The roar of over 110,000 exhilarated fans coming from the Big House can only mean one thing – it’s a football Saturday. No matter rain or shine, three exams the following week or none, an interview or three – if you love, live and breathe Michigan football, you will be at the game. While most of us enjoy the games standing in the bleachers waving our yellow pompoms while singing “Sweet Caroline,” there are those not-so-ordinary people who watch the game from the field – and this week’s campus celebrity is one of those lucky people: meet Erin Steele, captain of the Michigan Dance Team. I had a chance to sit down with Erin to talk to her about her experience dancing with the Michigan Dance Team. Find out what she had to say!
1) AGE: 22
2) Hometown: Vienna, VA
3) Major: English and psychology
4) Year: Senior
5) What made you decide to join the Michigan Dance Team?: I knew I wanted to continue dancing in college if possible, and saw some videos of MDT on YouTube. I was impressed with their talent and thought I might as well give it a shot!
6) What has been your favorite experience from being part of the team? It’s so hard to narrow it down to just one experience, but dancing in the Notre Dame night game last year was definitely up there. Being on that field was insane!
7) Tell us something about the Michigan Dance Team that most people don’t know: We have to re-audition for the team every year (except for fourth-year seniors), audition for every home football game and for both of our nationals dances. Being on the team doesn’t secure your spot in a lot of things.
8) How long have you been dancing and how did you get into it?: I’ve danced since I was 4 years old… My parents signed me up because I was uncoordinated and I ended up loving it and sticking with it!
9) In 20 years, what memory do you think will stick out to you from your experience on the Michigan Dance Team?: I think two memories will stick out to me: doing what I loved on football Saturdays at the greatest school in the world, and making some of my very best friends.
10) Lastly, tell us what it’s like to be on the field – it must be insane!: It’s indescribable… When you have over 110,000 people screaming and cheering on our team, being on the field is one of the coolest feelings I’ve ever experienced.