Not just for girlz anymore

For the first time ever the Stinger Girlz have a male dancer, who has brought much-needed attention to this mostly unrecognized group.

His name is Joseph Candelarix, a freshman dance major.

Formerly known as the Stinger Girlz, the team changed its name to Joseph and the Stinger Girlz in honor of their new dancer.

Candelarix said he stumbled across the Stinger Girlz and was interested in getting involved with a dance group on campus. He showed up on the last day of tryouts, learned the dance routine, performed it and was one of 14 chosen for the team.

Candelarix beat out 35 women for his position.

"He is a big asset," said Sonia Villasenor, a dance major and captain of Joseph and the Stinger Girlz. "It has never been uncomfortable."

Mandy Batchelder, a second-year dancer and a junior majoring in communications, agreed.

"We are definitely excited! A lot more guys are coming up to us on campus and wanting to get involved," she said.

Although most of the women agree it was a little difficult getting used to a guy on the dance team, they now have nothing but praise for their newest dancer.

"The response to Joseph has not been negative. In fact, it's just the opposite. We are having people and other dance teams asking us why we only have one guy," said Deanna Srederickson, a communications major and three-year member of the team. "More men would be a great addition to the dance team because they contribute a lot."

The group's focus is getting people involved in dance.

Practicing what they preach, they run through drills on Sunday and Tuesday evenings.

"Okay, good! Now let's start it from the top with music and really hit your moves," said Leslie Stube, coach of the 14-member dance team, to her dancers.

The stereo system began to blast a remix of "Oye Como Va" and the dancers started the Latin-inspired dance they will perform at a football game, volleyball games and basketball games.

The dance team is currently practicing for the long season ahead of them. Dancers are also preparing a fund-raising campaign, set to begin this week. The campaign will include candy sales, house cleaning services and possibly a future calendar. The money raised will help pay for the team's uniforms, as well as travel and competition expenses.

Future plans for the dance team include possibly attending three national dance competitions in February, March and April of next year.

They will attempt to hold on to their first- place title for a third consecutive year at the USA Nationals in Los Angeles.

The team is always looking for new dancers.

"We are looking for people that have a little bit of technical training, but most of all, people who just love to dance," said Villasenor. "This year's team is special because we are all different people with different personalities, but we all pull it together and have a great time."

For more information on Joseph and the Stinger Girlz, call the Hornet Athletic Department at 278-6481 and ask for Leslie Stube.