Southwestern Michigan College Introduces Dance Team
Southwestern Michigan College announced today that its newly-formed women's competitive dance team will be named "The Ladybirds".
Coached on a volunteer basis by Laura Odenwald, wife of SMC President Dr. Joe Odenwald, the seven members of the inaugural Ladybirds team - Nyah Anderson, Chicago; Courtney Clowers, Chicago; Anna Leach, Cassopolis; Kynrimma McGloan, Chicago; Allie Pleyer, Coloma; Allyson Rumoro, Oak Park and Kennedy Westrate, Cassopolis – have begun preparing to perform at halftime of the Roadrunners' home basketball games, at National Dance Alliance (NDA) competitions and at other events in the community.
"On their first practice day, the team learned the SMC Fight Song routine which will be performed at during pre-game and other times during the contest," said Coach Odenwald. "They have also spent time getting to know each other better, discussing our team core values, and getting a tour of the newly renovated athletics facilities.
"The NDA Home Camp will last for three full days this week," Odenwald continued. "They'll learn five different dance routines in the styles of jazz, pom, and hip-hop (including a 'pro' routine that includes all three styles in the same dance). They will also use this time to work on specific dance skills and tricks, both as individuals and as a group. I'm really proud of them and feel lucky that they chose to be on this team. They've already demonstrated their enthusiasm and professionalism, as well as their willingness to support each other."
The team name not only references SMC's Roadrunner mascot but, in a nice bit of synergy, also recalls Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Johnson, First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969, during the period when the College was founded. Lady Bird Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Gerald Ford on January 10, 1977. The citation for her medal read: "One of America's great First Ladies, she claimed her own place in the hearts and history of the American people. In councils of power or in homes of the poor, she made government human with her unique compassion and her grace, warmth and wisdom. Her leadership transformed the American landscape and preserved its natural beauty as a national treasure."
Johnson was instrumental in promoting the Highway Beautification Act, which was nicknamed "Lady Bird's Bill". It was developed to beautify the nation's highway system by limiting billboards and by planting roadside areas. Johnson famously quoted, "Where flowers bloom, so does hope." She was also an advocate of the Head Start program to give children from lower-income families a step up in school readiness.
The SMC Ladybirds will debut at the Roadrunners' home opener doubleheader on Tuesday, November 1. Admission to all home games this season is free; no advance tickets are needed and all bleacher seating is first-come, first-served.