Picture this scene: a floor packed with beautiful college girls dancing flawless routines while thousands cheer them on.

The setting is not a Downtown bar or club, it’s right here on Binghamton University’s campus at the Events Center before opening tip-off and during timeouts of every BU men’s and women’s basketball game. The characters of this scene are the BU Dance Team, a varsity sports team and one of the five groups that make up Binghamton’s Spirit Squads. And thanks to them, the mood is highly energetic throughout the arena.

‘We keep up the crowd, keep them pumped ‘ especially the BU Zoo,’ said sophomore member Jessica Romano about the squad.

The Dance Team has built a reputation for delivering top-notch performances time after time, and a lot of that success can be attributed to the highly competitive tryouts they hold each year. This past September, nearly 60 students tried out for the technically co-ed team. Eighteen women, all with extensive background training in the art of dance, made the final cut.

‘I wouldn’t say tryouts aren’t easy at all. They’re definitely challenging,’ Romano said. ‘But I would promote it to anyone who’s interested. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made since being at school’.

However, physical talent on its own is not enough to make this team. First-year coach Jo Ellen Hansen only selects girls who are lively, energetic, love to entertain and show that they can get along with the rest of the team. Those traits are what she describes as ‘having a performance personality’ and, along with some background in dance, is an absolute must for anyone aspiring to make the Dance Team.

One of the team’s goals this upcoming year is to gain more exposure across campus and throughout the community by participating in competitions with other schools and dance teams in the area.

‘I really do want to compete. I hope we get the chance,’ freshman Kate DeMarco said.

If they do get the opportunity to compete this year, which they did not last year but have in years past, Hansen is very confident in their abilities.

‘I’ve only had them a few practices, but I feel like we can have a really good team,’ she said.

Regardless of whether or not they compete this upcoming season, this talented team is determined to delight the Events Center crowd with its moves.

‘We’re good and we’re going to make a bigger and better name for ourselves this year,’ said junior captain Jamie Maggio. ‘Come watch us, we’re legit.’

The Dance Team, along with the rest of the Spirit Squads, will next be in action tonight when the women’s basketball team plays an exhibition game against St. Rose at 7 p.m. at the Events Center.