New Energy Team dance group puts fate of Marlins Mermaids in limbo

Joe Capozzi
The Palm Beach Post
1/13/12

UPDATE: Apparently the fate of the Mermaids a is touchy subject. Marlins vice president PJ Loyello emailed me this update on the fate of the Mermaids, which contradicts what I was told by a PR rep earlier this morning.

“That decision has yet to be made as ALL in-game is still being evaluated. The Energey Teamis just one element that we’re looking into implemeting and the fate of the Mermaids has yet been determined. Sorry for the confusion.”

(Back to my original blog posting:)

It’s official: The Marlins Mermaids will not be part of the team’s new ballpark. Neither will the Marlins Manatees.

I’m not sure how readers will react to this news since beat writers often heard mixed reactions about the Mermaids.

But those in the pro-Mermaids/Manatees camp, don’t worry: There will be a dance group at Marlins games next year, one with men and women. And you can audition for it.

Jennifer Valdez of RBB Public Relations, which is helping with the talent search for the new group, confirmed in an email this morning that the Mermaids won’t be back.

“This is different from the Mermaids. Now, the dancers will be included in this new energy entertainment team so there will only be this one group of performers,” she said.

Miami New Times first reported last month that the mermaids and Manatees would not return.

There’s also a Save the Manatees Facebook page.

What do you think about this? Will you miss the Mermaids?

Here’s the Marlins’ press release on their search for dancers for the new group.

The Miami Marlins are searching for the most talented and spirited dancers, gymnasts, cheerleaders and break dancers in South Florida for the new Miami Marlins Energy Team, a high-energy squad which will feature a unique mix of gymnastics, hip-hop, acrobatics, modern jazz, flags and break dancing.

The Miami Marlins Energy Team will include both male and female performers and provide excitement and entertainment during all Miami Marlins homes games. The squad will also represent the Marlins organization at various community events throughout the year.

A select number of energy team hopefuls will be chosen from the January 21 open auditions to compete in the Final Audition Show where the best performers will be chosen to be part of the 2012 Miami Marlins Energy Entertainment Team.

WHO: Talented and energetic dancers, cheerleaders, gymnasts and break dancers who are 18 years or older and eager to energize Marlins fans. Anyone interested must arrive in dance attire and shoes as well as bring a resume and headshot at the time of registration.

WHEN: Saturday, January 21, 2012
10:00 a.m. Male & Female Dancers
12:00 p.m. Co-ed Cheerleaders & Gymnasts
1:00 p.m. BBoys & BGirls

WHERE: Miami-Dade County Auditorium
2901 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33135