American University Cheer & Dance

Fall Tryouts!!!

2011-08-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

American University's Cheer and Dance Teams are having tryouts for the 2011-2012 school year on August 27th & 28th, 2011 in Bender Arena from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Cheer
Females should wear a fitted shirt or sports bra and shorts with appropriate shoes. Hair should be worn down or half-up, half-down. Males should wear a t-shirt, athletic shorts, and appropriate shoes.

Dance
Females should wear a tight-fitting tank top, tight-shorts/jazz pants, shoes to perform technique, and running/tennis shoes.

*Participants will be judged on the following:
-Spirit, confidence, enthusiasm
-Projection
-Ability to lead the crowd
-Physical fitness and collegiate appearance
-Fight song (will be taught at tryouts)
-Cheer (will be taught at tryouts)
-Stunting
-Triple jump
-Standing/running gymnastics, when applicable

For more information or questions, email spirit@american.edu or visit http://www.aueagles.com/fan_central/Cheer_and_Dance

Back from Daytona.. DT Captain, Kelsey

2011-04-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

And we're back from our third and most successful year competing at NCA and NDA college nationals! Both cheer and dance obtained the highest scores from our routines that we have ever accomplished. I am SO incredibly proud to say that the American University Dance Team has placed 9th in the nation for Division 1 Hip Hop!! We are so excited that all of our hard work paid off and we received some amazing recognition at nationals this year!
Usually, returning home from Daytona is bittersweet. It's the end of our incredibly long season. We will finally have ample time to do our homework, see friends that aren't involved in AU Spirit (does anyone have any of those anymore? haha), and get ready for finals and summer vacation before the season starts up again with the next school year. However, this year is very different for me. I will be graduating in December, a semester early, and therefore this was my last nationals season on the American University dance team.
Usually, I return home excited to show off my tan (which is actually usually a sunburn), and hang out with my friends, but as I walked through the door of my apartment with all of my luggage just a half an hour ago, I instead felt an overwhelming gratitude for what the American University Spirit Program has given me the past three years.
As I have said in my blog posts for the past three years, our spirit program is a group of extraordinary young women and men. It has been such an amazing experience to watch this program grow and be a part of it. We have always worked incredibly hard, but the talent and the perseverance to get better has only increased with every year. I have seen the technical skills on my own team reach far beyond a level that I could have imagined when I tried out for the team in April of 2008, and I got to watch the cheer team go from having 4 or 5 tumblers to having almost full team tumbling and sticking nearly every stunt they throw in the air.
My team and this program have given me so much in the past three years. My dancing has improved drastically, as well as my athletic ability, I have AMAZING time management skills, and I now know how to shake poms and run flags with the best of them. However, the most important thing this program has given me is a family away from my family.
We have faced many struggles together; not having time for schoolwork, friends, boyfriends (or girlfriends), getting injured, messing up performances, missing holidays and special time with our actual families, and enduring hours of hard practices. We've also had more amazing and funny memories than I could possibly count, and I couldn't picture the past three years without any of the amazing past and present members of the team. You all have made my time on the American University Dance Team nothing less than perfect, and I love you all. When we all look back on our days on our cheer or dance teams, we aren't going to remember our routines, or how long the bus ride to Florida felt, or the scores of the basketball games we cheered at, but we are instead going to remember those great nights in Daytona, the feeling of walking off the Nationals floor after nailing a routine, how many laughs we all had together along the way, and how lucky we were to have been a part of such a special group of people.
My freshman year I wrote on this very blog that I couldn't have been luckier to have left my family in Ridgefield, CT and found a new one here in DC, and I couldn't have been more right. Of course none of it would have been possible without our coaches, Alex, Rachel, and Nate, who have continuously pushed us to be better even when we thought there was no where else to go. Nate has been an amazing encouragement to not only his own team, but dance as well, and I will forever appreciate him staying after his own practice was over to help us clean our hip hop routine. Rachel has dove in to being an assistant coach of this crazy team so effortlessly, and we wouldn't be where we are (9th place!) without her. I want to especially thank Alex for pushing me and believing in me enough to choose me as one of the leaders of this amazing team, and wish her all the luck in the world as she begins the most exciting journey of her life. And of course a big thank you to Brett,and Jay for giving so much to this program, as well as all of our amazing alums who have been so supportive.

I'm getting a little teary sitting here at my computer, and I think I've written a novel already. I love you all more than you know, and I can't thank you enough for three amazing years on this team. When I am no longer a member of AU Spirit, I will be taking the place of "AU Spirit's Biggest Fan." You guys have no where else to go but up, and I will be cheering you on the entire way.
DT on 3,
Kelsey

We Talkin' About Practice - Connor, Cheer Co-Captain

2011-03-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, Allen Iverson was just as popular with his “practice” press conference as Charlie Sheen is today with his “winning” interview. Both cheer and dance have something in common with Iverson, lately we have had practice about as many times as Iverson said it in the video.

However, contrary to what Iverson said, for us practice is everything. We don’t have games every week. We have one game each year, nationals. People may think we push ourselves when we are performing down in Daytona. False, Daytona is a breeze. Rather, practices are where we push ourselves. We practice hard four times a week so that nationals is easier for us. Especially now, practice is getting more intense. People have been injured. People have quit. People have gotten angry. Still, we keep going and we keep pushing. We push to the point of exhaustion and frustration, yet we come back the next day ready to do what is required and then some.

Practices are rough, and the only thing that hasn’t made us go crazy or quit by now is our bond as a team. Regardless of how we feel in practice, we are still good friends. We can joke around with each other. More importantly, we can turn our pain and soreness into points of laughter and fun among us. Our shared aches bring us closer together. Each practice brings new bruises, cuts, and sore muscles, but it also brings a stronger bond. And that’s something we’re all willing to sacrifice for.

Looks like I’m almost as bad as Iverson. I said practice 10 times. But then again we talkin’ about practice.

Lost in Transition - Dance Junior, Elyse

2011-03-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

This Nationals season had a slightly different start for me and two other teammates. Hannah, Kelsey and I spent last semester abroad in different corners of the globe. Although we did as much as we could from Jordan, Rome, and Chile to stay in shape while we were away, no other workout is the same as dancing. Not only are we back into dancing full swing, getting ourselves as prepared as possible for NDA Nationals. Not only is it nice to be dancing, it is so much easier to motivate yourself when you see that your 11 other teammates are all pushing themselves just as hard, working towards a common goal.

I had the time of my life in South America, but every time a song we had danced to in a routine played, I started to get a little teary (and inevitably danced like a fool, no matter where I was at the time). Spending 8 months away from any sort of dance floor and your inspiring teammates really makes you evaluate how much you love dancing and your dance team. Having been trained in a more concert dance company based environment, I was totally unprepared to be a member of any sort of team when I came on as a freshman. But I showed up for try-outs and ended up joining the team before I had even taken a single class at American University. Being on this team has shaped my college experience and changed me as a person. Now that basketball season is officially over and we’re on the brink of the biggest event of our season, the somewhat familiar nerves, anxiety, and excitement of nationals season have firmly planted themselves in my stomach, and all that I can do is push myself and encourage my teammates. I love

you and believe in you all <3

DT ON 3

Winning. Camille David (Duh, Cheer)

2011-03-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

SO kids… basketball season has finally come to an end and "march madness", also known as the rush to get ready for cheer and dance nationals, has begun. As a cheerleader or a dancer at this time, you're one of the following:

(1) Panicked.

(2) Excited.

(3) Convinced we're taking home that championship trophy for the third year in a row.

Personally, I'm all three, but I'm only going to talk about option (3). I joined the team in September of my freshman year. I was a softball player and a "drama kid" from middle school on. We didn't really have a cheerleading team at my high school, but I always loved school spirit at games. So when cheer held open try-outs, I showed up on a Sunday wearing my black soffe shorts and black sports bra and gave it a whirl. Somewhere between Lauren almost making me tear up while teaching me the fight song (yeah, had to get a serious High V lesson) and putting Joanna up in libs, I was hooked. I got a call from Brett that night and I joined up as an alternate.

The following February, all 20 something of us traveled to Infinity, a gym in Virginia, to get choreography for Nationals. Somehow, I ended up rolling around on the floor in the front of the dance with Lauren. Yeah, not quite sure what they were thinking. A month later and we were hitting our stunts and our pyramid and I thought we had nationals in our back pocket. I didn't tell anyone at the time, but I thought we were taking home a huge trophy and I would be bragging to my friends about how I was on one of the best cheerleading teams in the country.

In April, we woke up at some absurd hour to put on make-up and do our hair and then hit the mat. The second we were in warm-ups, the panic set in. I looked around at the other all girl teams and was amazed. How were girls my size doing all that crazy stuff? We warmed up our routine and about 30 minutes later, pre-lims were over. The next day, everyone performed in finals and then all 13 teams sat on the mat and waited for them to announce the winner. They started with 13th place, we got 11th. I was shocked. Even though I had seen all the teams and deep down knew they were better, I was still so surprised. Everyone looked excited, because we hadn't placed last. I wanted to cry.

It took me about two weeks to finally put the week at Daytona in perspective. It was our first year at competition, about eight girls on our team had never cheered before (myself included), and we had no idea what to expect. My mom and dad popped in my head. After my freshman year season where we went 17-1, they just repeated to me over and over "It's not about winning". And it's really not. I would cheer and put all the blood, sweat, tears and drama in every year, even if I knew 11th place would always be the outcome.

And despite it all, it's March 13, with nationals less than a month away, I still think we will be top 5. I guess its that childhood optimism that comes when you begin a new sport. Or maybe, Charlie Sheen and I have something in common. "Duh, winning!"

Flying Solo - DT Freshman Mark

2011-03-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

I came into college expecting to make friends, start a new life, and figure out what I would be doing for the rest of my career--never in a million years did I think I would be joining the dance team at American University halfway through the season to compete for Nationals in Daytona.

Hi, I'm Mark and I'm the newest member of the AU Dance Team--and the only male. While I'm the only guy on the team, the girls have been so welcoming that I haven't had any trouble getting integrated into the team. It's tough joining the team halfway through the season, but I'm having an absolute blast already. I won't lie, I thought I would be so embarrassed to say I was a member of the dance team, but I couldn't be prouder of what I've become a part of.

Hip-Hop is my specialty, even though I really don't have much formal experience with dance. I have to tell you though, our Nationals routine is really going to bring it! Get pumped! I've been working really hard on the choreography and I really have to thank those who have taken the time out of their busy schedule to work with me one-on-one to make sure that I've got everything that I need to know.

I'm still trying to learn the ways of the dance team, and we're all going to be working at the Battle at the Capitol, so that should be a great opportunity for a team bonding experience. I can't wait to keep you guys updated with how things are going for the team as a whole! All in all, I couldn't be happier about joining the dance team.

--Mark

Slacking

2011-03-04T12:20:00.001-08:00

We'll pick it back up soon. We've just been so busy supporting our teams and preparing for nationals, that we haven't been doing our part to keep up the blog. Please forgive us! We'll be posting again shortly!

Men's Game - November 17th

2010-11-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

The Men's Basketball team did a great job last night winning a tight game against University of Maryland Eastern Shore. We really hope the crowd continues to show up - it makes the games atmosphere so much better!!

