The Rambler</a><br /><br />- Former USF Sun Doll signs on as dance instructor: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://plantcity2.tbo.com/content/2010/sep/01/pc-veteran-performer-signs-on-as-instructor-at-dan/">Plant City Courier & Tribune</a><br /><br />- K-State Salina Spirit Cats are moved by spirit: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.salina.com/news/story/Spirit-cats-9-9-10">Salina.com</a><br /><br />- William Penn University (Iowa) is offering Dance Team Scholarships: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ihigh.com/IA/article_35961.html">iHigh.com</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-75661812756556189482010-08-30T19:49:00.000-07:002010-08-30T20:05:30.617-07:00College Dance Team Central News Links<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXTXWyrkLgNOatjHZpUKNjUqo0VmRGlVOedJD0wuUsiO2KTkUC9B2escafjG8meiX0gPtHNwcWimMdjgc53L5L837QkD3IHzP4xdWxXe3qgOiOFgvsIgWcBfVT3GaQN3CnGB6bQ/s1600/rp_primary_mendominican-1475.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXTXWyrkLgNOatjHZpUKNjUqo0VmRGlVOedJD0wuUsiO2KTkUC9B2escafjG8meiX0gPtHNwcWimMdjgc53L5L837QkD3IHzP4xdWxXe3qgOiOFgvsIgWcBfVT3GaQN3CnGB6bQ/s320/rp_primary_mendominican-1475.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511403767982412674" /></a>More great items from the College Dance Team World with links below.<br /><br />Click on the links to enjoy the stories and as always, check the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/cdtcentral">CDTC Twitter</a> account for updates and to follow College Dance Team Central.<br /><br />- Central Michigan Dance Team participates in sports camp: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cm-life.com/2010/08/22/cmu-dance-team-camp-shows-kids-new-moves-new-friends/">Central Michigan Life</a><br /><br />- Genesee Cougarettes Dance team return from NDA Camp: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://readme.readmedia.com/Genesees-Cougarettes-Dance-Team-Return-from-Successful-Competition/1697731">Genesee Community College</a><br /><br />- Edgewood College (pictured) Announces Tryout Dates: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.edgewoodcollegeeagles.com/news/2010/8/21/DAN_0821101734.aspx">EdgewoodCollegeEagles.com</a><br /><br />- Former Towson Dancer has a "Devil" of a second career: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/101048374__Never_think_you_ll_make_it___She_proves_you_can.html">NorthJersey.com</a><br /><br />- High Point names Melanie Haynes new Dance Team coach: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.highpointpanthers.com/news/2010/8/27/ATH_0827103322.aspx">HighPointPanthers.com</a><br /><br />- Western Carolina takes first at UDA Camp: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.catamountsports.com/genrel/082610aaa.html">CatamountSports.com</a><br /><br />- Miami's Sarah is SI.com's Cheerleader of the Week: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1008/campus.cheer.miami.sara/content.1.html">SI.com</a><br /><br />- Virginia Tech's Brandy is SI.com's Cheerleader of the Week: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1008/campus.cheer.virginia.tech.brandy/content.1.html">SI.com</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-9051917486029904962010-08-17T21:36:00.000-07:002010-08-17T21:44:20.246-07:00College Dance Team Central News Links<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST8cB4hhZkTDkQzYHVP3wTjj95Lfk5zqe5HEjtbQGx4BYL_vSu3grdVrv2KvDNuP1J3ON8RgdtVIuyWyMF7PpnyEl_M0zAZlyYY0KhPa4F7zg0Wr9WlUZakP-5qaToiTfA6CKDQ/s1600/asu-cheerleader-alicia(28).jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST8cB4hhZkTDkQzYHVP3wTjj95Lfk5zqe5HEjtbQGx4BYL_vSu3grdVrv2KvDNuP1J3ON8RgdtVIuyWyMF7PpnyEl_M0zAZlyYY0KhPa4F7zg0Wr9WlUZakP-5qaToiTfA6CKDQ/s320/asu-cheerleader-alicia(28).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506605866691386258" /></a>Three great items from the College Dance Team World including Athletic Department News, Sports Illustrated.com Cheerleader of the Week gallery and NDA Camp news.<br /><br />Click on the links to enjoy the stories and as always, check the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/cdtcentral">CDTC Twitter</a> account for updates and to follow College Dance Team Central.<br /><br />- Edgewood College in Wisconsin has made Dance Team a varsity sport: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.edgewoodcollegeeagles.com/news/2010/8/13/DAN_0813103844.aspx">EdgewoodCollegeEagles.com</a><br /><br />- Arizona State's Alicia is the SI.com Cheerleader of the Week (Pictured): <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1008/campus.cheer.arizona.st.alicia/content.1.html">SI.com</a><br /><br /> - The Western Kentucky Topperettes were honored at NDA camp: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wkusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=204973908&DB_OEM_ID=5400">WKUsports.com</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-7872638306300740362010-08-03T22:00:00.000-07:002010-08-03T22:28:32.263-07:00College Dance Team Central News LinksA number of great stories have run in the last few weeks, including hometown features, a team introduction, alumni update and even some pageant news. <br /><br />Click on the links to enjoy the stories and as always, check the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/cdtcentral">CDTC Twitter</a> account for updates and to follow College Dance Team Central.<br /><br />- Nikki Patrick from the Morning Sun had a great feature on Faith Miller who has joined the Missouri Golden Girls Dance Team: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.morningsun.net/lifestyles/patricks_people/x909209192/CHARTING-HER-PATH">Morning Sun.net</a><br /><br />- Bruins Nation introduces the new UCLA Dance Team: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/2010/7/18/1575904/meet-our-ucla-dance-team">BruinsNation.com</a><br /><br /> - The Akron Zips website featured Dance Team member Bridget Linton who competed in the Miss Teen USA Pageant: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gozips.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10800&ATCLID=204970281">GoZips.com</a><br /><br />- The Western Carolinian features former WCU dancer Tara Mull Ryan, who is now a member of the NFL's Carolina Panthers TopCats: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.westerncarolinian.com/features/wcu-alum-uses-dancing-minor-to-become-nfl-cheerleader-1.1501534">Western Carolinian.com</a><br /><br /> - Nikki Patrick of the Morning Sun features Kansas Dance Team member Kelsey Parks: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.morningsun.net/lifestyles/patricks_people/x109285395/ALL-THE-RIGHT-MOVES">Morning Sun.net</a>College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-4933928858435049812010-07-27T19:27:00.000-07:002010-07-27T19:42:11.476-07:00Q & A With ProDance!