The popular song written by the Ying Yang Twins, “Shake it like a salt shaker,” was heard at every home basketball game last year. The FAU Dance team used the chart topping hit during half-time routines and their annual competition in April.
Although they came home with a disappointing finish from competition, they turned the page and started to prepare for the upcoming year. Little did they know that the song would explain what happened to the team over the summer.
Part of their preparation included saying goodbye to veterans, and welcoming rookies. So far this year, seven of the 12 members are rookies. Last years’ coach, Anissa Costello resigned at the end of last year and Assistant coach Jen Marsh accepted the position as head coach. Working with Marsh will be last year’s team trainer, Trish Dittmer, who will be the team’s assistant coach.
“I think that the direction this year is going to be a lot different. We’re turning over a new leaf; it’s going to be very beneficial for the school,” said Marsh about having a 75% rookie squad.
Captain O’Shaun Uter thinks that the coaching change is going to be easy for the squad, “Jen has been on the team before. There are going to be some things that are going to change that she [Marsh] is going to do differently then Anissa did, but I don’t think it’s going to be drastic change.”
However, this is not stopping the team from preparing for football and basketball season, and preparing for another trip to competition in April.”Were going to have to do a lot of fundraising for it and we will hopefully have a lot of talent so that we can place well,” Marsh commented.
Tryouts for the FAU Dance team will take place on September 7th and 9th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the FAU Gym. You must attend both days to be considered. For more information on tryouts, pictures from the 2004 National Competition, or information on the Dance Team members please visit www.fausports.com.
Captain Oí_Shaun Uter, Lisa DelPozzo, Blair Yeargin, Tori Plyler and Allison Potter are among the veterans. The rookies include: Adriana Caruso, Amanda Cooper, Amy Madill, Shannon Mariettlavsa, Trisha Ramudo, Rachel Robinson and Claudia Soto.