Our DT did a great job with their performance too! Check it out:

DT DOES MEN'S HOME OPENER! -Dance Freshman, Becca

2010-11-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

Holy shmollies! I don't know where to start! These past few months at AU and with dance team have been more amazing than I could have ever imagined. Growing up in a "dance studio" setting, I never experienced much of a team atmosphere, so when I became a part of the spirit program it was a huge change. This change was definitely for the better and immediately when I joined this incredible group of people a family bond began to grow. We spend hours in the library together, workout in the gym together, go on TDR dates, and so on. At practice you can always count on encouragement from your teammates to push harder, dance stronger, and smile bigger and this, at times, is the sole reason you keep going.

This past Friday we performed at the Men's Basketball Team Home Opener, doing a routine choreographed by our own captains, Francesca and Lyndsey, and alumna, Jackie. What a great experience! The arena was packed, the crowd was pumped, and the basketball team played hard and won. It was such a great feeling to be out on the court cheering on the team, and to hear the crowd roar when they stole the ball or scored. When it came time to perform we were buzzing with nerves and excitement, but we took the floor like it was our job. At the end of the game, we lined up and said goodbye to the children that had come for elementary school night, and even took pictures with them! Overall, it was a fantastic night and I cannot wait for the rest of the season.

Keep whippin yo hair:)
Becca

My First American Madness- AU Cheer Junior, Dianne

2010-11-11T12:47:00.000-08:00

Last night was truly something else! I forgot what it feels like to perform in front of a crowd and the adrenaline rush that comes along with it. For the past few weeks, we have been drilling our tumbling, stunt sequences, dances, and pyramids over and over again for a performance that lasts two minutes and thirty seconds. Crazy, I know but what a lot of people don't realize is that a lot of injuries, sweat, blood, and tears went into that routine. At times, we came across a few rough patches but it was nothing we couldn't handle as a team. You'd be surprised of what a few rounds of duck duck goose could do.

As a transfer student, I thought of cheerleading as a way to meet people and feel out AU, I didn't expect to develop such a close relationship with the people on the team but I did and I couldn't be happier. American Madness was a learning experience and a lot of fun. I can't wait to see what the rest of the season is going to be like, especially NATIONALS

Love you all :)

Dianne

American Madness 2010

2010-11-11T05:04:00.000-08:00

Our 2010 American Madness Routine was a hit! The teams worked so hard, and all of that work paid off. Check out our routines here, and make sure to join us at the

Men's Home Opener, this Friday at 7:30pm in Bender!

We had some help from some of the Men's Basketball team too!

A Month of Madness; My First Perfomance! AUDT Freshman, Alexandra

2010-11-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

What a month!! And what a night! We have finally had our first official performance of the 2010-2011 season! For the past month, we have worked long and hard on the most skill-heavy and physically demanding American Madness routine to date. And tonight, all the time and effort we put into it has paid off; it was fantastic!

After about a month into the season, I realized that the American University Dance Team was going to be a lot more than I bargained for. Back in high school, I took dance classes for about 4 hours a week, at MOST. I am now practicing 10 hours a week, and that's considered short! With games and fundraising events thrown into the mix, dance team takes up most of my free time. It was very difficult for me to get into this new schedule. I really struggled, and I got down on myself a lot early on because I didn't feel as experienced or as "good" as everyone else. But I would've never been able to get through it all if it weren't for the unending support and friendship of the girls on the team. Almost all of us have only known each for a few months, some even less than that, and it really feels like they are already my best friends. If it weren't for them, I don't know if I would've been able to make it this far!

For the past two days, I have been shaking in my boots. I never get nervous when it comes to performing in front of people. And for some reason, I wanted to puke about three minutes before we had to go out and perform tonight. The team and I have all worked so hard on this American Madness routine, and I was so scared that after all of our hard work, I was going to mess something up. But once I stepped out on the floor and saw all of the cheering fans, I couldn't help but smile. I realized that even though this dance team is more difficult, strenuous, and time consuming than any other type of dancing I have done in my life, it all leads up to the same thing - the final performance. When you're standing in front of your peers in your your final pose, out of breath, and the crowd is cheering for you; that moment makes it all worth it. Knowing that you put your all into something you love so much so that other people can enjoy it too; that's what we do. That's what dancing is all about. And that's why I'm here.

So, here's to the start of a new generation of AU Spirit, and to many more fantastic performances to come!

Much Love,

Alexandra

From the Beijing Olympic Village - Cheer Junior, Clay

2010-11-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

I can remember this time last year perfectly - especially the attempt at a shoulder stand with Connor. American Madness is the first game of Cheer season: it's the test to set the standard for our next routine and most importantly, it shows us how hard we need to work for Nationals.

As I'm studying abroad in China for this semester (Don't tell the CCP that I'm doing this right now!)I realized how much I miss the team. I work out with the mindset that I need to stay fit to come back to cheer and ready to kick butt at Nationals - last year was merely a practice run. We did a great job, but none of us knew what to expect in the division we competed in. And now it's time for American Madness.

It's a night where those who come out to get free food and tshirts and to support the basketball teams get something they don't expect - Cheer and dance routines. It's not even 3 minutes of a routine, but it makes an impression on all who see it. They see flips, they see girls in big pyramids, they see guys who aren't afraid to show off their skills, and they see a group of 30 people who keep a smile on their face even if a stunt goes awry.

But Cheer and Dance, things won't go awry if you don't let them. Go out there, don't stop, get it get it, and do it like y'all do it in your sleep.

See ya in a few months!

Good Luck at American Madness!!- Dance Junior Kelsey

2010-11-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Ciao AU Spirit members and fans!

I am so excited to be back writing on the blog for the 2010-2011 season! However, this year is a little different for me. I am currently spending my fall semester studying abroad in Rome, Italy, and I have to say, I am having the time of my life!

Roma is now my second home and although I miss DC and DT, I am loving the study abroad experience. It is so amazing to be able to travel to all different countries within Europe just as easily as we would travel from DC to New York! The next stop on my European tour is Prague! However, a piece of me is missing when I know that my teammates are hard at work, practicing in Bender, and I'm not there with them.

Reppin DT at the Piazza Di Spangia (Spanish Steps) in Roma!

Thanks to Facebook and email, I have been able to keep in touch with the returning members of the team, and virtually meet the new rookies! I want to thank Alex, Lyndsey, Francesca and everyone else for keeping me in the loop and making me feel just as much a part of the team as I am when I'm actually in the States.

Tomorrow is the official beginning of AU Spirit's season, with our annual American Madness Pep Ralley in Bender Arena! I want to wish all the members of AU Dance and Cheer the best of luck with their first performance of the season! I have gotten to watch a sneak peak video of their routine and it looks AMAZING! I know you girls (and guys!) are going to be great. Enjoy this performance and take it all in, because American Madness is one of our most fun performances of the season! I wish I could be there dancing with you tomorrow!

While I am having an amazing time here, I cannot wait to return to my Spirit family in January for the remainder of basketball season and our Nationals season! I know AU Spirit is an extraordinary group of individuals this year and I am expecting amazing things from us this season!

Good luck and I will be there dancing with you in spirit!

I love and miss you all!

Arrivederci!

xoxo Kelsey

We're Back!

2010-11-08T05:10:00.000-08:00

We've been slacking, but we're now we're back! Our season is off to a great start with two, almost brand new, teams. They've been working hard and are so ready for the basketball season ahead and nationals 2011! We will have posts from members and videos to share soon but, in the meantime, make sure to come to

AMERICAN MADNESS
Wednesday, November 10
from 7-8pm in Bender Arena

and the

MEN'S HOME OPENER

Friday, November 12

at 7:30pm against St. Francis

in Bender Arena

See you there!

Tryout for the AU Cheer & Dance Teams!

2010-08-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Interested in trying out for the AU Cheer and Dance Teams?

You're in luck! The teams are hosting tryouts this weekend in Bender Arena!

Saturday, August 28th: 10AM - 1PM
Sunday, August 29th: 11AM - 2PM

Prospective dancers and cheerleaders must attend both sessions in order to be considered for the teams. If you make the team, you will also be expected to return for a team meeting at 4pm on August 29.

Saturday will be a clinic day where you will meet vets in the program and have the opportunity to learn/brush up on some of the skills on which you will be evaluated on Sunday.

Remember that this is a college tryout, so it's important that you look professional. Wear clothes that are comfortable to cheer or dance in, but please make sure you look neat and presentable for the judges.

For more information on what skills will be evaluated, please contact cheer coach, Nate Wambold, or dance coach, Alexandra Salama, at spirit@american.edu.

See you at tryouts!

My Last Year Dancing at Nationals

2010-04-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well, we're about to be Daytona-bound. American University Cheer and Dance leave D.C. in 48 hours from now! Although we're all itching with anticipation, and only have one practice left in D.C. to prep for Nationals, it's hard to ever feel "ready." Yet, the thing that we need to remind ourselves is exactly what we're getting "ready" for: we've been preparing a great routine, and we are now "ready" to do it the best that WE CAN. Who cares how high that stranger's toe-touch is? So what if that random girl can do a quad? We've worked HARD. We've MADE ourselves better, we've FOUGHT to get where we are, we've IMPROVED, we've given it our ALL, and it wasn't easy.
From looking frazzled in our fouette sequence, to achieving picture-perfect timing, DT 09-10 has come a long way. We've come even farther since I joined the team back in Fall of 2007, when the team was still a year away from competing on the Nationals stage. The incredible part about experiencing each season is seeing the growth on the team as a whole and within each of us as individuals. We progress as dancers, mastering things we never even thought of attempting. I am so proud to have learned all that I did on this team, and thankful that my coach took the time to really teach me. On Dance Team, we become stronger people, pushing through the breathlessness, muscle fatigue, soreness, bruises, bad turns, tendinitis, sprains, stomachaches, homesickness, papers, midterms, and jobs of the day to end on a good note as we have our cool-down and realize that it IS a great day to be alive and an even better day to dance with your best friends under a coach who cares.
In all this, we grow closer to one another to an unbelievable degree. We've helped each other to get this far, and more importantly, our coach has helped us each step of the way. She has instilled in every one of us not only the desire to be great, but the belief that we can be, and the pathway towards reaching that greatness.
After countless practices, both good and bad, DT is poised for its grand finale. Remember, readiness does not entail ease. Rather, our team is ready because we are willing to fight through the hard spots, and we know how to make it all the way to the end of a stunning performance. We are ready because all of our hard work has always been set against the backdrop of a deep love for what we are doing and for who we are doing it with. >We're ready, and we can't wait to use our technique, flexibility, cleanliness, determination, energy, desire, and close bond to harness our adrenaline, conquer our nerves, and take over the dance floor, together, up on that Nationals stage.
My time on this team has made me the person that I am today. It has helped me to fight through all the tough spots that come my way, and it has given me a second family that I would do anything for. These girls have rocked my soul, and it's heartbreaking to think of them competing at Nationals without me next year. One thing, however, makes me smile, and that's knowing that I'll be at the bottom of that stage next year, cheering on my strong, beautiful, talented best friends, forever reppin AUDT. For the mean time, let's go get it girls. DT on 3! =)

<3 always,
Francesca Roley

Make it Work--AU Cheer Junior (Co-Captain) Lauren

2010-03-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

AU Cheer's Friends and Family Performance was the first moment where we felt and saw what our routine really looked like. It was all dressed up, new bows and all, with that hint of adrenaline pumping through us and it was really more than I expected it to be. The performance showed that no matter the amount of injuries, tears, screaming (not from Brett of course), and drama, we can pull it all together in front of a large crowd.

