Towson Dance Team Takes Home National Title Again

By Ron Matz
WJZ.com

Ron Matz reports it's the 10th year in a row the young women have taken home the National Championship Division I title.

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) ― They're celebrating at Towson University. The school's amazing dance team has won another championship.

They are a dynasty of dance and they're champions again. The York Road campus is buzzing with excitement.

Twenty-seven young women star on the Towson University Dance Team.

"I absolutely love it. I love the girls, they're awesome. It's great competing and winning with your best friends, being out there all on the same team," said Jenna Standifer.

Coach Tom Cascella is beaming with pride. His team just brought home the first place trophy from the National Championship Division 1 competition in Daytona Beach.

Towson is now the target in the dance duel at Daytona.

The dance team practices at Stephens Hall. It's a grueling schedule that includes even hours on the weekends.

"It's very demanding. We rehearse two nights during the week and seven hours on the weekend. In addition to that, they all go into the studio on their days off to work on their technique, or go to the gym to work on their aerobics," said Cascella.

The Towson University Dance Team was the top seed in the competition. They defeated more than 150 other schools to bring home the championship.

CU Express Coach Makes Denver Broncos Squad

Morgan alum reaches her ultimate Broncos goal

“It (Broncos interview) was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done.”

By R.B. HEADLEY
Fort Morgan Times

The pain in Liz Harris’ neck wasn’t even connected to the 20 Denver Broncos judges who were probing her football knowledge with John Lynch-like intensity.

“I was practicing my dance routine a few days before and jammed my neck,” the 2000 Fort Morgan High School alumnus revealed. “I twisted a vertebrae, so I had to go visit the chiropractor before I went back for the tryout.”

Ouch. Not a good sign considering this former Mustang state medal-winning gymnast had already failed one year earlier in her first attempt to make the Broncos cheerleading squad.

Plus, at age 26, Robert and Teri Harris’ daughter was also admittedly one of the oldest among more than 200 dancers competing for the 34 roster spots.

“It’s not something you can do forever,” she said. “At some point, you do get too old.”

Yet Liz never surrendered a goal that began “when dad started taking me to Broncos games around age 9.” The family purchased season tickets right near Mile High Stadium’s 20-yard line, exactly where Liz could closely observe what was then a brand-new cheerleading/dance team.

Meanwhile — and perhaps just as importantly — she became equally interested in what was happening on the gridiron. Liz loved all the names from John Elway to Jake Plummer to especially...

“Karl Mecklenburg (former Pro Bowl linebacker). I was a big fan of him, and I think it was mainly because of the way the (public address) announcer said his name,” she recalled.

This football knowledge played a huge role in “the most nerve-wracking thing” she’s ever done. Performing before 70,000 fans was no sweat, because Liz danced for and now coaches the University of Colorado’s “CU Express” team.

However, standing still while being questioned easily became the most stressful part of this spring’s Broncos cheerleading tryouts.

“You get dressed in a business suit, go in on Sunday and stand before those 20 judges,” Liz explained. “They ask you personal questions, football questions and you have to know the Broncos roster. They asked me to name one tight end, and I knew three: Tony Scheffler, Daniel Graham and Nate Jackson.”

In other words, Liz basically “aced” this exam like Elway dominated his final Super Bowl appearance. She credited all those Broncos games plus current boyfriend Reid Kahl, another 2000 Mustang alum who now coaches the Wheat Ridge High School football team.

“Oh yeah, we’ve been known to have the NFL Network on all day,” she said.

But while Liz enjoys football, she was truly delighted about resuming her number one reason to take on the weeklong Broncos tryout process.

“I was just thankful I could get my dance clothes back on and do what I do best,” the Arvada-based hairstylist revealed.

A “Staying Alive” theme developed as 200 prospects were cut to 100, then 69, then down to small groups of three. Contenders must learn a specific dance as judges observe every technique including kicks, splits and pirouettes.