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfCxRbvoYlZFCtqrOsuD2tB59w7KWmJwwcBPm0QsYTh3SHdD3kC9L8PYRqj7ay9v9syfu3LKrb5jxdKg23DYddaTdgXm_h9GwoA3m4_79W5btBV8s2jlK4ixmWNWgo6fGjTcWBA/s1600/ProDance+logo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfCxRbvoYlZFCtqrOsuD2tB59w7KWmJwwcBPm0QsYTh3SHdD3kC9L8PYRqj7ay9v9syfu3LKrb5jxdKg23DYddaTdgXm_h9GwoA3m4_79W5btBV8s2jlK4ixmWNWgo6fGjTcWBA/s320/ProDance+logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498780023662011074" /></a>WIth the ProDance Convention opening in Miami this weekend, ProDance's Rosalyn Jones and Sam Shen took a few minutes to answer some questions about the convention. Rosalyn is the founder of ProDance and started as the Director and Choreographer for the San Antonio Spurs. For more on Sam, please see below.<br /><br />To visit ProDance <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=20102066E">Click Here</a><br /><br />Also, College Dance Team Central is now on twitter. For College Dance Team updates in 140 characters or less <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twitter.com/CDTCentral">Click Here</a><br /><br /><br /><b>CDTC:</b> For those that are not familiar with the convention, please tell us a little bit about ProDance. <br /><br /><b>Rosalyn Jones:</b> ProDance is simply a catalyst that educates, empowers, inspires, and nurtures dancers and directors who yearn to be the very best! As the choreographer for the San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancers from 1992-2003, I attended numerous dance conventions attempting to find a style of choreography that suited professional sports dance. Nothing satisfied my specific needs so I decided to start something that did--ProDance! Now, 11 years later, ProDance is a benchmark! Professional and collegiate dancers and directors with the highest standards attend our event. On the surface, ProDance is the most exceptional and exclusive choreography you can imagine! We bring together choreographers who "GET IT!!" Crowd-pleasing, technically challenging, visually exciting choreography! Hip-hop, jazz, novelty, prop, pom, etc. It's just something you have to see to believe! There's a quote I found that describes the essence of ProDance. It says, "Some experiences simply do not translate. You have to go to know." Whether you're an NBA or NFL dancer or a nationally-ranked collegiate team like Cal State Fullerton or the University of Memphis (who have attended for years), ProDance should be YOUR resource! We also offer seminars, networking opportunities, and so much more! There's no fluff. No lectures. We simply disseminate information that every intelligent and successful dancer and director needs to reach their highest potential. Period. Our non-competitive environment allows everyone to concentrate on learning. It's a fantastic concept! There is true camaraderie at ProDance! The energy is palpable! Oh my goodness...I could go on and on! We hold it at some of the most phenomenal venues ALL at incredibly reasonable prices! We understand your needs and do everything in our power to meet and EXCEED those needs! Come to ProDance and be AMAZED!! <br /> <br /><b>CDTC: </b>Does the curriculum for college dance teams differ in any way from that of the professional teams? <br /><br /><b>Rosalyn Jones:</b> The choreography is the same. However, we do offer opportunities for collegiate teams to network and exchange ideas and information in the same manner as the pros. It's an incredibly invaluable opportunity! <br /> <br /><b>CDTC:</b> What can dance squads expect while attending the ProDance convention. <br /><br /><b>Rosalyn Jones:</b> They can expect an event that is specifically designed to challenge, inspire and motivate them to be the very best! It can't be compared to any other camp out there. It's so innovative! The event is professionally organized in a manner that produces maximum results with minimal time commitment. When you leave ProDance, you will have enough material to last an entire season! It doesn't get any better than that! <br /> <br /><b>CDTC:</b> What is your role with ProDance, and how did you get to the position that you’re in now.<br /><br /><b>Sam Shen:</b> I am currently an Advisor and Coach for the 9-time UDA College National Dance Champs, Cal State Fullerton Dance Team. By day, I am also a Meeting and Events Planner. I've been working with Rosalyn for the past year but have attended 6 ProDance Conventions over the past decade. <br /><br /><b>CDTC:</b> What do you see in the future for ProDance? <br /><br /><b>Rosalyn Jones: </b> I see SO many exciting things ahead for ProDance! The brand will continue to expand!College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-26496505689431889292010-06-18T21:14:00.000-07:002010-06-18T21:22:23.541-07:00ProDance 2010 - Don't Miss Out on THE Premiere Pro Dance Team Convention!!Where can you gather in one place to prepare for your entire season of dance in less than 2 days, with the ability to take home more than 25 “game-ready”, high-energy, and crowd-pleasing routines? ProDance!<br /> <br />In its 11th year, ProDance has continued to stand above the rest as THE premiere Dance Convention for Pro Dance Teams (NBA, NFL, AFL, NHL, etc.) and the most elite Collegiate Dance Teams in the Nation.<br /> <br />Mark your calendars NOW for July 30th-August 1st at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach! This year’s event is not to be missed!<br /> <br /><b>REGISTRATION AND HOTEL LINKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!</b><br />Log onto the ProDance 2010 site for updated information! Click <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=20102066E">ProDance 2010</a> for more detail regarding the event!<br /> <br /><b>OUR VENUE…</b><br />We are Miami-bound and hosting ProDance 2010 at the impressive Eden Roc Renaissance in Miami Beach. Our special ProDance room block is available now at an unbelievable rate unheard of in the South Beach area for such an amazing venue. Check it out online at <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/miasr-eden-roc-renaissance-miami-beach/">Eden Roc Renaissance</a> OR book your reservations immediately by logging onto <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=20102066E">ProDance 2010</a>.<br /> <br /><b>OUR CHOREOGRAPHERS…</b><br />At ProDance, we take our job seriously. Remaining on the cutting edge of the Professional Dance industry is highly important to us! We’ve done our research and have consulted several leading industry professionals to seek out the best of the best for you! As this is not something we take lightly, we have an “all-star” line-up of choreographers who will prepare you to be “game-ready” for your season with material that will excite and entertain.