With playoffs on the line this weekend, Ohio Dance Machine will be in high gear

After two inaugural 2-12 seasons, this year the Ohio Machine of Major League Lacrosse is firing on all cylinders, and a win Saturday propels them into the playoffs. After a 3-6 start, the Machine have won four straight, and a win Saturday places them in the MLL post-season!

And the Ohio Dance Machine will be cheering them on! Under the direction of Megan Hinz, the ODM are THE pro dance team for Columbus, Ohio. So UltimateCheerleaders asked some of the Dance Machine some biographical, locally grown, and machine related questions:

-Place of birth?

-What was your first dance performance in front of a big crowd?

-What is your “dream machine”?

-Most memorable time that you were in a car that broke down?

-Friends and family know to come to me when they need____?

-Education/career info:

-Who is the most fanatical Ohio State fan you know and what makes them so Buckeye crazy?

-Favorite thing to get at Graeters? (local ice cream place)

-Favorite thing about lacrosse and what do you tell people why they should try an Ohio Machine game?

Emily-Rookie

Place of birth? I was born in Hamilton, Ohio and grew up in Trenton, Ohio

First big dance performance? I was three years old at my first dance recital so I don’t really remember it! My earliest memory of performing was my very first solo when I was about six years old. It was a tap routine and I kept reminding myself of the advice my mom gave me: if you forget a step, just do a shuffle, no one will know the difference!

What is your dream machine? A boat that is attached to a dock that is directly behind my dream house on a beach in Florida.

Memorable time car broke down Driving home from Florida, the car I was in broke down while driving through the mountains somewhere in Virginia. We were thirty minutes from the nearest town and waited on the side of the road for two hours for the tow truck to arrive. We had to stay the night until the car could be fixed in the morning, but it was a fun little adventure and extended our vacation by an extra night!

Friends and family know to come to me when They need someone to listen or someone to cheer them up.

Education/career info: The Ohio State University – B.A. Journalism with a minor in Political Science; Capital University Law School – Juris Doctor; Current job: Attorney

Most fanatical Ohio State fan Being an Ohio State alumna and former member of the Ohio State Dance Team, I know too many people (including myself) who are fanatical Ohio State fans to choose just one! Go Bucks!

Favorite thing to get at Greaters: Chocolate milkshake

Favorite thing about lacrosse My favorite thing about lacrosse is how fast-paced and exciting the games are. I tell everyone they should come to Ohio Machine because the fans are awesome, the team does a great job, and even if you don’t know anything about lacrosse you will still definitely have fun!

Rustyn-Veteran

Place of birth? Bradenton, Florida

First big dance performance? Dance studio’s recital, tap and gymnastics piece

What is your dream machine? Red Dodge Challenger

Memorable time car broke down Never been in a car that broke down but I’m sure I’ll never forget my brother’s incident of driving to DC in the Fourth of July weekend and it was a Sunday so nothing was open.

Friends and family know to come to me when To talk and have someone to just listen

Education/career info: The Ohio State University for industrial and systems engineering. Job: QA Analyst (Quality Assurance) for Chase

Most fanatical Ohio State fan Myself. Been going to game with my family since I was probably six or seven. Attended all home games for the past five years and if it’s an away game always having football parties with the family.

Favorite thing to get at Greaters: I grew up with Toft’s in Northwest Ohio so I am partial to my Toft’s mint chocolate chip

Favorite thing about lacrosse It’s a faced paced game making it always exciting and fun to watch. I always tell people to try it because it’s great for families and fun to watch a exciting game with a great dance team

Jen-Veteran

Place of birth? Toledo, Ohio

First big dance performance? At my dance studio’s recital, I did tap, jazz, and gymnastics

What is your dream machine? Dodge Challenger

Memorable time car broke down Never been in a car that broke down but I would say it would be fun just talking to the people I’m in the car with

Friends and family know to come to me when To talk or if they need a haircut

Education/career info: Capital University for clarinet performance then Aveda Institute Columbus for cosmetology. Current job-hairstylist

Most fanatical Ohio State fan My good friend Adam. He grew up loving the Buckeyes (even though he’s from the state up north) and he loves anything to do with the Buckeye culture

Favorite thing to get at Greaters: peanut butter chip ice cream in a waffle cone

Favorite thing about lacrosse: It’s such a fun and fast moving game that keeps you entertained. People should try an Ohio Machine game because it is always fun and kid friendly. And you get to see the lovely ladies of the Ohio Dance Machine dance and cheer on the Ohio Machine!

Jenny-Co-Director/Co-Captain

Place of birth? Toledo, Ohio

First big dance performance? First performance that I remember was a dance recital when I was three years old. I was in a tumbling routine to a song that no one knew; I wore a lovely hot pink unitard that was much too big.

What is your dream machine? Does having my own soft serve ice cream machine count?

Memorable time car broke down I’ve never been in a car that broke down, but I’ve had plenty of flat tires. Thanks to my dad, I was able to change them all myself!

Friends and family know to come to me when they need someone to listen to or they just need to act silly.

Education/career info: I went to Capital University and graduated with a degree in Theatre. Currently work as a concierge for a senior living facility.

