The Black and Gold Elite Dance Team is optimistic for the upcoming season.
With the team down to six dancers, their first goal is to achieve a team of roughly 25 members.
   Dedication, discipline and determination are among the traits each dancer must have in order to keep up with the rigorous practices. Rehearsals are scheduled four times a week in the Quinn Recreation Center. Such a schedule is necessary in order to accomplish the team’s main goal of competing regionally and nationally.
   The team competed last year and placed 13th in the 1A division. Some of the competitions for this semester include Showbiz and Dancemakers.
   Aside from competing, the team dances on the sidelines and during halftime at Appalachian State University football games and select Appalachian men’s and women’s basketball games.
   Although the university does not fund the team, they are able to acquire uniforms, costumes and money for competitions through fundraising. These include events held at Boonedock’s, as well as date auctions and car washes.
   This semester will be a time of transition for the team. Started in 1999 by Deanna Dutting, the team has since flourished. With Dutting’s 2002 graduation from Appalachian, she leaves behind her legacy as founder and her position as captain.
   Another challenge facing the team is their search for a new advisor, due to Wendy Leveautte-Fletcher’s resignation after two years because of a location move.
   The Black and Gold Elite Dance Team are looking to the semester ahead with open eyes and open minds. They are searching for girls that thrive on teamwork and can overcome any challenge that may arise.
   With no captain, no advisor and about 20 open spots, new blood is the only answer for the survival of the team.
   “The team has come a long way and we want the girls that come to try-outs with hopes of making it to be willing to put their heart into dancing because the only place we can go now is up,” said Kristin Foster, who has been a member of the team for one year.
   Auditions for anyone interested in joining the team will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 3 from 8-10 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 4-5 from 7-10 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Quinn Recreational Center. While participants with no experience are welcome, dance or cheerleading backgrounds are encouraged.