<br /> <br />We’ve listened to your feedback and have already confirmed ProDance Veteran choreographers Shandon Kolberg, ChiChi, and Sean Bankhead. Newly added! Jamie Parrish, recently awarded a 2010 Worlds Title for his Innovative Dance Choreography, Dena and Jenna Spellman AND Donyelle Jones of “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Best Dance Crew” acclaim! In addition, we’re adding several new choreographers who come from a variety of backgrounds. We are all about providing different styles that will result in an innovative mix of dance genres. We know you want to keep it FRESH, and we hear you. ProDance will never be stagnate. We’ll always have the freshest, hottest, latest and greatest…YOU CAN COUNT ON THAT!<br /> <br /><b>OUR ProDance FAMILY…</b><br />Join us in Miami along with hundreds of other Pro Dance Team members and Directors from across the Nation!<br /> <br />We are so excited to see you this summer and hope you are ready for an AMAZING experience!<br /> <br />Best Regards,<br /> <br />Rosalyn Jones<br />Founder, ProDance<br /> <br />Sam Shen<br />Partner, ProDanceCollege Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-87191701759476712962010-06-18T21:06:00.000-07:002010-06-18T21:11:43.081-07:00Westfield State Tops In New England<b><i>Submitted to College Dance Team Central by the Westfield State Dance Team</b></i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerNKwF_1TtqcQn9JJvWDQX7sioCXniViQoOZsMN8JeWw7vq82kOVs61SgBHB8AfIkw4PVTPhEXgPIbX2p3Ub68BmfXt26QqWXzSFjwUnbY1p0KDOsvlpJrpy0jtAvr53NN0O-Tg/s1600/wsc+michelles-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerNKwF_1TtqcQn9JJvWDQX7sioCXniViQoOZsMN8JeWw7vq82kOVs61SgBHB8AfIkw4PVTPhEXgPIbX2p3Ub68BmfXt26QqWXzSFjwUnbY1p0KDOsvlpJrpy0jtAvr53NN0O-Tg/s320/wsc+michelles-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484331945645857842" /></a>The Westfield State College Dance Team defended their New England Championship title at the UDA New England Dance Championships held on April 11, 2010. This is the second time Westfield has won 1st place in the hip hop division beating out teams like UConn, Quinnipiac University , Keene State and Bentley University . The team was comprised of 13 members: 4 Captains: Valerie Skalinsky , Michelle Ronayne, Jennie Beneway & Meg O’Connell as wells as: Jodi Hogan, Meghan Simmons, Marley Aitken, Stephanie Desmond, Taylor Murphy, Caroline Kelly, Allie McLaughlin, Nicole Post and Jennelle LeMoine.<br /><br />“This year was a very special year for me because I started coaching 4 years ago so this group of seniors was the group that I started with” said Alia Camerota, one of the coaches of the team. “It was very bittersweet because I knew that this would be the last time I got to watch this group dance. After 4 years of long practices, competitions and trips to FL, I’ve gotten really close to these girls and it will be very hard for me to not have them on the team next year.”<br /><br />When I started coaching, the team was new, inexperienced and had never had a coach. The first year, we jumped right into competitions and did everything we could to put our names out there. It was a very important year because we got to know each other and our strengths and weaknesses as a team. Former team Captain and founder Allison Scully is now a co-coach. She and I started the team at our High School years ago and we always worked really well together. It worked out perfectly having her as my captain at Westfield and then moving on to coaching with me once she graduated. We had always watched the College Nationals on ESPN and admired the teams there so we made it a goal that we would attend the UDA National competition in FL the following year. That goal really made the girls push themselves and work their hardest knowing that there would be a lot of very good, well known teams in attendance. <br /><br />After a successful trip to Florida , we went on to compete locally and we have been undefeated ever since. We have won the QU Dance Challenge 3 years in a row along with many other New England competitions.<br /><br />I am so proud of what the girls have accomplished. For such a small school to beat division 1 schools says a lot about hard work. Before nationals in January, we were putting in 7-8 hour practices. Instead of enjoying their winter break the girls returned to campus in early January to have 2-a-days. As much work as it was, the team really enjoyed spending time together. Even when not at practice, most of them spend a lot of time with each other and some of them even live together. The memories we’ve created will last a lifetime and I have been very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of girls that I am extremely proud of.<br /><br />Our first round of try-outs was held at the beginning of May and we will have a second round in early September for the upcoming season.College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-35994484896779878952010-06-18T21:03:00.000-07:002010-06-18T21:06:32.666-07:00Feature: West Virginia Dancer Ariel Fink<b>Beckley native on WVU team that won national competition</b><br />By Andrea Lannom<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.register-herald.com/local/x1414102813/Beckley-native-on-WVU-team-that-won-national-competition">The Register Herald</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UzB3XM8XRq2ZCB1vSQhLQRqylklJLEv-1TnBQOmURYY64xZZSvgZEOL7eTi_TauNfymLEXHXu2fyiRzNiV9C1iU63gvHatL9xkiSvtQ79KsWeA4JUQodsqrNTh7NqRMjb9B_4Q/s1600/g0002580000000000006c544dafed70c22bed8aa1c6160dba44b0aa1a57.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UzB3XM8XRq2ZCB1vSQhLQRqylklJLEv-1TnBQOmURYY64xZZSvgZEOL7eTi_TauNfymLEXHXu2fyiRzNiV9C1iU63gvHatL9xkiSvtQ79KsWeA4JUQodsqrNTh7NqRMjb9B_4Q/s320/g0002580000000000006c544dafed70c22bed8aa1c6160dba44b0aa1a57.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484330969323518994" /></a>BECKLEY — Dancing has been a lifelong passion for Beckley native Ariel Fink, and just recently, she got the opportunity to go with her team from West Virginia University to a national dance competition. Not only was this opportunity great, but the fact that her team won was a dream come true. <br /><br />The National Dance Alliance Collegian Dance Competition took place in Daytona Beach and had around 255 national and select international schools participating. Ariel’s team competed in the open division, which is a bit different from normal competitions, Fink said. With the open division, the team decides what songs they’re going to use and what style of dance they’re going to do. The song they chose was “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot.