Some 350 women from near and far came to the University of San Diego April 15 to be part of one of sport’s top dance teams, as the San Diego Charger Girl tryouts took center stage.
Vying for one of the few spots on the team, the young women went through initial auditions, with those moving on required to sit in for interviews and a final audition before the 2006 squad was chosen.
A number of area women put their best foot forward to make the squad. Among those trying out were Pacific Beach residents Katie Shaw, Evelyn Damford and Dawn Jansen along with UC San Diego student Jennifer Bulgin.
According to Bulgin, who is a dance major in college, making the squad would be an unreal opportunity.
“I’d love to make the squad and represent San Diego in a positive way,” Bulgin said.
Prior to the auditions, Bulgin said she felt comfortable and was just going to go out and have fun.
As in the case with Bulgin, this was also the first time trying out for the squad for Shaw, Damford and Jansen.
Shaw said she entered the tryouts with a positive attitude and felt it would be a good experience.
“Having grown up here, it would be amazing to make the squad,” Shaw said.
Damford, who went to school at Florida International and previously tried out for the Miami Dolphins dance team, agreed that it was an exciting opportunity for all the women in attendance.
“I’m a little bit nervous, but I think it would be great to make the team and be involved in the community,” she said.
Jansen noted that she felt she performed better in front of larger crowds as she warmed up prior to the auditions.
“I don’t know quite what to expect, but I’m going into it with an open mind,” she said.
According to former Charger Girl and current team director Lisa Simmons, a lot of work goes into getting the auditions together each spring.
“This is my first full year organizing this and it is a lot of preparation, especially securing the judges,” Simmons said. “Today what we’re looking at from the women is a dance background and how they carry themselves in public. It is a great learning experience.”
Having been through this process herself, Simmons also pointed out that she knew what the women were going through.
Along with those trying out for the first time, 20 Charger Girls from this past season were also trying out for the 2006 squad, with 28 spots up for grabs.
For more information on Charger Girls visit www.chargers.com.