Sunday's performance was the beginning of the home stretch of our season and no matter how much our body's hate us, we are ready to work for the next 8 days up until that last second we are on that big blue mat in Daytona. Not only are we ready but we want it. We are at that point where determination and confidence are getting us through the long practices and minor injuries. Confidence is one thing that this years team has a lot of. We have faith in our routine and each other which has created a dynamic that has broug ht us far in the course of a year...from an intermediate division to division 1. AU Cheer always wants to do the more dangerous skill, the more difficult basket, and the cooler stunt and we often surprise ourselves with the result. Even with nationals so close we want to go for more (back tuck 2-2-1 pleaseeee).

Even though Friends and Family gave us the confidence boost that we needed, it still couldn't prepare us for the week ahead where we are forced to rework the routine, change our pyramids, change our stunts, and deal with missing an essential member of our team. Injuries happen though and if there's any team that can roll with the punches it's AU Cheer. Despite the frustration we know what we have to do and we will make it work and that is something that I am confident about. Lets get her done my little SB's!

Moving Forward, Looking Back - AUDT Senior (Captain) Jackie

2010-03-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry to get sentimental on you but here it comes... :)

It seems like yesterday, I walked into Bender Arena for the first time, anxious about dance team tryouts and the experiences which lay ahead as a freshman beginning a new life away from the comforts of home. Little did I know that the girls who surrounded me would soon become my sisters, and the team, which I assumed would serve as a fun extra-curricular, would come to be a central part of my life. Looking back over the past three years is somewhat overwhelming. It has become impossible to imagine what my life here at AU would have been like if I did not join the dance team. I am sure there are experiences I have missed out on due to the rigorous practice schedule, fundraising, and games. However, the amount of effort required to be a part of the Spirit Program seems minute when compared to the rewards I have recieved in return and I would not change a thing.

I have made the best friends of my life, who I know will remain close to me even after our time here is complete. They continue to amaze me both as athletes, students, and individuals. I am so proud of each of you and cannot wait to see the amazing things you each do with your lives. I have had the honor of being part of a program of passionate and dedicated people, working to improve and move forward regardless of the obstacles and difficulties which inevitably arise. The progress which has been made over the past three years is truely remarkable, and it is this journey of which I am most proud. I feel blessed to say that I was a part of it. I have grown both as a person and as a dancer as a direct result of this team. The lessons which it has taught me will remain with me throughout my life. I thank everyone involved, especially Alex, for having faith in me and my abilities, and for providing me with the best college experience I could have possibly hoped for. The team this year has come so far and I am so proud of the progress we have made. I cannot wait to show everyone just what we are capable of next week in Daytona.

I can only hope that the girls who join this team in the future are lucky enough to walk away with the same tremendous memories and experiences that being a part of AU Spirit has given me. As I take the National's stage one last time, I know that the thoughts and emotions I experience will be a mix of sadness, pride, and excitement. Moving past this phase of my life is difficult, but I know that I will never really leave DT. The memories and friends will last forever, and AU Spirit's journey is only just beginning.

I love you all so much.
Nationals here we come.

For the Love of Dance -- AUDT Junior (Co-Captain) Katie

2010-03-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

Today, after months and months of hard work, sweat, tears, and happiness, the AU Spirit Program was able to debut their nationals routines for a crowd of screaming fans. The amount of preparation that was put into today’s performance was by no means small, but our dedication paid off! We were ready, confident, and excited. With familiar faces filling the stands, each team took the court and performed incredibly well. Congratulations Cheer and Dance on an amazing performance, and thank you to all of our family and friends who came to support us today—we couldn’t do it without you!!

In less than two weeks, however, the real test arrives. Today’s performance was important to each of us, but our work has been culminating towards another goal—dancing our best on the nationals’ stage. Our goal is alive in our dreams, it is written on our coach’s face, and it is the reason we push ourselves harder than we ever thought possible. We want to step onto that stage in Daytona and show the judges what AUDT is made of and just how much we want this. And trust me, we want this! It may only be our second year competing nationally, but we have grown and improved so much this year. With the unwavering support of our coach Alex and the passion each of us holds, I know our performance in Daytona will showcase how far we’ve come. And I couldn’t be more proud.

But no matter what happens on that stage, our team is a team forever. I really think that is what makes us so special. AUDT is not simply made up of talented dancers who work towards a common goal. This team is a family. We are there for each other through thick and thin. We believe in one another and encourage each other’s dreams. Our love for dance brought us together. Our love for each other will keep us together. The bond we share is everlasting.

I am honored to be a part of this team and this experience. Thank you all for making my life happier and fuller. Hold our memories close to your heart and know that no matter what happens, we will always have each other and we will always have this team.

Get it DT! It’s our time! I love you all!

Take Over the Dance Floor - AUDT Sophomore, Kelsey P.

2010-03-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has been a whole year since I wrote on this blog about the unique, talented, and driven women and men that are the AU Spirit Program. I am proud to report that since my last post, before our first trip to NDA/NCA Nationals, AU Spirit has improved immeasurably, and we are more driven, and more talented than ever before. Our fouettes are cleaner, our toe touches higher, our stunts are hitting, and we have pushed ourselves farther than we have ever gone before.

The past couple weeks have been full of practices, early mornings, conditioning, injuries, some blood, a lot of sweat, and even some tears. Since spring break we have averaged about seven , long practices each week to make our routines perfect for our Friends and Family performance that is happening in Bender Arena this Sunday, March 28th, at 3pm.

The Friends and Family performance is one that is very important to us. While we are so excited to go down to Daytona and show the cheer and dance worlds how hard we've worked and how talented we are, there is something special about performing for the people you love. We are all looking forward to showing our routines to our families, our friends, and the AU community. This is our one chance to show off what we do after basketball season. It will mean so much to all of us to have all of our loved ones in Bender Arena and perform for our fans!

Last year, I described the amazing camaraderie between the cheer and dance teams. This year, we have continued to grow together, sweat together, fundraise together, support each other. The bond between the cheer and dance teams this year has become closer and closer. There are no other people in the world I would choose to have on my team. I am proud to call the members of both AU Dance and AU Cheer my teammates. We are each others biggest cheerleaders :)

We have worked so hard on our nationals routines and I know that we are going to kill it on Sunday. Put it on your calender and plan to be there- Bender Arena 3pm on Sunday.

Get ready to be impressed and see us take over the dance (and cheer!) floor!

Daytona Here We Come! - AU Dance Team Freshman, Kelsey Y. :)

2010-03-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

"To dance is to be out of yourself.

Larger, more beautiful, more powerful."~Agnes DeMille

I remember sitting in the cafeteria the day before tryouts. I was so scared of the type of girls I would be meeting the next day. Would they be rude? Would they laugh at me? What would they be like? Then, all of the sudden Dance Team walked by me in their black, zip-up jackets with the AU Eagle and Dance Team rhinestoned on the back. Every one around me turned heads as these confident, young women were walking into the room at the same time, laughing, sharing stories, and finding a place to sit. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be one of those girls. I wanted to share my love of dance with them.

Little would I know that 7 months later I would be on Dance Team preparing to dance on the stage at nationals in Daytona, Florida. I also did not realize that 7 months later I would have made friendships that I already know will last a lifetime. We have made strong bonds, close relationships, and created memories that we can look back on. It's important that we love and care for each other both on and off the court.

At our last basketball game we had a couple of audience members walk in and tell us that we were a stronger team than last year, and I know that we will continue to grow stronger as the years progress. We have fun with dance but at the same time we are a team who is serious about accomplishing a goal to make our performance the best it can possibly be.

Fighting through this difficult, rigorous season after completing an entire basketball season, I'm not going to lie, is tough and takes a lot of work. But the most important thing I have learned from dancing with a family who loves to dance and works just as hard beside me, is that we can get through anything together. We are never alone in this fight.

Nationals season is definitely the most difficult because we push ourselves farther than we have ever gone before. I never knew I could push myself and be such a stronger dancer, this goes for the rest of the team as well. I'm so proud to have Alex as a coach because she knows your limit, she is there to help us every step of the way and to make us better. Our captains Jac and Katie are so positive through every thing They read us one inspirational quote before every practice which helps us realize what we want most, to kick butt at nationals.

I love my team, I work hard with my team, I practice with my team, I learn with my team, and I dance with my team. There is nothing better than that.

Destination: Nationals - AU Cheer Junior, Clay aka Panda

2010-03-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

"The Big Kahuna." "The Grandest Stage of Them All." "The Big Dance." "The Game." "The End-All Be-All." Each sport has a different name for their final destination. Ours is simply "Nationals." To each of us, it may mean something different - memories, injuries, pressure, love, hate, friends, beaches, pools, stress, bus trips, but there are a few of us who have only heard the stories of what lies in Daytona, FL. One thing remains consistent throughout the team: the path to Nationals.

I have been a part of big competitions before: Wrestling Finals, Football Championships, Baseball Championship games, intramural volleyball finals, softball finals. But never before have I been a part of such a highly team-oriented organization. Sure, football and baseball and the like have teamwork - but there is always backup. Cheerleading, as I have found out, is the pinnacle of teamwork. If one person goofs on a pyramid (those cool flashy things we do on the court that consist of human on top of other humans), the whole thing can come crashing down. There isn't someone who can switch spots quickly to save it from falling. Boom. The pyramid is done and the entire team is made to look foolish and inept.

Now, cheerleading was one of the last things I expected to do in college - having looked at a number colleges to play football for or be an athletic trainer. But I saw an opportunity to keep in shape, make some friends, and be a member of a team after a lifetime of being active in sports. I thought it to be sort of a joke: "Hey, I'll throw some girls around and kill some spare time." I come to find out that in preparation for Nationals, we work just as hard physically, mentally, and emotionally as any other team out there.

We are not rewarded by the school we represent like the official sports. We don't get free jerseys or shorts or cool backpacks. We do what we do for a number of reasons: a challenge, a passion, a group to belong to, boredom. From 9 - 15 hours a week we are in Bender Arena practicing our tumbling (those cool flips and stuff), stunts, baskets, etc. Many of us can be found in Jacobs Fitness Center improving our strength and cardio many hours a week. Many of us can also be found at Infinity, a gym in Virginia were we can improve our tumbling skills. I even took advantage of Winter Break and a local gym and coach (PrimeTime Tumbling) where I learned to do a back handspring. Yes people, a 250lb man can do those cool flips too - just call me Panda (like Po from Kung-Fu Panda). And we pay out of pocket and fund raising for our supplies and for Nationals.

Sure, I'm a newcomer. But I never settle for less. With hard work and determination one can achieve anything they want. Fractured and severely sprained ankles, black eyes, football injuries re-agitated by holding girls up, strained wrists don't interfere. We all hurt, but we all show up to practice and give it our all. We want to win. We want to be the best we can be.

Now I don't expect to go into Nationals and come out with the Championship, but I do expect to force their eyes open (and something Bronze or Silver would be awesome). Our pain, blood, suffering, sweat, deprived social lives, and empty pockets will pay off.

American Who? American U.

Nationals 2010 - AU Dance Sophomore, Hannah

2010-03-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

Well, we’ve officially reached March. Having come back from a pretty stressful fundraiser and a semi relaxing spring break, the dance and cheer teams are in full practice mode. Why? Because nationals is less than a month away. We’ve done a lot to get to this point; we’ve danced our way through dozens of basketball games and now have made it to the grueling national’s practices. And while I can barely make it up a flight of stairs right now, I know that all the pain and exhaustion will be more than worth it this year when we hit our ending pose up on the national’s stage.