<br /><br />“It was very different,” she said. “With the nature of the open division dancing, you really had to dance from the heart. You had to be different and really feel the music deep inside.”<br /><br />Dancing and music have always been something to which Fink has an emotional attachment. She started dancing at an early age and said she even remembers how she felt when watching her first performance. <br /><br />“When I was really little, my mom took me to see ‘The Nutcracker’ and the entire time I just sat still watching,” Fink said. “I was so mesmerized by the performance, even then.”<br /><br />With all of her years of dancing from beginnings at the Beckley Dance Theatre School to joining the dance team at Woodrow Wilson High School, practice was something she became accustomed to. This competition was no exception. Fink had to go through strict dancing regimens and even skip out on spring break. <br /><br />“We had a pretty steady regimen and we practiced quite a bit through the week, even through spring break,” she said. “While everyone was at the beach, we were working on perfecting our regimen. It was worth it, though, because it really gave us that competitive edge.”<br /><br />The team also had to raise at least $17,000 to compete. Because the dance team is not funded, many of the people on the team have to raise their own money and even buy things like uniforms out of pocket. <br /><br />“Our team was part of the athletics division at one time but not anymore,” she said. “Right now, we don’t receive any funding, but we’re working on becoming a club.” <br /><br />Even with fundraising and practice, she managed to take on a 21-hour class workload and has been able to make the dean’s list every semester, she said.<br /><br />“It’s exhausting to try to balance everything, but it’s worth it,” she said. “I always like to have a lot of things to do, so I wouldn’t have it any other way.” <br /><br />Even with her dedication and practice, she says she still felt a little nervous when she first stepped on the stage. Yet this feeling was fleeting. <br /><br />“There’s always that feeling before you step out on the stage where you feel a tinge of nervousness, yet that goes away when you start dancing,” she said. “Eventually you just give it all you’ve got and you feel a calmness sweep over you.”<br /><br />She plans to continue her passion of dancing even after school by looking into professional dance teams. First, however, she wants to get her doctorate in audiology. <br /><br />“One of my big dreams is to be on a professional team some day, maybe for the NFL or something,” she said. “Hopefully when I go to school to get my doctorate, I will find an opportunity to find a professional dance team.”College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-69255500598883084372010-06-18T21:00:00.000-07:002010-06-18T21:03:43.993-07:00Fresno State School Spirit UnitesBy Megan Morales <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://collegian.csufresno.edu/2010/05/12/school-spirit-unites/">The Collegian Online</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b3CQwTnbVfrQBPVRMnfDCxpstaQgxWUegrHRr5AzKtNN0jrxbSudzT-ioxx-moE8DF7BMQyCsTojYBL0cRllf89z7Q0bbDjXQAMVtbbZxmlmpTmuvflsFYm_btgQDI2L3cJ0rg/s1600/Thumb_S_0905_FootballVDavisCampbell225.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b3CQwTnbVfrQBPVRMnfDCxpstaQgxWUegrHRr5AzKtNN0jrxbSudzT-ioxx-moE8DF7BMQyCsTojYBL0cRllf89z7Q0bbDjXQAMVtbbZxmlmpTmuvflsFYm_btgQDI2L3cJ0rg/s320/Thumb_S_0905_FootballVDavisCampbell225.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484330216510103682" /></a>The Fresno state cheer squad, dance team and mascot will join forces next fall for one outstanding team of Bulldog pride.<br /><br />While Fresno State has always shown passion, spirit and pride at sporting events through its dance and cheer teams and through its mascot, Timeout, this fall all three will collaborate with each other to create a unified Fresno State Spirit Squad.<br /><br />Although the teams will be joining forces to create one large team of spirit, they will each still hold their individual role as a dancer, cheerleader and of course, Timeout will still be Timeout. The collaboration is an attempt to enhance the fan’s excitement and provide a more intense experience for the crowd.<br /><br />Former Fresno State cheerleader Nichol Gagnon, will assume the position of Associate Head Coach of the cheer program and thinks the formation of a cohesive Spirit Squad is an idea that will benefit everyone involved.<br /><br />“I feel that having these three teams as one will be a great addition to Fresno State,” Gagnon said. “We are all at Fresno State events to get the crowd pumped up, so it only makes sense to bring us together. With cheer, dance and Timeout as one, it will show our school spirit and our willingness to work together. We will also be able to showcase our amazing talent in a much larger aspect.”<br /><br />Bringing the squads together as one is expected to present a better quality of entertainment at the athletic events, and ensure fans go home happy.<br /><br />“I definitely think it will be beneficial to have these teams working together,” Gagnon said. “We will be able to put on better shows and impress the audience more. There will be more joint performances, which means there will be more to look at.”<br /><br />In addition to the collaboration, a new scholarship, The Timeout Spirit Award, has been established and will be awarded to the students who portray Timeout.<br /><br />The scholarship was developed by the Bulldog Pride Scholarship Fund of the Fresno State Alumni Association. Those receiving the annual $2,000 scholarship will be awarded for their performance as Timeout.<br /><br />In a recent release from gobulldogs.com, founder of the Bulldog Pride Scholarship Fund Peter Robertson said he is thrilled about providing a scholarship that entails academic excellence as well as Fresno State pride.<br /><br />Associate Athletics Director of External Relations Paul Ladwig said he sees great things for the future with the collaboration of teams.<br /><br />“I am as excited as everyone else about this combination to enhance the spirit squad,” Ladwig said. “Having all the teams working together will only make our game day presentation better. With three quality coaches newly hired we will continue the excellence and professionalism of the Fresno State Cheer and Dance teams.”<br /><br />As for becoming Timeout, Ladwig said there are two returning seniors who will receive the scholarship, and they are considering having a tryout for a third.