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While I always loved to dance, my path to the Buckeye Dance Force — now called the Ohio State University Dance Team — was interesting because my background was in cheer.
In the late 80s, I was an African American cheerleader at a predominantly white high school in Cincinnati, Ohio. Early on, I saw the difference shown to me due solely on the color of my skin. I was the only African American cheerleader through my years in Junior High and High School, and leadership roles were not awarded to me even though my skill set and time on Varsity warranted them. Those experiences and situations made me strong and resilient. They pushed me to be the best I could be and to enjoy my cheerleading experience of entertaining the fans, no matter the obstacles.
After high school, I attended THE Ohio State University, and I wanted to carry on with my pom poms in college. In preparation, I attended cheerleading prep classes with the OSU cheerleaders and other potential new recruits. I realized very quickly, though, that my 120 lb. frame didn’t fit the early 90s college cheerleader qualifications. I was devastated, but still passionate about entertaining and my love of the fans. So, in 1992, I decided to take a chance and try out for something new — the Buckeye Dance Force. Many of the dancers trying out had the type of formal dance training to have a great tryout. As a young child, I took dance classes but only in elementary school, so it was a little more challenging for me (that’s also when I realized that a lot of African American children did not have the opportunity or funds for private classes to learn and improve their dance technique and skills). But like I said before, challenging situations made me work harder. I worked extremely hard during tryouts, even learning words like plié, passé, and even fouetté. At the end of tryouts, I was offered a position on the Buckeye Dance Force. Even though I did not have the “classical” dance training that my fellow dancers had, I possessed enough God-given talent along with strength, resilience, and perseverance to hold my own at the French Field House.
I spent two years on that team with some amazing dancers and dynamic women. During that time, I was one of two African American members, and I learned a lot in a short amount of time. My fellow dancers taught me fouettés, passés, pliés, and many more dance moves that I was never taught as a young child, and we all worked as a team to help each other improve skills and become better dancers. This newfound experience of dance brought different opportunities and experiences. I was able to dance in San Diego, CA. at the UDA National Competition, OSU sports events, and various community related events around Ohio. Also, I was given the privilege to dance with some of the BEST HUMAN BEINGS IN THE WORLD who, at the end of the day, became family.
Even though the majority of the Buckeye Dance Force was white, they never made me feel different or not part of the team. While there were times when I felt like less of a dancer because I was a cheerleader and it took me longer to master specific things, I also realized that the work ethic and dedication I needed to become a great high school cheerleader was equally important here because both cheer and dance require dedication, energy, and time to become the best. And, at the end of the day, both should be inclusive because there are different things that each person can bring to the table to make the entire team EXCEPTIONAL!! We were a team of White, Black, and Asian members — a melting pot of dancers — and it strengthened us. My teammates never saw color and I truly felt as though we were a family. We were Buckeyes!
During my time with the Buckeye Dance Force, I made a ton of memories and amazing friendships that will last a lifetime. I am truly grateful for that. Not only were friendships made, though, but it also sustained my love of entertaining. I graduated from The Ohio State University and went back home to find a job in Cincinnati, where my cheerleading and dance background led me to become a Cincinnati Ben Gal Cheerleader in the NFL.
My path was not easy at the beginning because my talent was overlooked because of my skin color. Once I pushed past all the naysayers, though, I was able to do what I love — entertain fans at my Jr. High and High School, at The Ohio State University, and on the professional stage with the NFL. I would like to acknowledge those who, in my early years, neglected my internal drive and love for performing because of what they saw. You individuals actually made me push myself to be better, making myself a collegiate and professional athlete. For that, I thank you!!!