Last year was AU Dance and Cheer’s first trip down to Nationals, and I cannot wait to go down again and show Daytona what AU Spirit is made of: energy building diets, two-a-day practices, sore quads and hamstrings, and lots of dedication. While we tried our hardest in 2009, it was our first national’s season. We had no idea what to expect or how difficult it was going to be, but we made it through and held our head high.

Now with a year under our belt we are ready for Daytona. We’ve already started working on improving our stamina and have begun our two-a-days with a new energy. Most importantly, however, we are looking forward to the moment that we walk on to that stage, face those judges, and show them our perfected routine. Because this time, more than ever, more than last year, we will be confident that we will be the best we possibly can be.

As Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” And how right he was! After having already competed in NDA Nationals in 2009, we will be returning to Daytona this year with the experience and confidence needed to wow the judges. There will be no fear of the unknown, no aspect of the competition that we are unsure of. And hopefully, the only fear that we have will be the fear that drives us to perform the best that we can.

Nationals 2010 - AU Cheer Junior, Chenise

2010-03-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

The AU Spirit Program will be competing in the NCA/NDA Championship this year for the second time. On top of being full time students and performing at men’s and women’s basketball games, we practice three days a week to perfect our Nationals routine. We work hard and work out even harder. In order to prepare for nationals, we condition throughout the year and stretch our muscles before and after practice. We put our blood, sweat, and tears into this routine. We work hard to make sure all teammates are in sync.

The AU Spirit Program has come a long way since last year. The AU Cheer squad went from competing in the All-Girl Intermediate Level to Division 1 Co-Ed. We began our season at the beginning of August and continued to strengthen our skills throughout the year. Last year, we started off struggling with extensions and libs. Now, our routine consists of back tuck basket tosses, rewinds, 360s, & two and a half high pyramids. Our squad went from having about 6 strong tumblers to more than half the squad pulling back handsprings. Cheerleading is a team sport. We can’t do the routine full out if one person is injured or sick. We need each other, which made our team grow into a big family. We help each other out, inside and outside of practice. It is this support that will allow us to thrive at Nationals.

Both teams have developed more technique and skill to create a more advanced routine. Now that we know what to expect at Nationals, we have higher expectations for ourselves. We are prepared to show the judges how we have grown as a program and how we are only getting stronger as a team. When we compete in Daytona next month, we are going to give it our all.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day - AU Cheer Sophomore, Amber

2010-02-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

On February 13, 2010, Bender Arena held the National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The gym was filled with men, women, and their children all wearing pink shirts with the AU logo to show their support for breast cancer awareness and our women’s basketball team. Many young girls were in attendance for the event – young athletes, girl scouts, and sports fans. It was great to see so many future athletes fill the arena as we performed. After the game all the young girls were broken up into groups and rotated around the gym to different stations where all of the different AU women’s sports teams described to the girls what they do. These lessons included teaching them a few skills needed to play their sport to promote the girls’ interest in the various sports. Starting out young in sports helps to promote team camaraderie, healthy lifestyles, independent growth, and keeps them involved and away from dangerous situations. American University, being a predominately female school, is and continues to be a great example for younger generations of girls who are faced with tough decisions everyday. More and more women are coming to the forefront in the sports world, which helps the younger generations keep motivated and striving to be the best that they can be in any career that they choose. GO EAGLES!

Curious About How We Qualified for NCA & NDA Nationals?

2010-01-27T06:46:00.001-08:00

In order to qualify for nationals, each team has to submit a DVD with very specific guidelines set by the officials at the National Cheer Association and Natitonal Dance Alliance. Both teams worked incredibly hard to get these tapes ready to submit, and the hard work paid off! Here are the tapes that we submitted back in December. Now that we've qualified, we can share them with all of you. Enjoy!

AU Cheerleaders Nationals Entry Tape

AU Dance Team Nationals Entry Tape

AU "Phil"led Bender!

2010-01-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

Our first PHIL BENDER game of the season was a huge success. Congratulations to the AU Men's Basketball Team on an exciting win against Holy Cross, and a very special congratulations to Head Coach Jeff Jones on his 300th career win!!

This hip hop routine was choreographed by members of AUDT and performed at halftime in front of a huge PHIL BENDER crowd.

Here's the AU Fight Song performed on center court after our guys won. Awesome game! If you couldn't make it out, check the AU Basketball schedule for upcoming Men's and Women's home games.

COME PHIL BENDER, Saturday @ 2pm!

2010-01-22T08:53:00.000-08:00

Come out to support the AU Men's Basketball Team as they take on rivals Holy Cross at 2pm on Saturday, January 23rd! We'll be there; you should be too!

Here We Go!

2010-01-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the 2010 American University Spirit Program for qualifying to compete in the 2010 NCA/NDA National Collegiate Championships! We know you'll do AU proud!

85 days and counting ... :)

A Little Bit About Our Team - AU Cheer Freshman, Connor

2010-01-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

Cheerleading is one of those sports where it isn’t about an individual, but rather the team. With that in mind, let me tell you about our team. We come from all different parts of the country, north, south, west, we’ve got it all. Everyone has their own accent. Each their own style. However, despite being so different in these aspects, we are one. We feel the same frustration when stunts don’t hit. We feel the same elation when new, more complicated, stunts do. We feel the same excitement when someone learns a new tumbling move. We make sacrifices for each other, for our school. We encourage each other to do better, and we are there to support each other through hard times. The only spotlight we seek is one big enough for the entire team.

The first semester was a time of experimentation, a time to see what we were capable of. Now in the second semester, it's time to apply ourselves and prepare for nationals. Already, the team is showing great promise and dedication. New skills are appearing left and right. New tumbling, new stunts, improvements on existing abilities, the list goes on. In addition to all this, and most importantly, our friendship and bond as a team grows and becomes stronger with each practice and game. The coming months will be rough, but we are prepared to endure them together.

We all know what is required of us for nationals this year at Daytona. Some feel excitement, others nervousness, but undoubtedly everyone feels an anxiety and drive to put on one hell of a performance.

Nationals Season...Here We Come! AUDT Freshman, Lyndsey Grubbs

2010-01-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

DT did some oh-so serious fundraising for Nationals over the past three days. We, along with the cheerleaders, set up and tore down an entire cheerleading competition AND hosted a dance competition. Meanwhile we managed to dance at a basketball game, go cheer on GW’s dance team, and have practice! Needless to say…by the end of the weekend, we were all exhausted.

Exhausted or not, I can’t imagine a group of girls that I would rather spend nearly all of my awake hours with. The team is filled with some of the most hard-working, dedicated, welcoming, and downright hilarious people I have ever known. After last semester, I can confidently say that joining this dance team is the best thing I could have done as a freshman at AU.

With that said, first semester is over and Nationals are coming up quicker than I could have ever imagined. From what I hear, I will be spending the majority of my time between now and then doing lots of push ups, sit ups, toe touches, and two-a-days. Basically, just a whole lot of sweating.

In the end though, dance team can sweat on a beach in Daytona, Florida!! Nationals will be amazing, and I know we will do a phenomenal job. I’ve heard so much about last year’s national season, and I am so excited to get to be a part of this year’s team. So bring on the hard work…DT can handle it.

Can’t wait for it all. Love you DT.

Dance Team Holiday Routine

2009-12-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

A little late on the post, but here is our 2009 holiday routine. Even with half the team and empty stands, they still did great!

Happy holidays, everyone!!

2009 Holiday Routine

Celebrating the Holidays with AU Spirit! - AU Cheer Sophomore, Michaela

2009-12-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

The best is yet to come...

Well, it's been a great semester for AU cheer! I'm so glad to be back on the team for my second year...I love it more than ever!! We've been practicing hard to get back into shape and enjoying games where we support our boys and girls basketball teams. We have an awesome group of people this year, and it's amazing how well we get along.

That's why I'm so excited for the spring semester...my favorite part of cheerleading is competition. I can't wait to get back to practice, get our choreography, and be hard at work perfecting it! Nationals was a great experience last year, but I'm looking forward to it being even better this year, as I believe we've progressed not only technically but also as a team.

I'm so thankful to be a part of such a unique team, where we're all here for each other. Both cheer and dance recently celebrated the holidays with our own holiday party and secret Santa. There were plenty laughs and good times all around. I love my spirit family!!

Some girls are going abroad for the spring and we're going to miss them so much!

Home and the Holidays - AUDT Sophomore, Sophie

2009-12-16T18:20:00.000-08:00

“Ok DT. It’s time to SHAKE IT UP!” These are words we hear before every performance. They motivate our team to try a little harder, leap a little higher and sweat a little more to reach our potential. I am honored to be a part of a group of such hard-working, dedicated women. We’ve already accomplished so much this year. We’ve performed 5 different routines, including our taping routine that will allow us to qualify for NDA Nationals, and additionally, we learned the hip hop segment of our Nationals routine that we will be performing on the glorious stage in Daytona. All of these accomplishments make me proud to be a member of the American University Dance Team. Yet, to me, these women are more than just a team. They are my family. In the midst of the holiday season, I appreciate our bond the most. My home is on the other side of the country, in California, but because of the warmth, kindness and friendship that these girls show me, I have found a new home at AU. Well, specifically, a home in Bender Arena. Through all of the goods times and the bad, our family is there, and my experience at college has been so much more rewarding because of these amazing women.

This holiday season has been an exciting one for AUDT. We recently performed a holiday routine at half time and we have our very own “Santa” on the team, who sings a Bender theme song. In the coming months, we look forward to a reunited family, as our beloved Taryn and Nicole will be returning to us. We look forward to next semester’s preparation for Nationals 2010. It will be a lot of hard work, early mornings, sweaty backs, cherry 735 lipstick, and two-a-days, but our family makes every morning practice worth it.

I love you all and happy holidays!

This Team of Ours - AU Cheer Sophomore, Chelsea

2009-11-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

"Nationals 2010"!!! I phrase I hope to use in the future to describe all of the joy, dedication, sweat, and time it takes to be a nationals competitor. The journey we took to nationals last year not only gave us a new perspective, but it brought the team closer together.

AU CHEERLEADING?!? Anyone who knows us realizes that finding a team like ours is like nailing jello to a tree...impossible. Each person contributes a unique element that I love! A Kodak can't capture what goes on with the team. There is no way to show the fearlessness, mental, and the physical endeavor.

How HIGH?!? Its good to know that what we do at American University will set the standard for the levels of difficulty in future squads. Going to Florida for Nationals adds this competitive edge that people don't normally see on the court. After Nationals 2009, we have only come back setting the bar higher as to what we see as perfection. As a sophomore, I can't wait to go back stronger and more ready for that national title. It will be hard, but this team has shown that hard work goes a long way, and a little added fun goes longer. :]]

"ggggGGGGGGooooo000000OOOOOOOOOOO" ...Love you guys.