<br /><br />If applying for the position of the infamous mascot sounds like something you could see yourself doing, Ladwig said qualification requirements include, “energy, school spirit, ability to dance, work with others, love to entertain, love to be the show and great physical condition.”<br /><br />With all excitement around the new plans, one can expect great things just as everyone involved does.<br /><br />“This upcoming year will be awesome, we just had tryouts for the 2010-2011 team and we had so much talent that tried out,” Gagnon said. “We will be an amazing team!”College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-16068705566348565282010-06-18T20:56:00.000-07:002010-06-18T21:00:07.853-07:00NCSU Dance Team Coach Charged With Embezzlement<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=7476970">ABC Local WTVD</a><br /><br />RALEIGH (WTVD) -- North Carolina State University's dance team coach is facing embezzlement charges.<br /><br />According to an arrest warrant, 27-year-old Jamila Wright of Raleigh is accused of taking $21,000 in currency, goods and services from the Wolfpack Howlin' Hunnies.<br /><br />She was arrested Wednesday and released on a $2,000 bond.<br /><br />According to police, the embezzlement took place between December 2007 and February 2010.<br /><br />Wright is a graduate of NC State and danced on the team before becoming coach.College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-10842821864115133772010-05-09T16:35:00.000-07:002010-05-09T16:40:47.526-07:00Topperette Changes Bring Costs, BenefitsBy Mandy Simpson <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wkuherald.com/2010/05/04/topperette-changes-bring-costs-benefits/">WKU Herald</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiM5-YK4fQ2AsiOo6QDfe13X7m_lBDEhPH5ntoCEt7Vc7_E_cC2Y9E8g7qtXnfdph002XGaKVFu0RN0Ki4Q2R-l72L73J7SdDEBuFx9s41Fj-DLefhVt6bh87Qa8grGo0O5BMYA/s1600/toppers.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiM5-YK4fQ2AsiOo6QDfe13X7m_lBDEhPH5ntoCEt7Vc7_E_cC2Y9E8g7qtXnfdph002XGaKVFu0RN0Ki4Q2R-l72L73J7SdDEBuFx9s41Fj-DLefhVt6bh87Qa8grGo0O5BMYA/s320/toppers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469419079095740626" /></a>To some, the changes to this year’s Topperette dance team seemed subtle — fewer girls, a new coach, different costumes.<br /><br />But to Coach Candice Tope and Lindsay Thomas, director of marketing and promotions for Western Athletics, this rebuilding year has made all the difference.<br /><br />Thomas said she noticed more fans sacrificing their half-time concessions to watch the Topperettes perform one of about 12 power-packed routines they practiced for hours each week.<br /><br />“I can’t tell you how many fans have come up and said, ‘I love that routine. That routine was awesome,’” Tope said.<br /><br />A series of these fresh routines ranging from pom to jazz to hip-hop graced the basketball floor and football field this year.<br /><br />A budget resting comfortably in the black provided all Topperettes with necessary performance attire and each Topperette who met the team requirements with a small scholarship, Thomas said.<br /><br />A team that was as good at dancing as advancing the image of Western emerged, she said.<br /><br />“We are proud of the product we put on the floor,” Thomas said.<br /><br />When the girls weren’t on the sidelines this year, they made appearances at promotional and charity events such as Relay for Life and the Special Olympics, Tope said.<br /><br />As much as they were dancers, they were spokeswomen, Thomas said.<br /><br />But this shift and these improvements didn’t come without cost.<br /><br />The Topperettes didn’t compete in any national or local competitions this year in order to rebuild the team and the budget, Thomas said. A national competition alone can cost about $20,000.<br /><br />This was a hard sacrifice for seniors dancing as a Topperette for the last time, Tope said.<br /><br />“I love my girls,” she said. “All hard workers, no divas.”<br /><br />Thomas and Tope also made tough decisions at tryouts in order to cut the team from about 50 girls to 21 girls in fall 2009, Thomas said.<br /><br />She said the girls who made the team performed well in the three tryout routine styles — pom, hip-hop and jazz — and displayed the potential to excel in the collegiate dance world.<br /><br />“This is a dance team,” Thomas said. “This isn’t a ballet company or the Rockettes. You have to be able to do all our styles of dance.”<br /><br />In accordance with a new Topperette policy, current team members were not allowed to speak with the Herald, Tope said.<br />The smaller team was the change that stung several former Topperettes the hardest.<br /><br />***<br /><br />Athletes know the feeling — the lonely ache of the final walk off the floor, field, court or stage, said La Grange junior Allison Smith, a former Topperette. The end inevitably arrives.<br /><br />But last May, Smith thought she had the best audition of her life for the Topperettes. She’d been on the team for two years and felt confident that her experience and technical abilities would help her make the cut.<br /><br />She’d also recently secured a nationally competitive position in the Rockette Summer Intensive program.<br /><br />So, with 18 years of turns, leaps, jumps, kicks and choreography under her feet, Smith completed the Topperettes’ two-day tryout, which included dance routines and technical evaluations. Then she waited expectantly for the judges to call her number.<br /><br />One by one, the new Topperettes assembled on the opposite side of the gym. When all the numbers had been called, Smith remained.<br /><br />“I felt my whole team sitting on the other side of that wall, and I wasn’t a part of it,” she said. “It was horrible. I had to stand there and wait to turn in my costumes.”<br /><br />Smith wasn’t alone. About five other Topperette veterans were cut during last year’s tryouts and left confused about what parts of their auditions were inadequate, she said.<br /><br />Smith and fellow former Topperette, Chicago sophomore Alise Hogan, had an idea.<br /><br />“I knew it wasn’t my technique that kept me from making the team,” Smith said.<br /><br />Stephanie Pennington, the team’s head coach for the previous five years, said she decided not to return for the 2009-2010 season in order to focus on teaching at her dance studio, Dynamic Dance.<br /><br />So Thomas organized Topperette tryouts last year, and a new column — which accounted for 30 percent of the dancers’ overall score — appeared on the judges scorecard: “collegiate image,” Thomas said.