| March Madness Dance Team Profiles | |
March Madness means tournaments. Conference post season tournaments and then the NCAA and NIT. During the course of covering various tournaments, there was an opportunity to see a number of talented dance teams in action. Here are a few profiles of members from these talented, hard working squads.
Name - Laura Kellison
School - Xavier University
Class - Sophomore
Major - Sports Management
Hometown - Cincinnati, Ohio
Years dance experience - 17
Most rewarding aspect - "To be on a team and enjoy the camaraderie as we all
get along."
Most difficult part - "It can be time consuming. Beside practice and games we
raise our own money because we do not have a big budget. We have no choreographer
so we are responsible for our own routines."
Name - Becky King
School - University of Pittsburgh
Class - Junior
Major - Psychology
Hometown - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Years dance experience - 15
Most rewarding aspect - "Being involved in such a spirited group in the university
and community. We are involved not only in games but charity work, visiting
schools and hospitals."
Most difficult part - "Definitely the time aspect. We practice at least three
to five times a week. Between practice and competition it doesn't allow much
free time."
Name - Tiffany
Miller
School - University of Pittsburgh
Class - Sr.
Hometown - Somerset, Pa.
Major - Nursing
Years dance experience - 19
Most rewarding aspect - "Experience on the dance team has been very fulfilling.
We not only perform at the games but do a lot of work in the community."
Most difficult part - "Realizing the fact that when the season ends I will be
giving this up and will miss it terribly. Four years coming to an end is sad."
Name - Janell Johnson
School - University of Miami
Class - Sr.
Hometown - Birmingham, Alabama
Major - Business Management/Finance
Years dance experience - 20
Most rewarding aspect - "Able to do something to support the school and athletic
program."
Most difficult part - "Time management is the toughest thing. But it does help
you stay on task and organized."
Name - Bridget
Black
School - University of Miami
Class - Sr.
Hometown - Tiberton, Rhode Island
Major - Psychology
Years dance experience - 18
Most rewarding aspect - "Performance. I'm used to performing (in dance) on stage.
Now this allows me to do something to benefit the school."
Most difficult part - "Between school and what you have to know for the dances
and practice, it all takes up a lot of time."
Name - Crystal
Parutal
School - Syracuse University
Hometown - Weirton, West Virginia
Class - Freshman
Most rewarding aspect - "During time outs and half-time you are out there as
the center of attention."
Most difficult part - "Managing practice and school (demands) every day."
Name - Gaynor Hall
School - Syracuse University
Hometown - Chicago, Illinois Class - Sr.
Most rewarding aspect - "Being at the games. Dancing before big crowds is a
wonderful experience."
Most difficult part - "We practice 5-6 days a week, basketball (men's and women's)
schedules can overlap, but it's worth it."
Name - Stacey Wang
School - Syracuse University
Hometown - Bucks County, Pa.
Class - Freshman
Most rewarding aspect - "Getting to know the girls on the squad. They are all
great and we stay close during the season."
Most difficult part - "Time management between school and practices."
Name - Laura Bochner
School - Syracuse University
Hometown - East Brunswick, NJ
Class - Sophomore
Most rewarding aspects - "Know the complements you get and it's great to get
to know people appreciate the work involved."
Most difficult part - "Practice time. We practice about 2 hours a day five times
a week plus the games make it time consuming."
About Ray Floriani: Ray Floriani has been writing college basketball for over twenty years. He is a columnist with Eastern Basketball magazine, Basketball Times and College Hoops Insider. In 1998 he was cited by the Gazelle Group for his work in covering the Coaches vs. Cancer events and was chosen 1999 NIT Media Man of the Year. Contact Ray Floriani.
