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Storming Through Their Season
Just imagine you’re in New York City at Madison Square Garden with 19,000 excited fans screaming for the Red Storm of St. John’s University. The time-out buzzer sounds and your heart begins to race as you feel all eyes are on you and your team, dancing on center court. While this is just one of many basketball games for the Red Storm Dance Team, the thrill of dancing on the floor of the world’s most famous arena never subsides.
The St. John’s University Dance Team has been in existence for over 40 years, and is rich in tradition and pride. Every year 15 to 20 young ladies with diverse dance backgrounds, perform during time-outs and halftime of all home basketball and soccer games. In addition, the Dance Team has also made appearances at other sports events. While a major part of their season is spent supporting the varsity Red Storm sports, the Dance Team competes annually and is currently ranked 3rd in the country amongst division I squads.
Although there is no dance major at St. John’s many girls on the team take advantage of the close proximity to Manhattan (located only 20 minutes from campus), and attend classes at famous Broadway Dance Center and STEPS on Broadway.
Members of the St. John’s Dance Team are superior ambassadors for the University and New York shown by evidence of their selflessness and contributions to their community. The team is actively involved in the Breast Cancer Walk, the Foundation for Fighting Blindness, and Special Olympics.
History
The St. John’s University Dance Team has been entertaining crowds for over 40 years. Their continued success has earned them regional and national recognition. In 1967, the Coordinettes were hired by the New York Jets as the sideline cheerleaders when the Jets played in Shea Stadium. The current Dance Team has made appearances on TV, profiled in magazines and several websites.
The team has had several different names over the years. They began as the “Co-ordinettes”, then were transformed into the St. John’s Kickline. Finally, in 1992, they became what is known today as the Red Storm Dance Team.
Commitment to the Program
Prospective team members must prioritize their class and work schedule before making the decision to audition for the team. In addition to a full class schedule, most of the dancers balance a part-time job and personal commitments, as well as their dance team responsibilities. Team members must be able to manage their time efficiently!
More Information
If you have questions regarding an audition, are interested in having the dance team make an appearance at your event, judge your school’s auditions, make a donation to our program, or would like to pass on some kind words to dance team members, please contact:
St. John’s University Dance Team
Attn.: Coach Christine McCarton
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
(718) 990-2306
mccartoc@stjohns.edu
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