Finalists then perform their own creative dances that “showcase” their specific talents.

“After you’re done, they (the judges) tell you ‘we’ll be back in 20 minutes,’” Liz said. “But it’s more like an hour and a half.”

That’s a time when Liz could focus on other good Fort Morgan friends like “old” buddy Kollette Klassen. Kollette’s pursuing other life goals after spending the past few seasons as a Broncos cheerleader, but that will never break a bond that began during their Morgan elementary school days.

“She (Klassen) has been my best friend for 19 years,” Liz explained. “And she’s helped me so much through this journey. Most don’t make the (Broncos cheerleading) team their first year, and Kollette encouraged me to try again. Plus she’s such a calming influence — whenever I look at her, my nervousness just goes away.”

So a nearly 90-minute wait was no problem, especially when Liz received the long-awaited good news on this Sunday, April 6:

She’d earned her spot on this year’s Denver Broncos cheerleading team.

That’s three recent Bronco cheerleaders who’ve owned Fort Morgan ties: Liz, Kollette and Morgan resident Emily Harper. Harper has also decided to pursue other activities this fall.

Both the fun and hard work are still ahead for Liz. Practices begin in June and there’s a weeklong trip for the annual cheerleader calendar photo shoot.

Liz will continue to coach the CU Express dance team while traveling throughout the Denver area for her full-time hairstyling profession. She also spends one day each week working with Call’s Wheat Ridge team on strength, flexibility and agility.

Don’t forget the many hours of community events involving the Broncos cheerleading team.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the Broncos juniors cheerleaders, and hopefully being a good influence for them,” she said. “It is a lot of work. You never sit down on (Broncos) game days. You’re constantly on the go.”

Liz also mentioned that her travels include one day a week of hairstyling work in Fort Morgan. Those interested can contact her at (303) 768-6910.

The New Paltz Dance Team

By Pierce Lydon, Copy Editor
The New Paltz Oracle

It’s pretty fair to say the people love to dance. You dance at the bar. You dance at parties. You probably even dance by yourself in your room to your favorite songs. Well, if you really love to dance then have we got a club for you!

The New Paltz Dance Team has been an active organization for over two years but just recently became recognized by the Student Association. They originally began as a kickline team but as new members became the leaders of the club, their focus shifted a bit.

“We, as a team, have begun to change our focus to more of a dance background, establish more performances throughout the year and collaborate with many of the other groups on campus,” said Captain Beth Frank. “With these new, fantastic changes, we decided to change our name to New Paltz Dance Team to celebrate and specify our growth.”

With their new name and new drive, the team decided to become a part of the Student Association family. They wanted to be recognized on campus and saw the Student Association (SA) as a great networking tool for future collaborations with other clubs, as well as a forum for their ideas and fundraising projects. Joining SA made it easier for them to achieve what they couldn’t while they were an outside organization.

But what if your passion and love of dance exceeds your actual talent? No worries! The New Paltz Dance Team is very open to new recruits from the most experienced dancers to ones that are just starting out. Even the current team has people from all sorts of backgrounds.

“Some of the team members have never danced before while other members have been training their whole lives,” said Frank. “I love that the dance team brings people together, challenges people to do what they thought they never could.”

The New Paltz Dance Team has been very busy this semester. They performed at Fresh Dance, a completely student run dance concert and they perform at halftime for both Men’s and Women’s basketball games. In addition, they dedicate approximately six hours to practice every week.

You can see this hard-working club in action on Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at an event called Dance Fusion at the Elting Gym. The show will consist of many different organizations performing many different styles of dance. The New Paltz Dance Team will be performing everything from ballet to jazz and kickline. Shades will be performing some step and Culture Shock Dance Troupe will perform hip-hop dances. Fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon will be putting on a ballroom dance and Alpha Psi Ecdysia will debut their burlesque dance group. These groups have teamed with the Sexy Pitches, who will be singing during the performance. Plus, 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, a cause that is very close to some of the performers.

