The University of Minnesota’s pom team has once again astounded judges and audiences (both in-person and online) alike with their epic and energetic dance routine.
While great routines from this dance team are not uncommon, they appear to have outdone themselves this year with their center-stage-worthy precision and synchronized moves that make the crowd go wild.
They are survivors
The girls of green and gold have arrived armed with white pom-poms in hand to show off their fierce dance moves to the audience at the University of Minnesota.
With a noted reputation for outstanding technique and flawless execution of their routines, these cheerleaders have done the Golden Gophers proud once again with their fierce dance routine to a remix of Destiny’s Child’s 2002 song “Survivor.”
Clad in sequined leotards, the team of fourteen dancers begins their routine with feet spread at shoulder width, down-facing, and holding their pom-poms firmly in front of them.
But the mystery is broken once the rhythmic, powerful beat of “Survivor” begins pumping from the speakers and the girls start off their performance strong: pom-poms up in the air followed by a perfectly in-sync wave-like twist. But the real crowd raiser is the perfectly executed spins, sometimes lasting up to nearly ten seconds!
The most impressive part of the girls’ entire performance is their ability to move as a single synchronized unit – never moving a toe out of step.
Once the music changes to intense beats without lyrics, the performance is filled with perfectly timed leaps, dips, spins, and plenty of attitude. The powerful, rapid, and quick movements further emphasize that these girls are strong and not to be messed with.
For the finale, the girls combine a series of pirouettes, handstands, and leaps until they all return to a similar formation from the start of the routine and end off by illustrating that they are standing their ground – strong.
What it takes to be a pom
Being a part of the pom-squad is not as easy as the movies make it out to be – it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. The pace and execution of the moves are only two of the criteria that judges look at when tabulating results.
The Golden Gophers dance team is particularly focused on taking on routines that are more athletic than in the past, requiring them to build stamina and strength for perfect execution.
However, building strength for competitions can be difficult while still being expected to be on the side of the field and cheering the university sports teams on. During the fall semester, these girls are primarily focused on athletic and campus events as well as community appearances.
But, once their competition season hits, their focus is on improving their routines, building endurance, and perfecting their performances.
The dedication behind the moves
The girls take their dance routines very seriously and have often begun practicing straight after Christmas during their winter break. Part of this dedication includes bringing in choreographers to assist them with the configuration of their routines to ensure that they are perfect.
While these Minnesota dancers have always had that special something that sets them apart, we are sure that as the year goes on, their performances will increase in speed and difficulty.
The Golden Gophers are not ones to shy away from a challenge; after all, they are survivors.
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