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to give a halftime performance during a to the beat. Though you don’t have to be talented players. We ladies, however,
Longhorns basketball game. in the best shape of your life to join, the were no basketball stars, and all enjoyed
dancers’ rigorous, twice-weekly practices quite a laugh as they struggled to reach
In 2015, UT Athletics again reached out will undoubtedly give you a workout. the electric hand dryers positioned six
to the Georgettes and asked them to re- Many members consider their improved feet above the floor. Convenient for the
prise their halftime appearance. Based fitness one of the perks that come with team’s 6’7” tall center maybe, but quite
on the enthusiastic response garnered by being a part of this active, affable group. a challenge for a Georgette!
their previous show, UT wanted to book
the group for halftime performances at On January 17, the night of their first Exiting the dressing rooms, the troupe
three different Longhorn basketball performance, twenty-four Georgettes was escorted to their front-row seats. The
games: the UT Women vs. Baylor on climbed into a bus which the university university truly went out of their way to
January 17; the UT Women vs. Okla- had provided. As we rode south toward treat the Georgettes like honored guests.
homa University on January 23, and the Austin, the bus took on an atmosphere They even provided specially discounted
UT Men vs. Texas Tech on February 6. of eager anticipation. It was like being tickets for any Sun City residents who
All would be held at the Frank Erwin backstage at a theatre, waiting for the wished to see some spectacular young
Center on the University of Texas cam- curtain to go up. athletes play their hearts out.
pus. The ladies were thrilled to accept.
Arriving at the Frank Erwin Center, the Two hours to game time. The Georgettes
When I first met the Georgettes, they Georgettes were provided with dressing removed their jackets, displaying their
were busy rehearsing for their appear- rooms, where they touched up lipstick matching sequined costumes. Then it
ance at the UT Women’s game against and double-checked that their glittering, was out to the floor to practice entrances
Baylor (Hook ‘em, Horns!). Their rou- star-shaped earrings were visible. Rest- and exits, check the sound system and
tines are physically demanding, to be rooms were located in the players’ locker cue the music. In the quiet, pre-game
sure. The ladies are constantly moving, room, which the university had thought- arena, the dancers rehearse both rou-
kicking their legs and waving their arms fully designed to suit the needs of their
Continued on the next page
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG PHOTO BY PHIL DORRAH
MARCH 2016 SUNRAYS | 37
