Over the next few weeks, Memphis Roar will be introducing the members of the 2009-2010 pom squad one by one, letting you in on some of the things outside of dance that drive these young ladies. First up is junior member Marina.
Marina is from Highlands Ranch, Colorado and is currently a junior at the University of Memphis studying Sport and Leisure Management. Beginning her career of dance at the age of three, she chose the University of Memphis solely because of their track record as an award winning dance program and the family feel of the squad.
“When I visited the campus and met the squad I knew this was the place I wanted to attend and earn my degree,” said Marina.
Coming to the University of Memphis as a freshman in 2008, Marina was a part of the National Title dance sqaud. Marina calls this her “most memorable on the pom squad.”
Check out the following Q&A for a little bit deeper of a look into Memphis Pom Squad and Dance Team member Marina.
Q: What is the biggest difference between dance in college versus high school/all-star?
A: “I would say that the biggest difference that occurs dancing in college would be the unimaginable thrill you get when you perform in front of thousands and thousands of people. I would also say the biggest difference is the close-knit friendships you make with the girls on your squad. They are truly your sisters.”
Q: Most embarrassing moment in college career?
A: “My most embarrassing moment would be falling on my rear at a Men’s Basketball game during one of our time-out performances. 17,000 plus attendance equals embarrassing.”
Q: Most influential person in your life and why?
A: “I would way my grandparents are the most influential people in my life. Every time I see them or they see me dance, they never fail to tell me to follow my heart and strive to be the best person I can be. They influence my life by example; I have never seen my grandparents turn someone away who needs help. They are the most gracious and caring people I know and strive to be like them every day.”
Q: My career ambition is:
A: “My career ambition is to one day own my own dance studio so that I can share my love and passion for dance with others.”
Q: I live by the following motto:
A: ” ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ Philippians 4:13.”
Q: Favorite course in school and why?
A: “Theory of Persuasion, because I feel like I actually learned material in the course that I could use in the future.”
Q: Least favorite course and why?
A: “Legal and Ethical Situations in Sport and Leisure Management. The course title alone explains why it’s my least favorite.”
Q: Favorite tv show:
A: “GREYS ANATOMY! And ONE TREE HILL!”
Q: Favorite hobbies:
A: “Boating with my family.”
Q: Favorite sports team growing up:
A: “Broncos, of course!”
Q: Favorite actor and actress?
A: “Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Aniston.”
Q: Favorite vacation spot:
A: “Disney World or Italy.”
Q: Favorite holiday and why?
A: “Christmas, because you celebrate the birth of our Savior.”
Q: Best advice to give someone who wants to be a college dancer:
A: “Train before you audition and find a team who has all the same ambitions and goals you do so that you may obtain them.”
Q: No one knows this about me but…
A: “I have an obsession of taking pictures and buying way too many pictures frames.”
Q: Is dancing a sport, why or why not?
A: “Of course! How is it not? We train just as hard if not harder than any other athlete in their desired sport. We compete with the best of the best in the country. We have rules and regulations that have to be followed just like every other sport does, and we are judged on whether we follow those rules or not just like a referee would in a game. We may not have physical contact with other opponents but neither does tennis, yet it is considered a sport around the world. Just because we look all fancy and glitzy when we perform our dances and cheer at games doesn’t mean we aren’t hard working athletes who endure just as much physical exertion as the players we are rooting on.”
* Simple click on the photographs for a full-size version.
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