Next year, you can expect even more activity from the New Paltz Dance Team as members of the Student Association. They will still be doing the basketball games and Fresh Dance, but are open to new events and can’t wait for next year.

“We are always up for new performances, especially ones that support a charity or a good cause,” said Frank. “We have a really strong team this year and we can’t wait for auditions again next year!”

If you’d like more information about the New Paltz Dance Team you can contact Beth Frank or check out the New Paltz Dance Team Facebook group.

Dancer Gets 'Golden' Chance At Next Level

By Chrissy Smith
The Daily News Online

FRANKLINTON - Danielle Hall is in an elite group of dancers.

Out of 74 hopefuls, Hall was chosen as one of the 16 Golden Girls at LSU.

The Golden Girls dance with the band at the football games. In previous years, the dance team has only traveled with the football squad for one away game, but this year, the Golden Girls will be sparkling at every game.

Hall planned on going to LSU long ago, ever since she decided to become a dental hygienist. Once she was accepted at LSU, she chose to tryout for the dance team.

There were 74 girls who showed up and each one had to perform a solo routine for the judges. After that, 40 girls were let go. The remaining 34 girls had one hour to learn an advanced jazz routine.

"It was really hard," Hall said.

From that, only 16 girls were picked for the final team, and Hall was one of those young ladies.

"I didn't think it was true. It just didn't seem believable," Hall said when she found out she made the team.

The 18-year-old will graduate from Bowling Green School next month. She was on the Treasures from seventh to ninth grade at BGS and was the captain her final year. Then from tenth to twelfth grades, Hall was on the Buccanettes where she was the captain her senior year.

Hall started dancing when she was 3 years old at Dawn Alsord's Dance Academy. She danced there for 15 years and along the way has been helped by Brian Applewhite and Kathy O'Quinn.

Hall has been dedicated to dance all her life. For two months during her senior year, she took a dance class in Baton Rouge every Monday.

"I didn't get home until 11 p.m. or midnight every night," Hall said.

Her parents, Donna and Donnovan, have been supportive of their daughter's dancing path, and are even more pleased now that Hall is on the team at LSU.

The $1,000 scholarship the high school senior gets for dancing at LSU will certainly help in the financial end.

"I'm living in a dorm, and school is expensive living in a dorm," Hall said. She also has TOPS.

Hall's schedule at LSU will be just like a student-athlete. She has to take at least 12 hours a semester and has practice every Monday through Friday from 3:50 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. She also has to maintain a 2.0 GPA.

"Dancing is a sport because you have to have endurance and be a team," Hall said of how her extra-curricular activity is just like anyone else's.

She will get ready for graduation in May and then move to LSU shortly after that.

Columbia Dance Team Reaches Finals at Nationals, Takes 10th

Columbia Athletics

The Columbia University Dance Team finished in 10th place in Division I Dance at the 2008 NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship April 11 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Each competing team is required to perform 30 consecutive seconds of three dance styles; pom, jazz and hip-hop. Teams are scored in ten categories, including technique, routine execution, and performance impression. The teams with scores falling in the top half of each division advance to the finals.

This year, the Dance Team’s performance of a technology themed routine received a score of 8.58, high enough to earn a spot in the finals and a performance on Daytona Beach’s famous Bandshell.

Senior co-captain Alexandra Stylianos attributes the team’s success to their unity and work ethic. “Making finals this year was such a great accomplishment,” Stylianos says, “because it was the goal that we set for ourselves at our very first practice in September. Each and every one of us worked incredibly hard at every practice and we all motivated each other to perform ‘like a finals team’ at every [athletics event] in order to reach our goal.”

First-year head coach Bernadine Goldberg was pleased with the team’s performance. “We are so proud to have been able to represent Columbia University at this level,” she notes. “Nationals afforded us the opportunity to show the country that we have a world-class spirit program. We will only continue to grow from here.”

