Matt Weir / The Collegian Online
Athletics and music partner up to share dance team
The dance team, now in its second season, is under the joint direction of the music and athletic departments after a successful first year under band director Tim Anderson.
Anderson’s idea to bring the dance team back to Fresno State stirred up skepticism in the athletics department, bringing about memories of the old dance team.
“I wasn’t here at that time, but I heard that some of the old routines weren’t the most appropriate, and the uniforms were somewhat skimpy,” Anderson said. “But when we restarted the team last year, we made sure the dances stayed clean and classy.”
Despite the athletic department’s reluctance to bring back the dance team, Anderson’s pilot program proved that the new and improved team was a more appropriate version than the team the school eliminated.
“Tim ran a nice program last year, and we are very pleased with their spirit and enthusiasm,” said band secretary Sindi McGuire. “It fits in well with the scheme of what athletics wanted to do.”
Clarence Chiong, a sports licenser for athletics, took over as the athletic advisor for the dance team in April.
“Our goal is for the dance team to perform with cheer to provide more entertainment for the fans,” Chiong said. “We want to provide the best possible experience for the girls.” The dance team rehearsed new choreography for basketball season at dance camp in July, and learned new material for football season alongside the marching band in August.
“We have a good team this year,” said dance coach Tiphanie McNiff. “We have strong veterans who are good leaders of our team, and I expect amazing performances out of them this year.”
McNiff expects the team to perform at high school dance showcases in Fresno in addition to halftime shows.
“We also want to have a bigger presence at basketball games,” she said.
The dancers will perform on the field for the first time on Sept. 5 during the home game against Cincinnati.
“Our team is so excited for the first game, and it’s a big one,” said Franki DiLiddo, a dance team veteran. “We are ready to perform and show the bearcats what the bulldogs are all about.”
The athletics department intends to continue the feel of the program that started last year under the authority of the music department.
“We want to provide a collaberation between the dance team and cheer to deliver a better product,” Chiong said.
The music department’s agreement to share the dance team comes after a mutual agreement was reached last year.
“The dance team is a wonderful addition to our university,” Anderson said. “They are a great group of young ladies who uphold the university very well.”