The MSU fight song blared from the gym in the Berkowitz Basketball Complex on Saturday. Inside, about 60 women danced together and clapped to the beat.

Their faces were smiling and their moves precise. By Wednesday, about seven women will be named new members of the MSU Dance Team.

"I'm just a little nervous because I don't know what to expect," hospitality business sophomore Juliane Kline said.

The MSU Dance Team performs at university events, including basketball and football games, and competes nationally.

In addition to learning the moves to the fight song, the women were instructed in a 30-second hip-hop routine. Both dances were taught by senior members of the team.

"The dance to the fight song is permanently ingrained in my head," said Micha Hickey, a nutritional sciences senior who led the teaching of the fight song.

Being on the dance team allows students to see MSU sports from the inside, said Hickey, who is graduating.

"It will be hard to let go of front-row tickets to the basketball and football games," Hickey said.

Tryouts were a little different for general business administration and pre-law junior Christie D'Agostini. Instead of helping the new members learn the dances, D'Agostini watched from the sidelines with a sprained ankle.

"This is tough because I can't demonstrate the dance, which I helped choreograph," she said.

She said one of the best things about the dancers is their cooperation, especially considering the team doesn't have an official coach. The teammates come up with their own choreography.

The team practices at least three times per week for three hours.

Kline, who started dancing in fourth grade, bought football tickets last season. From the stands, she wistfully watched the dance team on the field.

"It's exciting to see them out there," Kline said. "Maybe it'll be me out there next year."