You Better Work! Men's Home Opener- AUDT Senior (Captain), Jackie

2009-11-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

AUDT with choreographer, Tara Cluck

AU basketball is off to another season and that means so is AU cheer and dance! Attending games, practices, preparation for nationals, and basically spending every moment with AU spirit, has become a way of life for me. It’s hard to believe this is the beginning of the end! We have come so far already this season, devoting all of our time and effort into truly becoming a team. So far the hard work has paid off. We were able to perform an amazing routine with cheer at American Madness and opened the season with a fierce hip hop tonight! There is no feeling in the world like performing for friends and fans and feeling proud of the hard work which has led you to that moment. The adrenaline and sheer joy which is felt when dancing makes all the struggle, sacrifice, and sweat worth while! Each time I take the stage this year, I know I will be reflecting on the fact that my time as an AU dancer is slowly running out. I cannot explain the amazing memories and friends I will take with me. Yet more than sadness, I feel excitement about what is in store for this year. As a team, I know that we have amazing potential and can surpass even our own expectations. I know that each practice and game will bring us one step closer to our ultimate goal of representing our school at NDA nationals. I know that the upcoming months will not be easy. But I also know they will become one of the greatest times in my life. Now begins the process when a team becomes a family, when we work for one another and not just ourselves, when we surprise ourselves with what we can handle and accomplish, and when we throw our hearts and souls into something we love. This is the beginning of something amazing and something which I am honored to be a part of. Can’t wait to see what’s in store!!

I LOVE MY TEAM!!

Here's our routine from tonight choreographed by members of AUDT!

American Madness 2009 Performances

2009-11-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

Check out our performances from American Madness on Wednesday!

American University Fight Song

American University Cheer & Dance Teams (with Men's Basketball freshmen)

American Madness - Freshman Cheerleader, Heather McLaughlin

2009-11-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

I love AU Cheer!

I've been competing nationally for years, and I don't think I've ever been as nervous as I was Wednesday night! We spent hours working, bleeding, sweating, crying, pushing through injuries, and trying not to throw up on the mat getting ready for American Madness. I think all of that hard work seriously paid off though; everyone keeps telling me how great we were and that we were entertaining ... Finally, people are starting to recognize us. :) I don't think I could've asked for a better team to spend every waking hour with lol. Pretty much being injured within the first two days of practice and earning myself the nickname of "Cripp" takes some serious skill and is beyond funny. Needless to say, I'm accident prone ... we might want to think about wrapping me in bubble wrap before pracitce from now on. I am beyond greatful that the team has helped me through everything that I've had to deal with so far this year. I couldn't have done it without you guys. You rock my socks!!! hahaha. Can't wait for NATIONALS! :D

American Madness is TONIGHT!

2009-11-11T10:58:00.001-08:00

Come out to meet your 2009-2010 Men's and Women's Basketball teams and get excited for the upcoming season! Check back soon for videos and new posts by AU Cheer & Dance Team members!

Support AU Spirit at Z-Burger!

2009-11-04T13:24:00.000-08:00

Please come out and support AU Spirit at our one-and-only Z-Burger fundraiser of the year! We'll be at the Tenleytown Z-Burger from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9th.

We are working our way towards competing in Daytona Beach, Fl. at the NDA/NCA National Collegiate Chapionships for the second time and we could really use some help raising money for entrance fees, uniforms, and transportation!

Invite all of your friends, grab a burger and shake, and hang out with AU Spirit!

We hope to see you there!!

2009-2010 AU Spirit Program

2009-10-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a few of the awesome pictures taken by Ryvy Rueda! To see the entire album, click HERE!

Fall Time Photo Shoot

2009-10-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you to our amazing photographer, Ryvy Rueda, for taking some incredible pictures of us this weekend! It was a perfect fall day and we had a great time feeling like models on the AU campus. Here's a great shot Ryvy took of Dance Team captains, Jackie and Katie. The rest of the pictures will be posted soon!

Dance Team Co-Captain, Katie Stoner, and Captain, Jaclyn Hogrebe

Follow AUDT on Twitter!

2009-09-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

http://twitter.com/AUDanceTeam

Meet Our New Team!

2009-09-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

The AU Spirit Program welcomed 11 cheerleaders and dancers this past week and weekend and tryouts! Please join us in congratulating our newest Spirit Program members! (pictures coming soon)

Cheerleaders
Ali Torzolini - Freshman
Clay Pencek - Junior
Elizabeth Wilke - Freshman
Jaim Coddington - Freshman
Justin Berger - Junior

Dancers
Abby Masenheimer - Freshman
Gabrielle Ciccotti - Junior
Kelsey Yonce - Freshman
Lyndsey Grubbs - Freshman
Nicole Talor - Freshman

We are so excited to welcome these new and talented men and women to our program! Congratulations to you all!!

Our Season Has Officially Started!

2009-08-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it's August and that means AU Spirit is back in action! On August 4th the Dance Team started their pre-camp practices (two-a-days on Tuesday and Wednesday) and then left for camp on Thursday, August 6th. We headed up to the University of Scranton for our second time at UDA camp as a team, and we were so excited to show everyone how far we'd come since last year. This year, we prepared a home routine to get evaluated on and also chose to compete in UDA's Fight Song evaluations. In addition, the girls learned three challenging routines each and were evaluated on them at the end of the week.

Not only did they receive "superior" recognition for all of their routines, Fight Song, and home routine, but they also received a "most improved program" award from last year's camp to this year's. As their coach, knowing how much effort they put into the team last year, I could not be more proud.

The Cheerleaders have been hard at work too. They came back to campus on August 8th to begin their preseason training and have been doing great!

Coming up, AU Spirit will take part in our third annual tradition of moving in freshman to their dorms. We love seeing the excited faces and enjoy helping to make the freshman's first official day on campus a spirited one. In addition to our practices, we'll also be holding two carwashes to kick off our fundraising efforts for the 2009-2010 season. After a great first year at Nationals in April, we can't wait to go back, but need all the fundraising support we can get! More information on the location and times of these carwashes to come.

Perhaps what we're most excited for though is our fall tryouts. On August 28, 29, and 30 we'll be holding tryouts for the 2009-2010 team. We've had some great interest, and can't wait to meet our newest members! Good luck to all trying out!

This is the dance team on our final day of camp!

Here we are with some of the George Washington Dance Team members ... we love D.C., and we represented it well!

And here's our home routine! Great job, ladies!

Looking Back on 08-09, and Looking Forward to 09-10

2009-05-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

We had a chance to show this video to the team right before our spring tryouts. It was a great way to remember our season, and get pumped for the 2009-2010 season that is right around the corner. We are so proud of our teams and all they have accomplished in such a short period of time and we can't wait to see what next year will have in store for us all.

We hope you all have wonderful, relaxing, and safe summers and we can't wait to see you in August!

Brett, Nate, Jay, and Alex

2009 Fall Tryout Date Announced!

2009-05-04T07:17:00.001-07:00

Attention all cheerleaders and dancers:

Tryouts for the 2009-2010 AU Cheer and Dance Teams will take place on the following dates/times:
Friday, August 28th from 6:00-8:00pm in Bender Arena
Saturday, August 29th from 10:00am-1:00pm (cheerleading in the wrestling room, and dance in Jacobs Fitness Center studio)
Sunday, August 30th from 12:00-3:00pm in Bender Arena

In order to be considered for the teams, interested cheerleaders and dancers must be present for ALL tryout dates.

Please note that both cheer and dance teams are nationally competitive. Experience with cheer and/or dance is a requirement for attending tryouts.

For more information about tryouts and to register, email spirit@american.edu.

Starting off the 2009-2010 Season!

2009-04-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the 2008-2009 season has already come to an end. We're going to miss our teams from last year (especially our seniors!) for so many reasons; our girls, of course, but also their dedication, personalities, and the fact that we share such a unique bond in bringing AU Spirit to the next level.

We can't dwell on the past though, and are very much excited for our future 2009-2010 season! Today, we held one of our tryout sessions for the cheer and dance teams. As is usual, we had a very small tryout for both teams - mostly returning members - but we were happy to see those familiar faces back and ready for a new year. At the end of the day, we welcomed one new member to the AU Dance Team - welcome, Beth! - and welcomed back a familiar cheerleader from two years ago, Devinne, as well as two new faces in Connor and Heather.

We would also like to send a huge congratulations to our newest team leadership! Kelsea is now the AU Cheerleading Captain, Jackie is our AUDT Captain, and Katie is the AUDT Co-Captain. They are all going to do an incredible job in leading these teams!

Our next step is to encourage new cheerleaders and dancers to audition for our teams in the fall (dates are still TBD) at the June and July New Student Orientation dates. We hope to welcome between five and seven dancers and between 10 and 12 cheerleaders. Any interested dancers or cheerleaders should contact spirit@american.edu with questions about fall tryouts.

Coming up in August, we'll be attending camp - Cheer will be going to NCA camp in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Dance will be going to UDA camp in Scranton, PA. Both teams are excited to start fresh, but in the meantime, we're going to enjoy the time off and chance to recouperate!

Thanks to everyone who stood behind us and believed in us ... we couldn't have done it without you. And especially, thank you, thank you, thank you to our teams for sticking with us, believing in us, and always impressing us. We love you!

Brett & Alex

Tryouts!

2009-04-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Tryouts for the 2009-2010 AU Spirit Program are taking place this weekend in Bender Arena! All interested applicants must contact spirit@american.edu for more information and to register for tryouts. We may not host a fall tryout, so all interested applicants are encouraged to tryout this weekend.

Video applications for cheerleaders and dancers not able to make the tryout date are also being accepted. Please email spirit@american.edu for more information.

Good-bye, Daytona ...

2009-04-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

After a great trip, we're back home to D.C. and AU. This trip has meant so much to us all. It was an incredible culmination of all of our hard work and dedication over the years, a chance for us to relax and have fun together after the competitions were over, but most of all, it was a trip that bonded us more than anyone could imagine - together, we are the first group of AU Cheer & Dance to ever perform on the national stage. No one can take that away from us, and nothing could be more special.

At the end of the day, the AU Dance Team is now ranked 13th in the nation in Division I Dance, and the AU Cheerleading Team is ranked 11th in the nation in All-Girl Intermediate Division I Cheer! We are so proud of our accomplishments and can't wait to start the next season just to end it with a trip back to Daytona as a stronger and more experienced program.

Thank you to all of you who believed in us and supported us along the way. We couldn't have done it without you!

Next up for AU Spirit: TRYOUTS! Auditions for the 2009-2010 Cheer & Dance Teams will take place on April 25 and 26 in Bender Arena. Interested participants should contact spirit@american.edu for more information. Keep checking out this blog in the future for updates on everything including our new team members and what we're up to!

You Asked Us To Bring It ... We Did!

2009-04-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Wow ... what a day! We are so, so proud of the work our teams did today. Our goal for this trip was for both teams to do their best, and they certainly did. Special thanks to all of the families of our cheerleaders and dancers that came out to support them. Not only does it mean the world to your daughters, but we appreciate it so much too.

The day started bright and early for both teams. Cheer was dressed and ready to go by 7am to prepare for their 9am competition time, and dance was up and ready by 7:30am for a quick practice and then to make it over to watch cheer compete.

9:15 at the Ocean Center was AU Cheerleading's time to shine. They came out with energy

and strength, and finished with a bang. There to cheer them on were the AU Dance Team and the GW Cheerleading Team, our new "sister" team. It meant so much to have them there to cheer us on - thank you! Tomorrow, cheer will advance to finals with another bright and early start time of 8:30am. We wish them luck in their competition, and can't wait to see the outcome!

Dance competed in the semifinal round at 2:15pm, and did a great job. Although they were nervous, they performed strong and had great energy. They competed in the "Challenge Cup" round after their performance for a chance to advance to finals, which meant they had another performance today at 6:45pm. They were so tired from the long day, but actually performed better the second time around and improved their score! Although AUDT didn't make it to the final round, we could not be more proud with our sixth place finish in Challenge Cup and can't wait to come back next year stronger and more experienced.

To see clips from all of our performances today and tomorrow, visit http://www.varsity.com/ and type in "American University". Below are some more pictures for today, courtesy of Jay Cassi!