<br /><br />The image category assessed the neatness of the dancers’ clothing, hair and makeup, and judges explained these expectations to the dancers before tryouts began.<br /><br />“It’s like, if you can write your name on the SAT, you can get points,” Thomas said about the image category. “If you can show up doing what we’ve asked of you, you can get points.”<br /><br />Hogan, who joined the team as a freshman after competing with her state-champion high school dance team in Chicago, felt her body lowered her score in the image section. But she said she knew that was a possibility when she entered tryouts.<br /><br />“The second I made the team (freshman year), I was told, ‘You need to work out because you aren’t necessarily where we want you to be,’” Hogan said.<br /><br />Hogan had maintained the strong, petite body from her days as a gymnast, and said no one had addressed her about her weight previously.<br /><br />Pennington said she didn’t include the image category when she ran tryouts, but judges conducted interviews with the dancers to ensure they had positive attitudes and good work ethics.<br /><br />Pennington said the new category may reflect a shift in the Topperettes’ main priority from a competing team to a marketing <br />entity.<br /><br />During her last year of coaching, Pennington said she did talk to groups of girls, which included Smith and Hogan, about working out and toning up.<br /><br />She said girls also approached her for exercise advice that would help them feel comfortable in the form-fitting costumes the collegiate dance world requires.<br /><br />“We never said body image is important. We said, ‘You’re going to be out on the floor,’” she said. “It hurts us to see people make comments about them.”<br /><br />But the dancers weren’t the only ones addressed about body image. Pennington said Western marketing personnel spoke with her about the team’s image, which partially motivated her talks with the dancers.<br /><br />“I was talked to about it, comparing it to other dance teams and cheerleading teams where body image was so important, just stressing that it is important,” she said. “It was, ‘Here’s the image that we’re looking for.’”<br /><br />Hogan said she continued to work out with Pennington and the team throughout the year, but, by tryouts last May, her spirits were low.<br /><br />“I knew ‘I’m not going to make it, because I’m not skinny,’” she said. “I just wanted to show that I could dance, that size shouldn’t matter.”<br /><br />The first round of tryouts was judged by Thomas, who represented marketing and had danced throughout high school; Deborah Wilkins, chief of staff and general counsel, who represented Western as a whole; and a former Topperette, Thomas said.<br /><br />For the final round of tryouts, Tope said she also judged.<br /><br />When the judges turned in the score cards, Smith, Hogan and other veterans didn’t make the cut.<br /><br />“That breaks my heart,” Pennington said. “I would have picked every girl that was (formerly) on the team.”<br /><br />Smith requested a post-tryout meeting with Thomas, during which she mentioned that she had worked hard to lose 20 pounds in the past season, she said.<br /><br />“(Thomas) told me to keep doing what I was doing,” Smith said.<br /><br />Thomas said she cannot specifically recall the meeting with Smith, but stressed that she never discussed body image with the dancers.<br /><br />Pennington, who danced on the national championship University of Louisville Ladybirds dance team, said she’s aware of body image pressure collegiate dancers receive and works hard to teach the young girls at her studio to love their bodies no matter what.<br /><br />“It’s hard to see a great high school dancer, who might not make it in the college world because of their body image,” she said.<br />But Thomas and Tope said body image didn’t impact any of the dancer’s scores, and neither has spoken to dancers about their bodies this year.<br /><br />“I tell my girls, ‘I want you to be healthy. I want you to feel comfortable in our costumes,’” Tope said.<br /><br />She said she does emphasize the importance of fitness during conditioning, because of the physical demands of cheering at games.<br /><br />“I’ll say, ‘You walked that lap. I didn’t need you to walk that lap,’” she said.<br /><br />***<br /><br />The Topperettes will host tryouts for the 2010-2011 team May 8 and 9, and they’re keeping their eyes on one prize moving forward, Tope said.<br /><br />Tope said the women will continue their charity work this summer with appearances at the Boys and Girls Club in Glasgow, and they’ll continue working toward the highest honor in collegiate dance.<br /><br />“At the end of the day our goal is go out there and win a national championship,” Thomas said.College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-60874517293844343542010-05-09T16:32:00.000-07:002010-05-09T16:35:32.095-07:00Valdosta State Red Hots Champions AgainBy:Dorsena Drakeford<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vsuspectator.com/2010/04/29/red-hots-champions-again/">The Spectator</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF-npGHzRHjqUML7GAE3nr8-VUXz_934nclGGcy-wfgmuuTTck5PEnBazAywhLQNb31saEqrcPAamQtTMX72ANE9cW8rDjjzwo0MV68SYt7ban3FUeddDdj-7LmLPyc-U7bz3FA/s1600/DSCN2489.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF-npGHzRHjqUML7GAE3nr8-VUXz_934nclGGcy-wfgmuuTTck5PEnBazAywhLQNb31saEqrcPAamQtTMX72ANE9cW8rDjjzwo0MV68SYt7ban3FUeddDdj-7LmLPyc-U7bz3FA/s320/DSCN2489.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469417756043861186" /></a>The VSU Red Hots Dance Team won their third consecutive National Championship on Friday April 9. The Red Hots traveled to Daytona Beach for the NCA/NDA College Nationals, the largest collegiate cheer and dance competition in the nation. The season for the Red Hots starts in August and continues until the national competition.<br /><br />“These girls have to balance performing at every home football and basketball game, campusevents, and community service project in addition to their academic demands and practice three times a week for 2 1/2 hours,” Kelli Holland, head coach of the VSU Red Hots Dance Team, said.<br /><br />The practice the Red Hots endure is preparation for 2 minutes and 15 seconds, which is the length of the Nationals routine. This year, as in the previous two years, the Red Hots have won the National Championship, but they decided to try something new this year as they entered the Hip Hop Division-II category. The Red Hots placed second next to Hawaii Pacific University.