Dancing Queens

Dedication, heart all part of being an Ole Miss Rebelette

KATHLEEN HILLMAN
DM Senior Staff Writer

The Varsity and Junior Varsity Rebelettes don't need a lecture on dedication. Far from it. The 23 varsity and 16 J.V. members practice four to five times per week, which includes band practices for the varsity squad, and are required to work out two to three times per week, including morning workouts.

"I think we have a lot of talent," said J.V. Rebelette coach Missy Reid. "The girls are showing a lot of dedication very early on."

"Our goal as a team this year is to be better technical dancers as a squad, to bond with each other and to have fun; enjoy dancing," said Varsity Rebelette coach Katie Yarborough.

For home games, varsity squad members perform a small pep rally in the Grove with the band before heading over to the football stadium.

During the game, squad members take turns cheering on the sidelines as a "pom squad" and perform dances when the band plays. For the halftime show, all varsity squad members perform a routine for the fans.

"It's so rewarding that our hard work pays off when we're in front of an audience," said varsity captain Maggie Holland, a senior journalism major from Collierville, Tenn. "This year we've worked so hard to prove ourselves in our dance ability and athleticism. We've never had a squad this dedicated and talented."

All varsity and J.V. Rebelette squad members receive scholarships, administered by the band, toward tuition and fees. Yarborough said, out-of-state members get a waiver, but all scholarships are "essentially the same."

"We appreciate all that they (the band) have done for us," Yarborough said. "They are so good about giving us as much money as possible."

Squad members also take part in fundraisers during the year to help raise money for uniforms and national competition. The university provides uniforms, as well.

In April, the varsity Rebelettes' national squad, composed of 13 members, will travel to Daytona Beach, Florida for the National Cheerleading Association Competition. This will mark the fifth year in a row that Rebelette squad members have competed.

National squads must submit an audition tape to qualify for national competition. At the competition, the squads that rank in the top 10 perform on national television, which can serve as "one of the best recruiting tools" for the dance squads, Yarborough said.

Time management is an important asset for being on the squads. Yarborough said that squad members are encouraged to focus on being a "student first and Rebelette second."

Members must maintain a 2.0 GPA to be on the squads. An attendance policy is also stressed by the coaches, as well as with the band.

"It's like a full-time job," Yarborough said. "It's hard to be a Rebelette and a student."

Yarborough also encourages varsity squad members to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Members are weighed at the beginning of the year, and a weight limit is given to them for their benefit, Yarborough said. A healthy lifestyle keeps members in shape, looking their best for the performances and protects them from injuries.

"I look forward to being with the girls and having a great year," Yarborough said. "This is the most talented squad I've ever worked with. Every year the girls' technique gets better."

Reid agrees that the level of talent this year is stronger than ever.

"I'm excited about the year because I do feel we have a very talented squad, and the girls want to perform and do well," Reid said.

"They want to provide quality entertainment and show support for Ole Miss athletics."