We're Finally Here!

2009-04-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

This will be a short post, as we're exhausted, but updates tomorrow will have plenty of pictures and details. We won't disappoint!

After all of our hard work and planning, we've finally made it to Daytona Beach! We can't explain how long this journey seems to have taken, but how quickly it's all going to come to an end. Although it's only been a couple of months of planning, it seems like a lifetime. From sending in our qualification videos in December, to routine choreography and coaching, to the endless hours of practice, it never seemed like our day to compete would finally arrive. Today itself though, seemed like an eternity of traveling, but the few hours that we have been here, have gone all too quickly. The moments we spent waiting in the airport couldn't pass quickly enough, while the moments spent here with what has become our family seem to be slipping faster and faster through our fingers.

We started our travels at 8:30am and finally arrived to our hotel at 5:00pm. After getting settled and a quick change, we headed to Rosselini's Italian Restaurant for a great team dinner, complete with our own menu! After dinner, coaches and athletes parted ways, with athletes heading back to the hotel for a restless night's sleep, and coaches off to a meeting about the days to come.

For the next few days, all we can hope for as coaches is that our teams perform well and that they are proud of what they've accomplished - we certainly are. We could not be more proud to present these teams for the first time at the NCA/NDA National Collegiate Championships. They are poised, prepared, and dedicated to setting the bar high for future athletes who will follow in their footsteps.

We love you, ladies. "Rip It" and "Do It" like we know you can.

Mom, Dad, and your big Bros :)

The Illusion of Effortlessness Requires a Great Effort Indeed - AUDT Senior, Melissa

2009-04-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

Last night’s friends and family performance was really wonderful. Thank you to all of the parents, friends, and fans who came out to support the AU Spirit program in our pursuit for the national stage. We work super hard at practice to perform the routine the best we can, but there is nothing like an audience full of screaming fans to get the adrenaline flowing and really bring out the best in us.

We have worked incredibly hard and I am super stoked about our first trip to Nationals. Preparation will meet opportunity on Thursday afternoon in Daytona and all of the judges and fans will see us perform an awesome routine that we make look effortless. It is no secret that the illusion of effortlessness requires a great deal of effort, but only we know what that effort feels like. When we walk out onto the national’s stage, for the 2 minutes and 5 seconds we have the attention of the judges and the audience, only we will know how many push-ups, sprints, and toe touches with weights strapped to our ankles we have done. Only we will know how many weekends and spring break mornings we woke up at 6am to be at practice, or how many cookies and donuts we passed up. Only we will know how many times we heard the word “again” and how much strength it took to push through the pain of our bruised knees and sprained ankles and hurt toes and feet (and legs, and hips, and necks…). And when we kill it on the nationals stage only we will know what the satisfaction feels like to work so hard for something and have it all come together in the most perfect way.

I am so proud to say that I am part of a team with the most hardworking, dedicated, unwavering group of women I know. Those judges in Daytona better watch out because AUDT is bringing it.

As college comes to an end and I finish up my time at American University, I look forward to my future but know that I could have gone for another year or two on AUDT. No matter what I do in my life, whether it be working in the United States Senate (!), or living in a women’s commune in Venezuela, there will always be a special place in my heart for AUDT and the extraordinary women I danced with this year.

You all are the reason I get up in the morning. Thanks for rocking my world.

My First and Last :( Trip to Nationals 2009 - Christina, AUDT Captain

2009-04-06T14:43:00.001-07:00

Firstly, I'd like to take a minute and thank everyone who came out last night for our Friends and Family event. We appreciate your support more than you'll ever know and it is so rewarding to see that none of you forgot our hard work. I know both AU teams, GW Cheer, and George loved the crowd. Special thanks especially to my mom, I love you!
Anyways, we leave for Daytona in about 36 hours and I cannot be more excited! Nervous too, but a very good nervous! This is my first and last nationals because I will be gradating in May. Being one of the first dancers to represent AU at NDA Nationals is an exciting thing and one that myself and only 12 other girls will ever be able to do. We are extremely lucky in that we share this common drive to perform only at our best and give 100%. I am so blessed to have these girls in my life and will never forget this year. However, unlike the other girls (minus Melissa, my fellow 2009er) I do not have another chance to accomplish even more next year or the year after that. It really is now or never and as much as that saddens me, I feel that gives me even more reason to try my hardest and to dance my strongest. I look forward to seeing the future AU Spirit program grow and develop but it is also a very unique feeling to know what it felt like to build the program.

I know a few of the other girls have blogged about how close both teams are but I wanted to take a second and mention my best friends. Kels, Kimmy, Jaqq, Lauren (Tara, Ber, and Hopie too!) are all cheerleaders who have been an integral part of making the AU Cheer team what it is today. They are my best friends, roommates (past, almost present and hopefully future), and above all some of my favorite people around. The spirit program and my experience at AU would probably have been veryyyyy different and much less enjoyable without them around. I know I probably don't say it enough... I love you all and I could not ask for better friends and cheerleaders!

As a senior, I'm nervous to graduate and find a job (in case you live under a rock, stay there -- there aren't any jobs!) I'm optimistic though that my education from AU and my opportunities I have had while studying here will open many doors and keep me in DC atleast for awhile.

Closing thoughts....

The time I've spent devoting to dance, fundraising, games, and EVERY other aspect of AU Spirit has been more than worth it. I will always remember this amazing, wild, roller-coaster ride with nothing but smiles and happiness. I'm so lucky to have been here for it :-)

Good luck to GW Cheer and George at NCA. And to my entire AU Spirit Program... RIP IT, BRING IT, BE THE BEST! I love you all!!!!

It's all been worth it - AU Cheer Junior, Jacquelynn

2009-04-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

After three years on the AU Cheerleading team I feel like I have been through enough to be able to come flat out and say – the road to NCA Nationals has not been easy. Dedicating 5 days a week (3 days of practice & 2 days of games) during my junior year of college has not been a simple task by any means. On top of my rigorous practice schedule I also take a full load of classes, intern at a web marketing agency, and work another part-time job at AU’s law school…yeah, I’m not sure what I was thinking taking on all of that either =]

But the reason why we all dedicate, plan, and sometimes stress about our packed calendars is for the overall satisfaction that cheerleading gives us. My cheer coach, Brett, always loves to repeat a story about his cheerleading career (yes, he’s only 30 and he’s already unaware of his repetitiveness = P ). He says that his best friends till today were those made on his college cheerleading teams—and I couldn’t agree more.

The time my team and I spend together are filled with countless memories. From cheering at the big bball games, to eventful car washes, to road trips to Infinity gym, and to rolling around in hysterics after a practice-uniform-wardrobe-malfunction, we have had a blast the last two semesters together. And although we have had our ups and downs, there is no denying the friendships we have made.

Cheerleading brings you together. We tumble together, jump together, dance, stunt, sweat (well, me mostly..), laugh, fall…and even though Jimmy Dugan says “There’s no crying in ‘cheerleading’”…we definitely have cried together haha! Because Cheerleading is the only sport where trust in each other is not an added bonus; it is a necessity. The trust we have in each other has kept us united as a team even when times are tough. And it is this trust in each other that will keep us working together until we step off that competition mat in Daytona.

All athletes love the rush of competition; it’s why we do what we do. The moment you to step out to perform your routine, the hours upon hours of physical pain and emotional weariness, dissipate from your mind and it’s all worth it…

Now that our moment in the lights is finally upon us I want to say it definitely has been worth it =] I can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow at our Friends & Family Event! It’s time to cheer on the cheerleaders and dancers!

AU Dance Team Sophomore = ), Francesca

2009-04-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official: AU Cheer and Dance showcase their Nationals routines TOMORROW! There has been so much work leading up to this point in time, and we hope that the effort, the energy, the sweat, the sore muscles, the achy joints, the tears, the bruises, and the enormous amount of time spent will make us as individuals ,and as Alex's team, happy with the finish.

I know that there are many others on my team who have a lot on their plate like I do--and I need to let them know that they are incredible for maintaining high GPAs in the face of five to six academic courses pit against Dance Team commitments, not to mention jobs and internships. I'm actually double-majoring in literature and history, and at particular points in the year, the work load really gets really immense, frustrating, and seemingly unmanageable. This fall, as the workload was increasing simultanesouly with the basketball season, we actually had a couple of stress-reduction circles--not their official name or anything, but that's what we achieved = ) Dance team would sit in a circle together before practice, and go around to each individual member and let that person vent--about money, boys, parents, teachers, homework, work, family, or dance team; about anything that was making them upset. Having your friends there to listen to you really helps your trouble to ease, and lightens your heart before practice. Someone from DT is always there to go to the library with if you need some motivation to study, which can be a problem for normal students, but is even more so when you've just finished a 3-hour long practice at 10pm and have already expended mental energy remembering what arms you cleaned, remembering to pull up your passe in your turns, remembering to hit front in plie in fouettes, and all that jazz ; )

Dance team is indefinitely a positive part of life for us all. As Taryn has told me before, being on Dance Team helps you to get your priorities in order. You know you have an assignment due, but you HAVE to know WHEN EXACTLY you're going to do it, because practices, games, fundraisers, and charity events are ongoing. You don't go out on Friday nights and get blasted like everyone else; you need to stay in, take care of your body, do your homework, maybe watch a movie to relax, and then get sleep for the game or the practice the next morning. Starting in March, our weekends actually became harder than our week days with Saturday and Sunday practices, and two-a-days stuck in there! Truly though, that's when we began enjoying each other's company even more: picking out netflix to watch before bed, going to wholefoods to get healthy snacks to munch together while watching "Sex and the City" DVDs, planning to stay in together and help each other get through the mounds of homework always present on the back-burner, and all that fun stuff = )

In Dance Team, I find my best friends: the ones who understand that my ankle is aching, my back is twitching, my thigh is bruised, I'm still hungry, and I have to get up at 6am for morning practice. They're going through it too, and Nationals has only brought us closer--you could say we're family. The funny thing is that when Nationals is over, and we do get to go out again, I know it's going to be with Dance Team, and I know exactly what we're going to want to get all dressed up to go do: we're going to get excited, dolled-up, and go to a club to do what we do best, and that is of course dance together for one more night, makinnn THAA DANCE FLOOR SILLLY <3>

One Week! - Cheerleading Junior, Kim

2009-04-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe we are only one week away from getting on a plane and flying down to Florida for competition! We're used to working so hard that it's tough to imagine the day is coming when we perform our routines and see how much our work has paid off. I think next week will definitely surprise us when we realize it's time to go. Luckily we're working now so that we will be ready for it!

We had a long practice last night. This is the time when we need to be perfect! We are finally hitting all of our stunts and tumbling passes and now comes the task of cleaning everything up. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes to point toes, transition cleanly, and most importantly SMILE! Our team knows how hard it is to perform our routine, but it's our job to make the audience and judges think it's easy.

Of course, that is much easier said than done - when someone falls or misses a count in practice it's hard to not show the disappointment or pain on your face. At this point everyone is getting nervous, so the best thing to do is keep drilling our routine over and over again in practice. I know that one week from today those nerves are going to be even worse, but if we are confident that we know the routine and can hit it then we'll be able to translate all of our nervous energy into positive energy and excitment!