Most fanatical Ohio State fan My uncle is the biggest OSU fan I know because he dotted the “I” in the script “Ohio” and has been a devoted fan ever since!

Favorite thing to get at Greaters: is a phosphate mostly because of the name.

Favorite thing about lacrosse My favorite thing about lacrosse is watching the Machine when they really work together as a team. Because when they do, there is so much energy and it makes the goal so much better! I always tell people they should come because it’s more than just a game, it’s an experience and a great time for the family.

Ashley-Rookie

Place of birth? Lima, Ohio

First big dance performance? I was three and a half in a cute leotard with sequins and ballet shoes. I smiled the whole dance.

What is your dream machine? Baby blue convertible

Memorable time car broke down I was driving on a Chicago highway and my automatic steering shut off and my car temp started to rise as I called my dad for advice. I asked him what was wrong and what should I do? He told me that was what Triple A was for and to call them. He was right.

Friends and family know to come to me when they need someone to go with them to a new place or to try something new.

Education/career info: Loyola University Chicago, B.A. Political Science, Law School: Ohio Northern University, JD; Current job: attorney

Most fanatical Ohio State fan Most fanatical Ohio State fan I know is my friend Dave who sets up a tailgate near the stadium for every home game no matter the weather and no matter how small the crowd is that joins him. He will be there with food and music to cheer on the bucks!

Favorite thing to get at Greaters: anything with chocolate

Favorite thing about lacrosse My favorite thing about lacrosse are the fast shots on the goal that get you excited every time a player swings to shoot. People should come out to a Machine game because the team plays hard and the crowd is a great support system for them. The people that come to cheer on the team make you love the sport just as much as them!

Jaime-Officer/Squad Leader

Place of birth? Waterville Ohio

First big dance performance? I was four years old dancing to Broadway Baby in a little purple and gold tutu, with a purple bow the size of my face.

What is your dream machine? I just want a boat, any size is fine I just love being on the water.

Memorable time car broke down Knock on wood I have never been in a broken down car, there was one time I was on a boat off the coast of Florida and the GPS went out. We were way too far out for the little boat we had but we found our way back eventually.

Friends and family know to come to me when they need something to get done. I’m usually on my A game…Usually

Education/career info: I graduated from THE Ohio State University with a degree in interior design. I now work at Chute Gerdeman an award winning retail design and branding firm. It is basically a dream job.

Most fanatical Ohio State fan: Walk around on campus on a game day and everyone you see is the craziest Buckeye fan!

Favorite thing to get at Greaters: banana split.

Favorite thing about lacrosse The thing I love about lacrosse and the machine is how great the people are. This is my third season and it is great to meet new people every year and continue growing relationships with returning members. I tell people to come to Machine games because they are just plain fun.

Sarah-Co-Captain

Place of birth? Columbus, Ohio

First big dance performance? A dance recital when I was five. We danced to N’Sync Bye Bye Bye. Some of the parents learned the dance and joined in at the end! It was so much fun!

What is your dream machine? I would love to have my own frozen yogurt machine!

Memorable time car broke down I was driving to school and my car stopped working. When I called my professor to let her know I wouldn’t be there she did the class lecture over the phone with me while I was waiting for the tow truck to come.

Friends and family know to come to me when to vent or to have a silly conversation.

Education/career info: Graduated from Ohio Dominican University with a degree in early childhood education and intervention specialty. I am a 7th and 8th grade intervention specialist.

Most fanatical Ohio State fan My friend that I met through my fiancé. If he’s not at the games you can find him yelling at the tv.

Favorite thing to get at Greaters:: anything that has mint chocolate chip ice cream in it

Favorite thing about lacrosse The games are so much fun and energetic! The crowd really gets into what’s going on no matter what. I tell people to try the Ohio Machine games because no matter what they will leave with a fun story!

Erika-Rookie

Place of birth? Pickerington, Ohio

First big dance performance?: Jazz dance to Five at my dance studio’s recital

What is your dream machine? Jet ski

Friends and family know to come to me when they want medical advice

Education/career info: School: OSU; Job:Nurse at James Cancer Center

Favorite thing to get at Greaters: toffee chip

Favorite thing about lacrosse Fast paced and aggressive. Tell people they should come to game because is family friendly and close knit. Players support their fans as much as the fans support the players. Great atmosphere and games are always a lot of fun

Samone-Officer/Squad Leader

First big dance performance? My first recital at three yrs old. It was a tumbling class and I had on red and white polka dot two piece. I can still remember the song “Hey Micky ”

What is your dream machine? A bright and shiny Range Rover

Memorable time car broke down I ran out of gas on my way to get gas! I was in the school parking lot and literally ran out of gas at the stop sign: I was blocking buses and cars from leaving the parking lot! Thankful my dad came to the rescue and brought me gas

Most fanatical Ohio State fan Attending OSU…therefore I know many crazy Buckeye fans …one guy in particular painted his house scarlet and grey!

Favorite thing to get at Greaters: Just chocolate!

Favorite thing about lacrosse I love how intense lacrosse can get, especially when it’s a close game! I tell people to come to support our Ohio teams! Also to support ODM!

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THANKS Dance Machine! Saturday is also Fan Appreciation Night, with piles of activities, giveaways, and fireworks!