<br /><br />“Finishing second in a new division and competing in a style for the first time was a great way to end the trip to College Nationals,” Holland said. “Defending a title requires the team, and myself, to never be complacent, and we are always striving to improve and move forward.”College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-58364215795695987452010-04-28T20:26:00.000-07:002010-04-28T20:31:19.853-07:00Minnesota Captures Two Golds At World Cheer CompetitionBy Paul Walsh<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.startribune.com/local/92182219.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUF">StarTribune.com</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGLiE_fVFf3Gw7LQZT2-1Ht32PgYPF05KVy5g2O6a7TQ0wDBpnwKqxEwghZHPmuCCWy5KpqMDmI2mlog9jZoq7yZEeMTDk6V3JVUY4-HM2BmIG5h7M51WjUJ-U1l2TmCoCJtaxg/s1600/DSC00472.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGLiE_fVFf3Gw7LQZT2-1Ht32PgYPF05KVy5g2O6a7TQ0wDBpnwKqxEwghZHPmuCCWy5KpqMDmI2mlog9jZoq7yZEeMTDk6V3JVUY4-HM2BmIG5h7M51WjUJ-U1l2TmCoCJtaxg/s320/DSC00472.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465395875485221378" /></a>Competing as Team USA, the University of Minnesota Dance Team captured two gold medals and a silver at the International Cheer Union Worlds Competition in Orlando, Fla.<br /><br />The 16-member cheer/dance team's routines earned gold in the jazz and freestyle (including pom) divisions and silver in hip-hop on Friday.<br /><br />In January, the Minnesotans claimed national championships in two divisions. That allowed it to represent USA in Orlando, where about 60 nations participated.<br /><br />The Worlds Competition is the largest international cheerleading and dance team competition, with more than 80 nations as members.College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-26639647953257900522010-04-28T20:12:00.000-07:002010-04-28T20:36:33.999-07:00International Cheer Union World Championship ResultsICU Official Site: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cheerunion.org">Click Here</a><br />Results and Video: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cheerunion.org/Content.aspx/Championships/icuvideocoverage">Click Here</a><br />Photo Galleries: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cheerunion.org/Content.aspx/Championships/World%20Cup%20Championship%20Galleries">Click Here</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZZR082602TyIlaOYEtLq1r16vw1XtmJMUTohbVcqMeFI_oG5JfqHfhWajYk4Ep3se3N1_D2s7UzCdafNOCtupTTHQlNR7jaoS0aJxuJ4NCPdWsD07p8GNIBckhGMdRgWetXbvQ/s1600/Germany.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZZR082602TyIlaOYEtLq1r16vw1XtmJMUTohbVcqMeFI_oG5JfqHfhWajYk4Ep3se3N1_D2s7UzCdafNOCtupTTHQlNR7jaoS0aJxuJ4NCPdWsD07p8GNIBckhGMdRgWetXbvQ/s320/Germany.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465394586503957442" /></a><b>JAZZ</b><br />GOLD Team USA<br />SILVER Team Japan<br />BRONZE Team Ukraine<br /><br /><i>ALSO PARTICIPATING</i><br />Team Chile<br />Team China<br />Team Australia<br />Team South Korea<br />Team Germany (pictured)<br />Team Guatemala<br /><br /><b>HIP HOP</b><br />GOLD Team Japan<br />SILVER Team USA<br />BRONZE Team China<br /><br /><i>ALSO PARTICIPATING</i><br />Team Norway<br />Team Mexico<br />Team Scotland<br />Team UK<br />Team South Korea<br />Team Germany<br />Team Australia<br />Team Guatemala<br />Team Switzerland<br />Team Ecuador<br /><br /><b>FREESTYLE</b><br />GOLD Team USA<br />SILVER Team Japan<br />BRONZE Team Finland<br /><br /><i>ALSO PARTICIPATING</i><br />Team Mexico<br />Team Norway<br />Team Slovenia<br />Team China<br />Team Australia<br />Team Colombia<br />Team Germany<br />Team South Korea<br />Team UK<br /><br /><b>DOUBLES JAZZ</b><br />GOLD Team Ukraine<br />SILVER Team China<br />BRONZE Team Mexico<br /><br /><i>ALSO PARTICIPATING</i><br />Team Germany<br /><br /><b>DOUBLES HIP HOP</b><br />GOLD Team China<br />SILVER Team Mexico<br />BRONZE Team South Korea<br /><br /><i>ALSO PARTICIPATING</i><br />Team Germany<br />Team New Zealand<br />Team Slovenia<br /><br /><b>DOUBLES FREESTYLE</b><br />GOLD Team Ukraine<br />SILVER Team Mexico<br />BRONZE Team Switzerland<br /><br /><i>ALSO PARTICIPATING</i><br />Team China<br />Team Russia<br />Team Germany<br />Team SloveniaCollege Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-3889145845206189802010-04-28T20:08:00.000-07:002010-04-28T20:12:16.960-07:00Minnesota Dance Team Wins Two Golds At Worlds<i>The Gophers squad also picked up silver for their hip-hop routine.</i><br /><br />BY KYLE POTTER<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mndaily.com/2010/04/27/dance-team-wins-2-golds-worlds">MNDaily.com</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafhlO5KLW1apnm-IaEXNuK4weKn-YEgAG2U2A0ziNFrJhDDZ1FdBgLVgRXR3-0CpIEINL8CLCt5-sQ3Eu7CHvdpESl8nkiw7QkqU7sJuP6ThRroxx2-YJLJ6NhZTKM8AVcA9fDQ/s1600/USA.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafhlO5KLW1apnm-IaEXNuK4weKn-YEgAG2U2A0ziNFrJhDDZ1FdBgLVgRXR3-0CpIEINL8CLCt5-sQ3Eu7CHvdpESl8nkiw7QkqU7sJuP6ThRroxx2-YJLJ6NhZTKM8AVcA9fDQ/s320/USA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465391536539887426" /></a>The University of Minnesota Dance Team earned two gold medals and one silver at the International Cheer Union World Championships last Friday.<br /><br />Competing as Team USA in Orlando, Fla., the Gopher ladies squared off against teams from all over the world and came out on top in two of three categories: jazz and pom. And with a routine thrown together just a few months earlier, they also took silver in the hip-hop category.<br /><br />After winning gold at nationals in January in both jazz and pom, the team was selected to represent the United States by the International Cheer Union in its second annual international event. ICU has almost 90 member nations from five different continents.<br /><br />ICU spokeswoman Sheila Noone said teams from 65 nations were in attendance Friday at the championships, which included both cheerleading and dance categories.<br /><br />Three countries weren’t able to compete because of flight complications caused by Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano ash, Noone said.<br /><br />Gophers ladies coach Amber Jackson said this competition felt different than others in her 13-year history with the team.<br /><br />“When we go to nationals, it’s about us and our competition,” Jackson said. “With [this competition], it was about being proud of what we’re doing and how that is impacting the world. It’s something bigger than just us.”<br /><br />Both Jackson and senior captain Toni Gabrielli said their experiences with one team in particular were unforgettable.<br /><br />Members of Team Mexico made a doll wearing the dress UMDT wore at nationals. Team Mexico members had watched and were inspired by videos of their jazz routine on YouTube.