All That Glitters is Gold | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

All That Glitters is Gold

72

Commanding the field with the Tiger Band at LSU for the first time in 1959, the prestigious LSU Golden Girls represent the oldest and most established danceline on the LSU campus. The line consists 18 very talented dancers chosen each spring by a special audition.

Baton Rouge native and member of Pi Beta Phi, Tess Guidry, said she has been a dancer since the age of four and had always been a tiger fan.

“Both of my parents went to LSU and my dad played quarterback on the football team. Golden Girls was the perfect way to incorporate two things that I love,” said Guidry.

However, it wasn’t easy for Tess to earn the prestigious title as a Golden Girl. “I auditioned before and didn’t make it,” said Guidry.

Thankfully however, she was not discouraged by this set back and tried again the next year. Tess said the best part about being a Golden Girl was working with other girls who were just as passionate and dedicated as she was to the University. 

“We take tremendous pride in representing our school wherever we go and performing for the LSU community. And of course, dancing on the field at a Saturday night football game in Baton Rouge is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. There is nothing like it,” said Guidry.

In total, the Golden Girls spend about 40 hours a week either practicing or participating in campus-related events. They practice every day except for Sunday and have two-a-day practices on Tuesday. Anywhere the band goes, those girls of glittering gold are sure to follow.

The Golden Girls perform for all home LSU football games, selected campus events, community outreach, and away games (including bowl games) with the full Tiger Band. Additionally, they have made appearances at community events including the Bella Bowman Foundation, ARC Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the ALS Foundation.  In 2011, the Golden Girls were invited by the Hong Kong tourism board to perform for the Chinese New Year Parade and Festival and are traveling to Dublin, Ireland this St. Patrick’s Day to perform at the Dublin parade.

Four-year Golden Girl, Allison Stewart, said that the team has been her saving grace. “I'm from Dallas, Texas, and I came here not knowing anyone. Freshman year my mom died from breast cancer and all I had were my friends on the team. Each year new girls audition and I get to become closer with different people. The Golden Girls are my family, my support system, my everything in Baton Rouge. I would truly be lost without them,” said Stewart.

According to Guidry, about 60-100 girls audition every year. “It is very nerve-racking, but a lot of fun! Everyone is just as excited as you so you can feel the energy all day,” said Guidry.

Tess added, “The team consist of 18 girls, but the captain and co-captain do not have to re-audition. So 16 girls are selected on audition day.”

Tryouts this year will be held on April 5. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. in the Tiger Band Hall. Each girl will perform a one-minute, 30-second jazz dance solo. After their solo performances, the judges will pick the top 30 contestants who then learn a routine on the spot and must perform that routine for the judges in groups of two-six. From there, the team is selected.

Membership is open to all students who are on campus, entering freshmen, or transfer students who have been accepted to LSU by the audition date. Students in college must have a 2.0 grade-point average in order to audition for the line and previous studio dance training is highly recommended. 

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

124601
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

27557
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

25721
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments