AU Cheer/Dance Tryouts

The New 2013-2014 Cheer and Dance Team 

     On Saturday April 13th The cheer and dance team held tryouts in the Thornton Gymnasium. 15 girls tried out and 11 were new incoming freshman or transfer students. During tryouts the girls had to learn a short cheer and dance and then they went over jumps, kicks, and pirouettes. 

     After learning their routines they were allowed a short lunch break in the cafeteria. Once their break was over, they were able to review in groups. Once their review time was finished the girls had to wait in the hallway while they were called in groups of three to tryout in front of judges. The Judges included, coach Denise Hatcher, history professor Dr. Jeanine Clark Bremmer, and myself, since I am senior. They had to perform the cheer, dance, jumps, and explain why they want to be on the team. 

     The girls who tried out did a great job and they all made it. After the new members were announced they all went inside the gym where the new captains (since the old captains included 2 other seniors and myself) explained the contract and rules. 

Below are pictures of the 2013-2014 cheer and dance team. 

Head Coach Denise Hatcher 

(Cheer) Captain Kara 

(Cheer) Captain Tiffany 

(Dance) Captain Leena

(Dance) Captain Lindsay

(Dance) Captain Rachel 

Manager Amy 

2013-2014 Cheer and Dance 

Awards Night :)

Awards night was held on Friday March 22, 2013. 
During awards the women's and men's basketball teams were recognized as well. 

The cheer/dance awards that were given out included personalized aluminum water bottles for team members, trophy's for captains, and personalized crystal paperweights for four year members. 

Before each team member received their award Coach Denise Hatcher said nice things, gave everyone a hug, and then thanked them. 

Being a captain and a four year member made awards night a little bit emotional. I was happy to be part of the team, and I am sad to go. But overall, awards was a success and I am glad I was a part of the team for the last four years.  

Picture from awards night: 

Want to be More Flexible?

Dance Stretches 

Whether you're a dancer or a cheerleader, these stretches are the perfect way to improve your flexibility and feel great! 

 

                   

The stretches below have been my favorite throughout my years of dance:

• Stand up and roll the arch of your foot with a tennis ball. Do it slowly! This will help your arch and point. 
• Sit facing the wall and straddle. be sure to point your toes, and push yourself in as much as you can. This will help your middle split. 
• Stand up with your back facing the wall. Lift your right or left leg and push yourself up against the wall. This will help your right and left split. 
• Lay on your back and lift your right or left leg. Pull your leg toward your chest, but keep your toes point and leg straight. 

Tips for stretching: 

• Try to stretch everyday for at least 10 minutes. 
• Warm up your muscles before you stretch so you don't hurt yourself. Try doing some jumping jacks, or walking. 
• Stretch before and after activity. 
• Work opposite muscles when stretching.
• Don't over stretch or bounce. Holding a stretch for 10-30 seconds should be enough. 
• Only stretch until you feel minor discomfort. You don't want to hurt yourself. 

Youtube Video's of stretches that I love: 

Senior Night!!

February 9th was senior night and although I'm excited to graduate it was a pretty sad day. I have made so many life-long friends on the cheer/dance team and I'm sad to go because I will miss all of them. 

I felt so special that day thanks to my awesome teammates. 
The rest of the seniors and I received gifts from everyone which included a collage photo, flowers, and candy. 

My entire family was there too! :)

We performed my favorite dance that was choreographed by Ally Adair. This routine brought us together as a team because we worked so hard on it, and the hard work paid off. I've never been more proud of us. 

Senior Night Hip Hop Routine

Senior Night Pictures 

Cheer/Dance loves LAX!

February 6, 2013 the AU cheer and dance team did their annual halftime performance with the men's lacrosse team. 

This was something that the 2011-2012 captains had always wanted to do and it turned out to be a hit. 

The lacrosse halftime performance is something the teams, students, and staff look forward to.

Be sure to keep a look out for next years routine! :)

2013 cheer/dance and lacrosse halftime performance  

2012 cheer/dance and lacrosse halftime performance 

"We hoped this would become a tradition when we thought of the idea. It's a fun way to meet new people and bring awareness to both the teams!" - Jordan Dobbins

"Both of the teams learn to work together and the men get to see how much hard work goes into our practices and performances." - Denise Hatcher (Head Coach)