Six More Practices, Three Performances! - Dance Team Junior, Kristen

2009-04-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

Well, there is one week left until we leave for Nationals. I’m not sure how we’ll feel then, but just thinking about it makes me completely scared and yet totally confident all at the same time. The team is just as nervous as I am, but we’re all so excited. Last week dance team talked about our placement in the lineup at the competition- we’re going 10th out of 18 teams. We feel like we have a great spot- we get to watch cheer in the morning and we’re right in the middle of the competition. We’re ready to show the judges that we have been waiting for them and that we were well worth the wait!

Everyone on this team has worked so hard to get to this point. This is where the 7 am practices will pay off, where dancing six hours a day through countless injuries, frustrations, and set-backs will only make us stronger, where everything that we’ve hoped for and worked towards is culminating. This close, it’s easy to see why we aren’t allowed to eat that donut (which I still want), why we go to the gym at ridiculous hours (even when it was closed), and why we spend Friday and Saturday nights in bed at 10 pm (when our friends and roommates don’t really understand).

I’m pretty sure the next week will go by very quickly. We all have a full course-load, part-time jobs, and lives that have to essentially be put on hold when we leave next week. I know I personally have one week to make up coursework for 18 credits worth of classes, re-schedule 5 students that I tutor twice a week, write substitute lesson plans at my part-time job, and of course practice, practice, practice! Everyone on the team has a similar story to this and I’m sure the next week will fly by because of it. We’re more than ready to get there- it will be a relief at this point to be able to focus 150% of our energy 24 hours a day on dancing this one routine, perfectly, one time. At this point, the competition is first and foremost on everyone’s mind.

Trust me, we’re pretty consumed by dance right now. Walking up the hill to school from my apartment I listen to our Nationals music, during breathing exercises in accounting I run the routine through my head, every chance I get in the gym I make sure that toe touch is just right or that arm placement is perfect. Before I go to bed at night I visualize myself and my team doing the routine, perfectly, flawlessly, one time. I find myself talking about little else in class, at work, and with my friends. This is how we’ve all been thinking; proving that we’re nervous but more than ready.

It’s been a little frustrating lately because everyone has their own injuries that we’ve been working against. We’ve had to put a lot more work into our bodies and make them do a lot more than they want to! I have a partially torn ligament in my right knee, and many of the other girls have chronic hip and knee problems that they are working with. The best thing we can remember is not to get frustrated or upset with each other, or ourselves, and to remember that we are a team through and through. How we react to our injuries or frustrations impacts everyone, and team morale is SO important to us. We’re working hard and we all know we can do it!

NDA Watch Out- American University Spirit is Coming!!

Friends & Family Showcase!

2009-03-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

Wear RED and come support the

AU Cheer & Dance Teams at their Friends & Family Event!

Sunday, April 5th at 6pm

in Bender Arena

"You told us to bring it...well here it is!" - AU Cheer Sophomore, Lauren

2009-03-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

When talking to girls interested in trying out it's hard to describe in words what AU Spirit is and what it is we do. There are no words actually. Going to nationals in Daytona is a step that seemed almost impossible last year and it is still hard to understand how we made it here…but we’re here with only 11 days until we are centered on that big blue mat, patiently waiting with hearts racing for our music to start and the magic to happen.

Being a sophomore, I have been part of the squad for not even two years, yet I have seen this cheerleading team grow and come together in ways I never expected. Despite the high number of team members who decided not to return to the squad this year, we worked it out. We had a very shaky start to the season at cheer camp in August, and I’m not going to lie, I was frustrated and not confident when thinking ahead to competition in April. My view quickly changed when I saw that members of the team, new and old were ready to step up and throw the skills, hit the stunts, and do the extra things that needed to be done to make nationals a reality. There were more practices, more difficult skills, and more of a focus on tumbling to get us to where we are today, which is physically exhausted from all the extra work but ready to show Daytona and the AU community what we got.

One of the biggest changes that I have seen from last year to this year was the switch from a co-ed to an all-girl squad, which I feel has made the most difference in our ability to compete at nationals. It’s hard to find multiple guys who know what cheerleading is, let alone be willing to give it a try without feeling like less of a man (even though holding a girl above your head with one arm, I would say, is pretty manly). With that said the AU spirit program did the right thing by becoming an all-girl team, creating a dynamic that is much improved from last year.

Looking ahead to next year, which is hard to do since nationals is really the only thing on all of our minds, I think we will be able to build our program even further. Nationals is only the start of what we are capable of doing and I’m excited to be sticking around for another two years to find out where AU Spirit is headed.

I've Got A Fever!! - AUDT Sophomore, Katie

2009-03-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

After two years, countless practices, thousands of hours of sweat and stress, I stand with my teammates on the court of Bender Arena only ten days away from our first national competition. I really don’t think I could be more excited or more thankful. As a sophomore, I couldn’t have asked for two such amazing years. I owe so much of my college happiness to AUDT. The American University Dance Team has given me my favorite memories, my best friends, and a goal worth spending dozens of hours each week working towards—competing on the national level.

It seems like yesterday that I sat with the five other AUDT vets in Daytona, Florida. Watching the incredible dancing, we sat in awe of the idea that we could quite possibly be dancing on that very same stage next year. We were hooked! We returned to AU thrilled for tryouts and determined to create a strong team dedicated to a common goal.

After spring tryouts, we added two new members to our team. In August, the eight of us attended a UDA camp to strengthen our skills and our team bond. After fall tryouts, we gained five more beautiful dancers, and the fun began. The thirteen of us have become inseparable.

We spend every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday preparing for nationals. With basketball games over, we’ve been able to focus solely on our routine, dedicating every second of our time, in and out of practice, to reviewing and perfecting the routine as well as working out, watching our diet, and getting plenty of sleep to keep up with our intense schedule. But it’s all been worth it! With the help and guidance of our fabulous coach Alex, we are getting closer and closer to reaching our goal.

With the end in sight, I couldn’t be more proud of this team. I feel truly honored to be a part of this wonderful experience. We’ve come so far, worked so hard, and already accomplished so much over the past two years—it’s truly incredible.

Congratulations DT … It’s dance time!!!

The Daytona Dream- AU Cheer Freshman, Lindsay

2009-03-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

It feels like time has gone so fast! It is hard for me to even imagine that two weeks from today I will be in Daytona Beach, Florida preparing to compete in my first college cheerleading nationals. It didn’t hit me until last Sunday's practice when my coach, Brett, said that in one week we would perform the routine for all of our friends and family and that in almost two weeks we would be in Daytona. At that moment I realized that everything have worked towards for the past year is coming to a close.

When I am in Daytona it will be almost a year to the day since I was at spring tryouts. Coming in as a senior in high school was daunting. I still remember the drive down from New York with my parents and leaving them in Bender Arena after they signed me in since I was only 17. The idea that competing was their top goal did not make the nerves much better but did heighten my excitement once I made the team.

Everyone who tried out in spring went to the UCA/UDA camp the first week in April. We bonded so much as a team but those were probably the hardest four days of my life not only physically, but also mentally. Our bodies ached, frustration boiled and tears flowed all throughout that trip but we worked hard and most of all stuck together. It is that mentality that has stuck with us ever since. Now I can look back on that week and see just how far we have come!

American is such an amazing place but the AU Sprit program is without a doubt my favorite part of college. I can’t even imagine, and honestly don’t even want to think of, what my life would be without cheer. Coming to my first day of college and already knowing so many freshman and upperclassman made the transition so much easier. These girls are my some of my best friends and it makes living away from home for the first time much easier when you know that there is always someone there for you. For the past eight months we have been in school all of the girls in this program have worked so hard to get to where we are today.

It was also exciting for us that for the second time in a row our men’s basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament in Philadelphia! I was so proud to be one of the twelve cheerleaders on the sidelines! Entering the Wachovia Center for the first time was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life. There were so many people and I could even see some of my fellow cheerleaders and dancers in the sea of blue and red that made up our crowd. It was such an amazing battle against Villanova and, although we did not win, we certainly ended our season with a bang!

Both the cheer and dance teams have worked so hard all year. However with out the help of Alex, Brett, family and friends there is no way that going to Nationals would even be possible. They have all made sure that we were ready for the 2:19 minute routine to show everyone what we can do. This was the best freshman year I could have dreamed of and I can’t wait to continue next year.

Wish us luck in Daytona!

Do it NOW! Two weeks till Nationals! - AUDT Freshman, Kelsey

2009-03-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

In exactly two short weeks, the American University Dance and Cheer teams will be making their way to Daytona, Florida. I don't think any of us can actually believe that NDA Nationals 2009 is so close!

It seems as if it was just yesterday I sat on the floor of Bender Arena (a place I would soon call home) at spring tryouts in April 2008, and listened to Alex, our coach, talk about the team's goals, including traveling to Florida to compete nationally! I would be lying if I said that the AU Spirit program didn't influence my decision to come to American University!

Dance has always been a huge part of my life, and I was so excited to start my college career this past fall on the American University Dance Team. Coming from a high school where the dance and cheer teams weren't as appreciated as they should have been, it was amazing to come to a college where both the cheer and dance teams had such high aspirations and the drive to achieve their goals.

One of the things I love about our program is the camaraderie between the cheer and dance teams. We are all under one program: AU Spirit, and we worked together all year to fund raise so that we would be able to cover some or all of our costs to make our big trip to Daytona! We attended every practice, basketball game, and fundraiser together, and even collaborated to put together a dance and cheer halftime show for some of the basketball games. Last night at practice, we had "show and tell." We took turns performing our nationals routine for each other, cheering each other on the entire time. We're each others biggest fans and its awesome to know that your fans are always practicing just a couple feet from you!

As my first year as a part of the American University Dance Team is quickly coming to an exciting close, I realize that the blood, sweat, sore muscles, and often times tears were all worth it for the couple minutes we get to run out onto the basketball court at Bender Arena and do what we do best; dance!

I couldn't have asked for a better first year on dance team. As most of you probably know, our men's basketball team won the Patriot League Championship for the second year in a row, which secured them a place in the NCAA tournament. Most of the dance team waited in line for four hours to get tickets for the game, and then traveled by bus to Philadelphia to watch the Eagles play in the big dance! We even met the mayor of Washington D.C. at the game! Although we lost the game, our boys put up a great fight, and it was so fun to be in the stands to cheer on the boys, and the cheerleaders on the sidelines! It was an amazing way to end an awesome season that we were so lucky to be a part of.

My dance team experience wouldn't have been the same without the girls on the team. I love everyone of them as if they were my sister. While most college freshmen find a good group of friends during their first year in college, I have been lucky enough to find a family :)

As of today's 7 am practice, AUDT only has TEN more practices left before we go to nationals and we can't wait! I want to thank all of our friends and family for their constant support, and especially Alex and Brett for whipping us into shape and for always pushing us to be the best we can be.

Wish us luck in Daytona!

I have one question for you AU Spirit...
ARE YOU READY!?

Work it Baby! Our Quest for Nationals 2009 - Joanna, Cheer Captain

2009-03-24T23:57:00.001-07:00

I am now a little relieved to be able to focus solely on our nationals routine. When we prepare routines for games and pep rallies, there is always that pressure among all of us to hit our stunts and look good but this time it’s different. The stakes are higher. We are for the first time, representing American University and our cheerleading and dance program on a national level (no pressure).

