Thank you for your interest in Florida State University's prestigious dance team, the Golden Girls.

Hey Junior Noles - want to learn cheers, chants, and dances from the Florida State Cheerleaders and Golden Girls? Then sign up for Spear-It Day, February 28th!!! Perform at halftime for your friends and family as the Noles take on the Clemson Tigers!!!

*** 2010 Spring Spear-It Day ***
Date: February 28
Times: 2:00p Check In
          2:30p - 5:00p Clinic
          5:00p Eat Pre-Game Meal
          5:30p Parents Report back to go with kids to the Civic Center
Location: Basketball Training Center
Cost: $45 for participants and $25 for coaches
What You Need:
1) Registration Form
2) Registration Fee

Would you like to have the Golden Girls perform at your next event??? Just fill out the form below and someone will be in contact with you.
Performance Request Form

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

When was the program created?
The Golden Girls have been a favorite Seminole tradition for over 25 years.

How many team members do you take each year?
We take anywhere from 20-25 members depending on where the natural cut off break is in scores. This year we have 15 veterans and 8 rookies.

Who are the coaches?
Wendy Crawford is entering her 6th year as the Head Coach of the Golden Girls. Rasheedah Page is entering her 1st year as the Assistant Coach of the Golden Girls. Both Coach Wendy and Coach Rasheedah are former members of the Golden Girls.

What are some of the activities the team participates in?
Our main focus is football and men's basketball games; however we also perform at the men's basketball ACC/NCAA tournament, tennis matches, volleyball games and various community events and fundraisers.

Do you all receive scholarships?
We do not receive scholarships; however team members do not pay for uniforms or travel expenses. We also have many other free perks including Nike Warm-Ups, Nike Shoes, Nike Bags, Nike (and other) Practice Wear, Golden Girls t-shirts and sweatshirts, jewelry, discounts on gym memberships and tanning, meals, and so much more.

What competitions do you attend?
Every year we attend the Universal Dance Association's National Competition in January that can be seen on ESPN. We are currently ranked 1st in the ACC and 2nd in the Nation.

Is it possible to be a dance major and on Golden Girls?
We currently have two girls on the team that are dance majors so it is possible. The dance department at FSU is an excellent program and it is a privilege to have such a great department dedicated to helping dancers perfect their craft the only side note is that all our members who have done both are extremely driven and have outstanding time management skills! Doing both is not to be taken lightly.

How often do the Golden Girls practice?
We typically practice Monday - Thursday evenings for approximately 3 hours.

I am coming to Florida State to visit the campus, etc. Is there a way t o meet with the coaches and possibly come watch a practice?
Yes! Please email Coach Wendy Crawford at FSUggCoach@gmail.com or call her at 850-519-1191. You can also contact our Spirit Coordinator Jenn Garye at 850-644-8457 to set up dates and times.

TRYOUT INFORMATION

When are the Golden Girls tryouts?
The Golden Girls tryouts are held in the spring, typically somewhere between the last week of March and the first week of May in Tully Gym on the FSU campus. If you email your information to FSUggCoach@gmail.com, you will be immediately notified of the official dates once they are set. Additionally they will be listed on this website.

What are the requirements to join the team?
- At least a 2.5 GPA (not applicable to incoming Freshmen)
- Copy of your FSU Card (for current students) or acceptance letter (for incoming Freshmen)
- Copy of your insurance card (front and back)
- Completed application form
- Current picture (no bigger than 4x6)
- $30 application fee (cash or money orders only - no checks will be taken)
- Floor combination with the following: left & right turns, fouette turns, left & right leaps.
***You do not have to bring any of your own routines; however there may be the opportunity to improvise 32 counts of jazz or hip hop in the routine***

Are incoming Freshmen, Seniors, or Graduate Students allowed to try out?
Yes! There is no class limit. We have had people make the team from their 1st tryout to their 4th tryout.

Do the current Golden Girls have to tryout each year?
Yes. We understand that Golden Girls is a highly competitive team and that every year a member must earn their spot.

What characteristics do you look for during tryouts and why?
We are looking for girls able to handle the pressure of tryouts. The way our tryouts are held shows us who will be able to handle the work load and pressue of what an average week of practice would be like due to the type of skill level needed and the ability to learn material quickly. The girls have to go through an interview process, as well as learn up to 4 different dances before 1st cuts are held.

On an average week we have to learn multiple dances to perform that same week and sometimes even on the same day. We have to know that the girls will be able to handle it. On top of that we can see what their work ethic and personalities are throughout the process. It is clear in who really wants the honor of being a Golden Girl by how they practice and how they respond and/or pay attention to corrections. We can also see how they get along with the others and how they carry themselves when not performing.

To be a member of this team you have to have the full package consisting of talent, academic excellence, dedication, great work ethic, time management skills and flexibility. We never know what will be asked of us at any given moment and we often have little turn around time to prepare; however that is no excuse for the Golden Girls to not perform with excellence.

What events usually take place at tryouts?
Friday
An informational meeting followed by the Annual Golden Girls Spring Showcase

Saturday
Possible 1st - 3rd cuts and interview process

The 1st - 3rd cuts may consist of:
- A basic combination of standard leaps and turns done across the floor in groups of 2-3
- A jazz routine which skills could consist of any turn and leap combination
- A section where we will ask you to do your technical skills separate from the routine
- A hip-hop routine which may include floor tricks and non-standard turns (don't worry there will not be any tumbling)
- A traditional Florida State song which consists of pom like motions and high kicks

Sunday
- Possible interview process and final cuts
- Announcement of new team
- 1st team meeting
- 1st team photo

***Please note that tryouts are not limited to just the above and that we are looking for potential in the technical elements, not necessarily perfection. Not everyone who attends the tryout will have all of the skills perfected. During the year as we practice everyone improves their potential is what is important.

Do you all accept videos in place of tryouts?
We do not accept videos in place of tryouts. If you have an unavoidable conflict with our tryout dates please contact us as soon as possible at FSUggCoach@gmail.com

Can I receive extra preparation and tips for the upcoming tryouts?
Yes! Everyone is eligible to receive extra preparation and tips for the upcoming tryout. If you are interested email Coach Wendy Crawford at FSUggCoach@gmail.com. Your name and email will be placed on an update list that will notify you as soon as dates are set for any college preparation workshops, classes, or possible private lessons.

I am not eligible to tryout because I will still be in high school next year. Am I allowed to participate in the tryout process for experience purposes? If so, what do I need to do?
Yes! Contact Coach Wendy Crawford at FSUggCoach@gmail.comthen bring your completed Application Form with you to the informational meeting on Friday

Congratulations to the 2009-10 FSU Golden Girls Dance Team

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THE FSU GOLDEN GIRLS. FOR FURTHER INFOMRATION PLEASE CONTACT JENN GARYE, SPIRIT COORDINATOR, AT 850-644-8457 OR JTHUNTER@FSU.EDU

GO NOLES!