SMU Alum in the news that Cheer & Dance could use!
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2004 10:35 pmDancing for the Dorados -- Dozens attend tryouts for Dorado dance team
February 24,2004
Rose Ybarra
The Monitor
McALLEN — With the opening day of the Rio Grande Valley Dorados inaugural game fast approaching, officials from the af2 organization kicked off another part of the team’s budding tradition.
On Monday, the Dorados held an open audition for its soon-to-be named dance team at Kelly’s Center Stage in McAllen. Dozens of young women from throughout the Rio Grande Valley strutted their stuff for the judges in hopes of making the first-ever squad.
Lena Longoria, director of public relations/community relations for the Dorados, said she planned to narrow the field to about 25 before selecting the final 12 women for the team.
With an extensive dance background that includes a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Longoria would likely serve as a choreographer for the dance team in addition to her other duties with the organization.
The McAllen native evaluated the candidates, jotted down notes and made marks on a score sheet.
"We’re looking for talent and technique," Longoria said. "We want dancers with good showmanship and spirit. She has to have character."
In addition to a strong dance background, Longoria also sought well-rounded individuals. The duties of the dance team members will stretch way beyond performing at football games. They are expected to be quite visible in the community.
"This is a big commitment," Longoria said. "This is not just a hobby. We will be involved in the schools and in many projects in the community."
Would-be dance team members were asked to fill out a detailed form with information about themselves. Others brought in cover letters, résumés and headshots.
Longoria said members of the dance team would make about $75 for each of the eight home games on the Dorados’ schedule this year.
But for most of the candidates, the money was not a factor in their decision to audition.
"The Dorados and arena football are something new for the Valley to experience," said Edinburg resident Felicia Ramirez, 20. "I want to be part of this new tradition."
McAllen resident Caty Wantland, 18, tried out for the team in hopes of improving her choreography skills, A freshman at University of Texas – Pan American in Edinburg, she is currently taking dance classes and participated in flag corps in high school.
"I just came to see what’s going on," she said. "I don’t know if this is something I want to do. I’m kind of auditioning them at the same time."
The Dorados first-ever game is April 3 versus the Laredo Law.
Longoria said she was confident she would find a good mix in the sea of women that auditioned for the 12 spots.
"There’s a lot of talented people in the Valley and we want to highlight that," she said. "We’re really excited."
February 24,2004
Rose Ybarra
The Monitor
McALLEN — With the opening day of the Rio Grande Valley Dorados inaugural game fast approaching, officials from the af2 organization kicked off another part of the team’s budding tradition.
On Monday, the Dorados held an open audition for its soon-to-be named dance team at Kelly’s Center Stage in McAllen. Dozens of young women from throughout the Rio Grande Valley strutted their stuff for the judges in hopes of making the first-ever squad.
Lena Longoria, director of public relations/community relations for the Dorados, said she planned to narrow the field to about 25 before selecting the final 12 women for the team.
With an extensive dance background that includes a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Longoria would likely serve as a choreographer for the dance team in addition to her other duties with the organization.
The McAllen native evaluated the candidates, jotted down notes and made marks on a score sheet.
"We’re looking for talent and technique," Longoria said. "We want dancers with good showmanship and spirit. She has to have character."
In addition to a strong dance background, Longoria also sought well-rounded individuals. The duties of the dance team members will stretch way beyond performing at football games. They are expected to be quite visible in the community.
"This is a big commitment," Longoria said. "This is not just a hobby. We will be involved in the schools and in many projects in the community."
Would-be dance team members were asked to fill out a detailed form with information about themselves. Others brought in cover letters, résumés and headshots.
Longoria said members of the dance team would make about $75 for each of the eight home games on the Dorados’ schedule this year.
But for most of the candidates, the money was not a factor in their decision to audition.
"The Dorados and arena football are something new for the Valley to experience," said Edinburg resident Felicia Ramirez, 20. "I want to be part of this new tradition."
McAllen resident Caty Wantland, 18, tried out for the team in hopes of improving her choreography skills, A freshman at University of Texas – Pan American in Edinburg, she is currently taking dance classes and participated in flag corps in high school.
"I just came to see what’s going on," she said. "I don’t know if this is something I want to do. I’m kind of auditioning them at the same time."
The Dorados first-ever game is April 3 versus the Laredo Law.
Longoria said she was confident she would find a good mix in the sea of women that auditioned for the 12 spots.
"There’s a lot of talented people in the Valley and we want to highlight that," she said. "We’re really excited."