Both cheer and dance teams have spent countless hours practicing and fundraising towards our $40,000 goal to compete. It is astonishing how costly it is to compete but we know the hard work both fundraising and practice will be all worth it! Anything we were not able to raise had to come out of our pockets. Some of the girls were lucky enough to have the help of their parents but for some of us, we worked and saved up to compete. Some of the fundraisers we have had included: outside donations from family, friends, and alums (huge thanks!), working and staffing local cheerleading and dance competitions, hosting our very own dance invitational (thanks mom aka our dance coach Alex!), carwashes (we are praying for warmer weather in these upcoming weeks so stay tuned and get your car washed!), Z-Burger (twice), Shopmamie.com, Pizza Uno Chicago Grill in both Georgetown and Bethesda and some appearances and gigs. Like the dance team, we had to purchase aesthetic/girly stuff- a new white undergarment, bows, makeup, tanning, hair stuff (rollers and fake hair- chels is hooking me up with a weave haha) and it all adds up to look good! (and completely normal in competitive cheer I might add) We are hoping to have a little makeup party next weekend to bond and kick back while playing with makeup to make sure our girls perfect their nationals look!

With the close of the basketball season, it is time for cheer to get back to business and focus on our HUGE national competition! Time has officially started ticking for Nationals 2009 and now its crunch time! More than ever (as there was all year) there is a mounting amount of pressure on the girls to stay in shape, eat right, and rehab our aches and pains. Our bodies are machines-- little cheerleading machines. We eat, sleep, cheer! No time for drama, no time for injuries, no time for weakness- we are cheerleaders and we all have to push through it! It is hard at times but the support of my teammates and working towards a common goal help motivate me. I like to picture us on that mat- “bringing it” and walking off proud with our heads held high- that is all I want (although top 5 would be fantastic- and that comes with hard work!); that is what motivates me.

I have come to have such great respect for my teammates. They have learned to prioritize school, outside commitments, and cheerleading and I could not have been more proud of them. They have certainly grown and matured since they first walked into practice at the beginning og the year. We have all sacrificed something to be able to compete. I never understood why some people claim that cheer is not a sport or claim what we do is easy. They judge by what they see; the cuteness, the skirt, the makeup. Of course, we look cute at games and make whatever we do look easy, but that’s the point. Michael Jordan slam dunks and makes it look easy. If it was easy, everyone would be able to do it and he wouldn’t be THE Air Jordan! (it’s the point I’m making here, work with me). Cheerleading is a performance sport. When we compete, we have one shot to perform our 2:20 minute routine. Period. Months and months of practice and stress, bandages, bruises, sweat (buckets), blood, tears will all amount to those roughly 2 minutes. But you get what you put in. Fighting the sweat, pain, blood is worth it because it is what makes us stronger- that is what I live for. Why, you wonder? Because of the love of the sport! Why else would huge football players run into each other over a ball? Why would any other athlete put their body at that risk and through strain? The love of the sport! (at least I would hope) I especially love proving people wrong. As for our girls, you should see how many times our girls have gotten taken down in practice and have gotten right back up. You should see how these girls put themselves on the line for each other. That is the heart of a true athlete and a true teammate!

Everyone constantly asking about nationals and being really interested in seeing us is a great feeling, and knowing our peers are behind us in addition to each other and our coaches is comforting as well. Many times amidst my crazy (cheer) moments of life, it’s great to stop and reflect on my four years here involved with the program. I do not think the younger girls understand how far the program has evolved or how important our endeavors are for the future. I have seen firsthand how far the squad and the program has evolved from pretty much nothing (when I tried out and began my freshman year, there was pretty much no program- long story) to set to appear on a national level. Its our hard work and dedication that makes the program bigger and better for the next generation of cheerleaders and dancers to come!

This is for you AU! Go Eagles!

March MADNESS for AU Cheer! – Joanna, AU Cheerleading Captain

2009-03-24T23:44:00.000-07:00

With cheering for the Men and Women’s Basketball Patriot League Final games, Men’s Championship and NCAA tournament, and practices for Nationals, this month has been the epitome of “March Madness” for many of the girls on the American University Cheerleading Team.

Last week 12 of our girls, myself included, out of 20 team members were lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia, PA to cheer for our men’s basketball team in their second NCAA appearance. We all met last Wednesday evening to board the bus to Philly. Once we arrived and were checked in our hotel, we all got together in Kelsea’s, our co-captain, and my room to make posters for the guys intended to keep their morale up and know that we support them on and off the court. The next morning, we woke up for a little practice and stroll around Philly. Our coach insisted we head straight to the Philadelphia Museum of Art also known as the “Rocky Steps.” Many of my favorite childhood memories would be sitting in my father’s lap watching movies after his long, hard days of work- Rocky being one of them. A lot of the girls were so excited we were running and singing to the theme of Rocky our entire way there despite the frigid gloomy morning. It was such a good feeling to be able to kick back with the girls, joke around and bond. Coach became mr. photographer (thanks coach!) and ran up and down the steps with us as he snapped pictures of us with the Rocky statue, on the steps, and stunting over the Philly backdrop. It was definitely a memorable morning.

It started raining, and poured just in time as we made it back to our hotel to grab a quick bite to eat at an adorable little Amish market a few doors down from the hotel. I had to get a good run in before I ate so I took the food to go and headed to the tiny hotel gym and worked the treadmill. We were told we had 2-3 hours to get game ready for an appearance at an alumni reception before the game (With 12 girls, 4 bathrooms and only 2 hours- you do the math! Haha). It was fun getting ready with the girls and running back and forth making sure the girls had everything they needed. Around 3pm, we gathered in the hotel lobby to take some pictures and board the bus with the pep band to head over to the Phillies baseball stadium where the University held an Alumni Reception before tipoff in a sweet clubhouse. We schmoozed with alum and stood for photo ops with Kermit Washington, AU President Kerwin, and Z100 deejay. We were even put on air!

About an hour before tip off, we left for the Wachovia Center to check in and warm up alongside the Villanova cheerleaders. It was a rocky start and I could sense a lot of the girls were nervous but I reminded them that it would be one of the greatest games they would have ever cheered at and to have fun! Having cheered last year in Birmingham against Tennessee, I was becoming more accustomed and even liking being in front of larger crowds and larger games. I like playing with the crowd and feeding off their energy. Walking out, I cannot explain the feeling you get walking out onto a court of 60,000 fans and have them cheer for you! The team was not even on the court yet and our fans were so excited to see us! This reminded me of one of the reasons I love to cheer and one of the main reasons we are cheerleaders- to support our team, our school—regardless of win or loss! As well as our guys played Tennessee last year, it was as if our guys played even better this year. There was a substantial amount of time where our guys were able to instill a little fear into Nova and everyone hoped our Cinderella team would meet its crowning moment. Unfortunately, it was as if Nova came back second half with a vengeance as the moment they started pulling ahead of our Eagles, it was then I could hear the overwhelmingly angry roar of Nova fans. Nonetheless, us cheerleaders pushed harder and harder to boost spirits, get our fans on their feet, and cheer our guys on.

When it became painstakingly obvious that our dream had faded away, I sat there in the last minute of the game taking in my surroundings and reflecting on my past four years as a cheerleader for these guys. I admit I tried so hard to fight back the tears as I became a little nostalgic (I guess I get a little too emotionally invested in my teams) with the realization it could be the last game of my cheerleading career (I am trying so hard to stay for another year-I don’t want to leave and constantly tell my coach and professors they will need a crane to get me out of this place haha). Aside from being a little depressed having my hopes shot down and seeing some of the guys cry at the buzzer, I lost it. I had been cheering for these guys since I was a freshman and could see how they have transformed their program, athletics, the university and the country. This year, there was no “American? Where’s that?” compared to last year. These boys have helped put AU on the map-- and for that and all of their hard work, I could not have been prouder of them. Having had the opportunity to cheer at both NCAA appearances meant so much to me and will be cherished moments in my heart forever.

We left early the next morning for DC and a lot of the girls were very exhausted and not too thrilled about practice the next day. I guess it was the getting back to reality part that bummed some of us out and having to catch up on school work and other priorities. Keeping this in mind, I sought a way to ease some stress and pressure on the girls and asked coach if we could have a “crazy practice day” where the girls could wear whatever they wanted as long as it did not interfere with practice and stunting. As captain, I sought to be totally ridiculous to instill some laughter from my teammates. From the picture below, you can pretty much see how funny everyone looks. Something magical happened, where despite our exhaustion and stress, we started performing our routine pretty decent and declared Saturday practices until Nationals be “crazy themed days” to give the girls something to look forward to despite our long and hard practices where sweat, blood, body aches are not uncommon.

Ready to Rock - AU Cheer Co-Captain, Kelsea

2009-03-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Although we are upset that AU's great season of basketball had to come to an end, AU Cheer is more than ready to kick our Nationals journey up to full gear!

In only 2 short weeks we will be getting ready to go to Daytona Florida to show the nation that AU Cheer and Dance has what it takes!

The journey has not been easy; it has taken a great deal of hard work and dedication, however, I know it will all be worth it as soon as we step out onto that mat on April 9th!

These next 2 weeks are definitely going to be the hardest yet, but with the support of our teammates and coaches I know we will make it through, perfect our routines, and be ready to rock!

The Nationals Lifestyle - AUDT Co-Captain, Taryn

2009-03-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that Nationals is only a few short weeks away, a thought both exciting and terrifying at the same time. This has been an event-filled week. Last Thursday, several members of AUDT took the bus to Philadelphia to cheer on the Eagles Men’s Basketball Team at their second appearance at the NCAA tournament. After all, we really are their biggest fans. Even while preparing for Nationals, we never forget that our number one priority is to show support for our school. We’re proud to be Eagles and we made sure the Villanova fans knew it!

Now that that fun distraction is over, however, it’s down to business. Like Christina said, getting our Nationals routine ready is taking a lot out of us, physically and emotionally. That’s because preparing for Nationals involves more than just a lot of practice (and I mean A LOT); preparing for Nationals is a lifestyle. We eat, sleep and breathe it. Literally.

For example, we’ve been carefully watching our diets. We only eat foods that will give us energy to help our bodies make it through long practice days like last Sunday, when we had two three hour sessions (but we made it!). I think I speak for all of us when I say I’ve been craving some pizza and ice cream, but we make smart choices, like drinking healthy fruit smoothies, so that our bodies stay healthy and all of our conditioning does not go to waste.

One thing that really helps us to endure this physically draining time is our team support system. Each and every one of us is equally dedicated to the task at hand and we encourage each other. I know sometimes I would not be able to get through the routine without the girls yelling various motivational phrases that probably sound ridiculous to anyone else listening. I feel truly grateful to be part of a unit that will not leave any stragglers behind and will never give up on me or let me give up. Support for each other is a truly essential ingredient for a successful team, and AUDT has that.

We finally understand exactly what it is going to take to get us to the Nationals stage, now it is just a matter of doing it. Easier said than done, but, as we’ve learned… “no pain no gain!”

Post from AUDT Captain, Christina

2009-03-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

As captain of the AU Dance Team,or AUDT as we love to go by, we are so excited to compete at NDA Nationals!

Right now, the team is going through a ton of different emotions. We are excited, nervous, and exhausted! We constantly support each other and encourage ourselves to keep going because we know that Nationals is 100% worth all the time and energy.

We look forward to representing AU on another national level and hope that people begin to recognize our program for hard work and effort we put fourth.

The next 2 weeks are going to be difficult and exhausting, but we welcome the challenge and are ready to go!

Photography by Jeff Watts

2009-03-23T14:02:00.001-07:00

AU Cheer & Dance Goes to Nationals

2009-03-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

Join us on our journey as the AU Spirit Program travels to their first ever national championship. On this blog, we'll post updates and share our excitement as the big trip approaches! April 9th is only 16 days away!