Forty excited girls gathered Saturday at IM Sports-Circle, eager to learn a hip-hop and cheer routine taught by the Spartan Soul dance team.
The 11-member team, which performs for various campus events, put on a three-hour dance clinic for participants of all skill levels.
Spartan Soul choreographer Jennifer Webb said the clinic, which was held for the first time, was personally rewarding and a character-building experience for anyone who chose to participate.
"Doing dance moves in front of people will definitely give you confidence," the medical technology junior said.
Webb choreographed the dance and said she's used to teaching dance moves, although she had to go a little slower so the girls could keep up.
"I thought it was fun," said pre-nursing freshman Telisha Thomas. "It was a good workout. I plan on trying out for the team in the spring, and it was great to meet the team members before I try out."
Spartan Soul President Denisha Powell said the team had been thinking about doing a clinic for a long time and finally decided on it a month ago.
The clinic was aimed at MSU students, though many area high- and middle school students attended.
Powell said the turnout was unexpected.
"The girls did a good job," the journalism senior said. "Some of them are even performing their own material in the showcase."
The showcase took place Sunday, and the dance team met with performers prior to the show to practice. It gave the girls a chance to show family and friends the new dance moves they learned the day before.
Many of the participants were shy and needed some encouragement from Spartan Soul members. Ten girls from Battle Creek's Southwestern Junior High School pom-pom squad also showed off one of their routines.
After the girls were done, the entire Spartan Soul team decided to perform the routine again.
The team received a letter of appreciation Sunday from one of the younger girls who attended. Warren said she wants to go to college at MSU in the future so she can be a part of the team.
"I am so happy you guys taught us that beautiful dance. I know it took lots of time and we tried our best to make it look like you guys. Thank you," wrote Mikael Warren, a Southwestern Junior High student.
Powell encouraged the girls to become a part of the team.
"We hope you guys all come back and try out for Spartan Soul when you go to college," Powell said.