Stylianos adds, “It was such a privilege to lead this group of girls and I am so happy that we were able to perform on the finals stage in Daytona along with some of the most amazing nationally recognized dance teams.

MT Dance Team Excels In National Competition

By Sarah Lavery
Sidelines Online

In its first year under the spirit program and with a brand new coach, the MTSU Dance Team placed sixth in this year's National Cheer Association-National Dance Association Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship.

The team's new coach, Casey Reese, came into the program in February. The team had already started practicing before she arrived.

"I'm so proud of how these girls worked as a team and how they came out on top," Reese said.

During the competition, which took place April 9 through 13 in Daytona Beach, Fla., the team, at first, came just short of making the final round.

But the Dance Team procured the coveted Challenge Cup, competing against other teams that didn't pass the preliminaries for one last spot in the finals.

Before getting the Challenge Cup, the girls were ranked ninth overall in the "Open Dance Division I" category, performing a lyrical jazz routine.

In the end, though, they secured their sixth-place spot.

The team, which recently held its tryouts for the upcoming year, practices twice a week for four hours at a time. The MTSU Dance Team now has 16 new members, and Reese said she couldn't be more excited.

This year, the Dance Team-hopefuls had to master triple Pirouettes, complicated ballet-turns in second position and switch leaps, among many other advanced techniques, just to be considered for the team.

"The new team this year is of a totally higher standard," Reese said. "We're really trying to put MTSU on the map in cheer and dance. We had much higher expectations [in selecting this year's group]."

The MTSU Cheerleading Squad also took part in the competition, but did not make it to the final round. They also tried for the Challenge Cup and placed fifth, which put them at 15th overall.

"We actually had a lot of deductions in preliminaries," said Renee Hathaway, MTSU Spirit Coordinator. "Had we not had them, would have been in third."

The small, co-ed cheer squad, consisting of four males and 16 females, is also a new group. Fourteen of the team's members, in fact, are freshman and had never competed at a collegiate level.

"I'm very proud of how hard the cheerleaders worked," Hathaway said. "They worked for three months just to go down there, and for them not to do what they expected, it is disappointing."

During the upcoming year, Hathaway said she hopes the squad will have two full teams-10 couples on a co-ed squad, 20 members of an all-girl squad and six alternates, and each cheerleading hopeful will have already mastered a standing back-tuck.

"Our standards have gotten a lot higher," Hathaway said. "This year, I would like to see a lot team bonding, a lot of synchronized stunts."

Even more, Hathaway said she hopes the entire MTSU spirit program can work with each other, to create an even better atmosphere at sporting events.

"I want the whole spirit program-cheer, dance and the mascot-to be at all of the ballgames. I don't want [to separate cheer and dance anymore. We will both be on the sidelines. There won't be a basketball game that you won't see the dance team."

William Penn Spirit Squad Adds Pair for 2008-2009 Year

Statesmen Athletics

Oskaloosa--William Penn University spirit squad coach Kristin Libby has announced the signings of Kaley Gray and Emily Anderson to letter of intents to attend the University in the fall and compete for the spirit squad programs.

Kaley Gray, the daughter of Brad and Denise Gray, will graduate from Albia HS in May. Gray, who will participate on the dance team, was selected to the all-Iowa Honor Drill Team in 2008.

A two-year letterwinner in dance and once in cheerleading, Gray was the captain of the Albia Lady Dee-Lites Dance Team the past two years. She also danced at the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

Emily Anderson, the daughter of Jack and Debbie Anderson, was an Ottumwa HS graduate and currently attends Indian Hills CC, where she has been cheering since 2006. She will participate on the cheer squad.

A State Cheerleader Award honoree, Anderson competed at the University of Iowa Cheer and Dance Championships and received an Excellence of Academic Achievement from the Iowa High School Athletic Association.