2010 Minnesota Swarm Performance Team

By Alec Schimke
mnswarm.com

Tryouts for the Swarm Performance Team (SPT) were held last weekend at CorePower Yoga in Minneapolis, where a competitive field of over 40 dancers gave it their all for a chance to represent the Swarm in 2010. In the end, ten women were selected to join the squad, which enters the sixth season in Minnesota this winter.

“We had a lot of talented girls out here tonight and there was a lot of subjectivity to the scoring,” said Head Coach and Coordinator Tami Krause. “We really had to figure out which ten were going to be the best both individually and collectively to represent the team.”

The final ten were announced after dancing for nearly four hours in front of the judges. Krause explained that this year’s team has a great mix of both veteran and fresh talent.

“It’s a nice ratio because we brought back some staple girls that have been here before and can help lead the way. We also have some new faces that the fans are going to love to meet and watch perform this year.”

Another face joining the squad this year is Co-Coach Allison Drusch, who will enter her first year of coaching after spending time as an SPT member.

alt Allison talks about her return to SPT.

“It will be a joy and an honor for me to share my experiences as a performer and I’m excited to transfer that to coaching,” stated Drusch.

Drusch alongside Krause faced the difficult task of narrowing a very deep field.

“The talent keeps growing every year for the girls who come audition. It really is harder to select than any other professional team because there are only ten spots,” said Drusch.

The steady increase in SPT hopefuls captured the attention of French National Television, who were on hand covering the event for a documentary that will air early next year. Krause explained that it was nice to see an outside group show interest in the organization.

“It added some excitement for the girls that were here tonight, knowing that they are going to be featured on a television program. I think the Swarm brand name is starting to reach beyond Minnesota and that is exciting.”

The SPT are partnering with CorePower Yoga in 2010, with members of the team practicing and working out in some of the locations across the Metro.

Krause announced that the team will sport new uniforms this season, which will be unveiled during the home opener on January 15 against the Calgary Roughnecks. The team will also produce its first ever calendar and take its first road trip. The SPT join the Swarm for their exhibition game against the Colorado Mammoth in Des Moines, IA on December 5 at Wells Fargo Arena.

Krause expressed that Swarm fans should be excited about this year’s team.

“I keep saying it every year, but I honestly want them know that this is going to be the best SPT we have ever had. We just got the best of the best here tonight.”

Back Row: Ginger (Timberwolves vet), Brianna (MVC Vet), Betsey (Lawyer) , KC (Swarm Vet and MVC Training Program), Carrie (6th year vet and original team member)
Front Row: Acacia (MVC and Swarm vet), Beth (MVC Training Program), Katie (MVC vet, also currently coaches the MVC All Stars), Laura (MVC Vet), Jes (3-year Swarm Vet)

Head over to the Swarm website for videos from the auditions.