<br /><br />When Minnesota performed the same routine at worlds, Team Mexico was in the front row with tears streaming down its members’ faces.<br /><br />“We didn’t even realize the lives that we’ve touched,” Gabrielli said.<br /><br />For Gabrielli, this competition was the perfect way to close out her four years on the dance team. And although it was a humbling experience to dance with people from so many different countries, she said she hasn’t wrapped her head around the idea of winning two gold medals just yet.<br /><br />“It’s just crazy to think that we’re the best in the world at what we do.”College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-65502708523282473292010-04-24T19:11:00.000-07:002010-04-24T19:13:12.030-07:00Cougarettes' Winning Performance to be Broadcast Nationally<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.byucougars.com/Filing.jsp?ID=13948">BYU Cougars.com</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Cd8rA_1TOJ45NBd_rxX_2qZ-mpZgiqJc9eiqTfKkT61wZNkYoNvnsYo1ZORjzYknfAEw13-0ATnv7TqgrxlogQpzGMgiZKO96_L55Iu9d_5YMz2a07mCrbT_S7gRwXlTS8TeFQ/s1600/Cougarettes.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Cd8rA_1TOJ45NBd_rxX_2qZ-mpZgiqJc9eiqTfKkT61wZNkYoNvnsYo1ZORjzYknfAEw13-0ATnv7TqgrxlogQpzGMgiZKO96_L55Iu9d_5YMz2a07mCrbT_S7gRwXlTS8TeFQ/s320/Cougarettes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463892187388829954" /></a>PROVO, Utah (April 23, 2010) – Cougar fans will have a chance to see the BYU Cougarettes’ winning performance at the National College Dance Team Championships as broadcast plans have been announced. The Championships will air at 4 p.m. MT Saturday on Fox Sports Network Rocky Mountain, which can be found on channel 52 for Comcast subscribers in Utah or on DISH Network channel 414. <br /><br />The Cougarettes won the national dance title for the eighth time in 13 years in the competition held April 9 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Competing against schools from all over the country at the NDA National Championships, the Cougarettes recorded a score of 9.860, edging out the University of Louisville (9.831) for the 2010 title. The 20-member squad posted the highest score of all three divisions, giving BYU the Grand National Championship as well. <br /><br />“This means a lot to our program. We didn’t have a chance to compete last year, so coming back this year to win it all is very exciting,” said Cougarette head coach Jodi Maxfield. “We've been working hard since last April, and I believe this was the best routine we've ever performed. I'm so proud of the girls for their hard work, dedication and the way they represented Brigham Young University.” <br /><br />The BYU Cougarettes are categorized as a precision dance team, but in fact the scope and breadth of their focus is much more varied, including jazz, hip hop and pom. The Cougarettes captured its first National Collegiate Dance Championship in 1997 and has since won titles in 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007 and now 2010. In addition, the Cougarettes have finished in the Top 4 three other times. <br /><br />Considered the elite college dance program in the country, BYU Cougarettes have gone on to perform for the Walt Disney Co., Universal Studios, Opryland, Broadway, professional dance companies, as well as National Basketball Association dancers. The Cougarettes also performed at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19316082.post-33159699591976010182010-04-24T19:08:00.001-07:002010-04-24T19:11:24.969-07:00Duke Dancing Devils Take Fifth at National CompetitionCourtesy: Duke Photography<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=204931827">GoDuke.com</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeiRWa0FLp1t34AEU-a_yxqYqtqHELOtdhmIU3KGZ17UXRvr6pp9NejbKo7frUEV59jvMpjmXg8ISyFiX4WtLGJaqsEBM-7CVs4UBTxWGJVPVb9EwSnhhgeEQnPOyE13qEwrVMQ/s1600/NGLEIQZQWGJGUVE.20100419185113.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeiRWa0FLp1t34AEU-a_yxqYqtqHELOtdhmIU3KGZ17UXRvr6pp9NejbKo7frUEV59jvMpjmXg8ISyFiX4WtLGJaqsEBM-7CVs4UBTxWGJVPVb9EwSnhhgeEQnPOyE13qEwrVMQ/s320/NGLEIQZQWGJGUVE.20100419185113.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463891639059853202" /></a>DURHAM, N.C. - The Duke Dancing Devils earned a fifth-place finish at the National Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship hosted by the National Dance Alliance on April 8 and 9 in Daytona Beach, Fla. After earning top-ten finishes in each of the last two years, the Dancing Devils took fifth out of 230 teams at the 2010 competition.<br /><br />The top-five finish also ensures that the Dancing Devils' performance at the competition will appear on national television. The broadcast of this year's National Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship will be aired on April 24 and 25 on Fox Sports Network.<br /><br />"It was incredibly exciting to have the team climb the ladder so quickly in the last three years," said coach Alayne Rusnak. "To go from eighth to sixth to fifth and know that the team made the cut to be on TV - that seals the deal. You know you've succeeded."<br /><br />Dance and cheerleading squads from around the country aspire each year to earn a spot at the National Dance Alliance and the National Cheerleaders Association's annual competitions. In order to advance to the final competition in Daytona Beach, squads must pre-qualify by competing at camps or via video submissions. The Dancing Devils qualified for the 2010 Nationals based on their video submission.<br /><br />After the first day of competition on April 8, the Dancing Devils were in sixth place entering Friday's finals. The team's performance in the finals secured the fifth-place finish - as well as a spot on national television.<br /><br />"The girls worked so hard, overcame several challenges this year and they couldn't be more excited about their performance at Nationals," Rusnak said. "It was truly rewarding to represent Duke at the NDA Championships after the men's basketball program came off of such a tremendous win the weekend before. We are so proud to be a part of the Duke family and I am so proud of the girls."<br /><br />The Dancing Devils are the official dance team of Duke University. The squad performs at many Duke athletic events, including football and basketball games. Team members include Bria Barker, Devyn Coskey, Claire Daly, Jamie Forrest, Kat Franklin, Alexa Galan, Julene Latter, Danielle Reinhardt, Michelle Sawyer, Caroline Schwarzman, Amy Snook, Courtney Washington, Jenny Zhou and captains Katherine Booth, Chantel Hopper and Kim Thomas.College Dance Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338670015650640558noreply@blogger.com6