Like to boogie? Feel like you just want to get down sometimes and lay it funky? Are you a master at the pop, the lock and perhaps even the dropping of it? Well, last Tuesday, Sept. 6th from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 7th from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday, Sept. 8th from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., Longwood University's Blue Heat dance team had tryouts in the Group Fitness Room of the Health and Fitness Center to all those who felt like they could bring it around town for all of Longwood to feel that Lancer Spirit with strut and whirl.
The Blue Heat dance team's camaraderie is one aspect that all members in the group can relate to. Member Crystal Hayes is now starting her fourth year on the team. "Everyone who joins Blue Heat has an amazing heart," she said. "We all become like family. We support each other in every way possible."
"You make life-long friends while doing what you love," said Neal Bulifant, Treasurer of Blue Heat dance . "Just talk to anyone on the team. Everybody is very nice and loves to talk about the team and dance in general."
Blue Heat does not participate in competitions, but focuses more on helping inspire Lancer Pride in Longwood students. Moriah Elmore, Secretary of the team, said, "We do not compete on a state or national level. We are here to spread the spirit of Longwood at the basketball games, Oktoberfest, Spring Weekend, and any other events we are asked to do [e.g., Lancer Productions events, the Hope Rally, etc.]."
Sarah Harden, who is beginning her third year on the team, said, "Our main focus right now is promoting the Lancer spirit on campus and supporting all of our athletic teams."
The only possible prerequisite needed for the team might be an intense love for dance. "Dance is very important to me," Elmore said. "I have been dancing since I can remember, but was never ‘super serious' about it until about my junior year of high school, so I was afraid of giving it up when I came to college … until I discovered Blue Heat."
Harden, who felt the same fear of losing dance in her life, said, "I knew I wanted to try out for Blue Heat when my high school dance season ended. Figuring out how much I missed dancing every week really pushed me to be a part of my college dance team as well."
If you feel intimidated about the aspect of joining next year, Elmore said, "It is the perfect way to keep dance in my life without feeling that I need to be a professional at it. Blue Heat encourages progress in dance, not perfection."
Elmore said, "The only advice I could provide is this: If you love to dance and have a natural ability for it, come see what Blue Heat is all about. Again, it's a great way to grow in your dance talent without feeling the pressure of having to be a pro at it."
If you would like to see Blue Heat's next event, be sure to see them at Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 1.
"Since we usually try to include the theme of Oktoberfest in our performances, it should be really fun," said Harden.
Oktoberfest will begin on Sunday, Sept. 25 with Dr. Jordan's Bonfire. Following it on the 29 will be the Alzheimer's walk with Color Wars and Battle of the Bands the day after. Blue Heat's performance will help cast off the end of Oktoberfest 2011 along with booths by different Longwood organizations and bands hosted by WMLU.
A big congratulations to this year's new Blue Heat dancers, which includes Alexa Stickles, Addy Reekes, Emily Smigo, Devon Burnett, Heather McCoig, Armonti Brown, Ginnie Griffith, Braylee Schmidt, Rachel Gustafson, Ashley Greenfield, and Lucy Mason. Your Lancer pride will keep Longwood's blood blue with pride with the student involvement and enthusiasm seen in the Blue Heat Dance team.
You can also find more information on Blue Heat's Facebook page and website at blueheatdance.weebly.com.