Normal rehearsals are held two evenings per week for about 3 hours each. Sometimes rehearsal will run 4 hours or more if we have a halftime performance coming up. We begin with a 20 minute warm-up which consists of a brisk walk and then a quick jog around the football field. We then do a stretch routine followed by a series of squats, sit-ups, and push-ups.I think new girls are surprised at how rigorous the conditioning is when they first become a Sea Gal. Early on in the year we will spend time learning how to kick high together, timing, height, matching the kicks as if they are all connected. We have struggled this year with our kicks and continue to work on them.
We also work on dancing and traveling per yard line as a unit. This is much harder than one might think. Many studio dancers find this to be the most challenging. Dancing together in line is one thing but dancing in line and traveling in line both vertical and horizontal is another. Every Sea Gal is expected to have a good double pirouette and full splits on both sides. With strong commitment every dancer should be able to accomplish this. Sea Gals are athletes!
Sea Gals choreography comes from a variety sources. We use our staff, local area choreographers, and pro cheerleader dance conventions. We strive for a good mix of choreography and utilize hip hop, rock, character, etc. Sea Gals learn about 30 dances in a season. This includes pre-games, feature dances, sidelines and what we call short fillers. Every rehearsal is focused on learning new material or perfecting choreography. Sea Gals are expected to practice on their own time as rehearsals are about perfection. I keep the team “on their toes” by doing what I call “two ups”. After learning a new routine the following practice includes a performance by two unsuspecting members in front of the rest of the Sea Gals.
Being a Sea Gal is a big time commitment that requires hard work and dedication. It also provides unique experience and opportunities you will only find as a Sea Gal!
Backstage: Q&A
Question: I noticed that when there's a break in play the Sea Gals all start the same dance routine at exactly the same time even though they're in four separate places on the field. How do they know what routine they're supposed to be doing?
Answer: Sea Gals have a list of about 15-20 songs (memorized) per game which coordinates with intro counts and a specific routine.
Question: Do you plan on having a where are the former sea gals now on the sea gals website? The DCC does that and I was just wondering if the Sea Gals could do the same thing. Do current sea gals have their own web pages?
Answer: We are currently working on a “Where Are They Now” section. Sea Gals do not have their own web pages as they are not allowed to promote themselves as “Sea Gals” on their own.
Question: I have been a fan of the Sea Gals since the late 1980s. I also admired the uniform they wore through the 1980s and 1990s until 2005, the white leotard. Do they ever wear this uniform nowadays?
Answer: The white leotard uniform was a classic and people d0 love it for many years. It just went out of style and we decided to change with the times. We don’t currently wear that uniform any more but who knows what may happen in the future.
Question: Hi Sherri, I am very interested in becoming a member of the seagals. I have no background as a cheerleader because I spent most of my life in gymnastics and dance, what pointers or advice do you have for someone like me? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Answer: Sea Gal auditions are held in the spring (mid April – early May). It is important to begin preparation now by taking as many dance classes as you can. A variety of hip-hop, jazz, and technique classes would be best. You also need to get your physical appearance in top form. I offer pre-auditions workshops staring in March and I highly recommend attending as many as possible. I also provide one intensive workshop which covers everything you can imagine about auditions preparation and pointers. The intensive workshop is limited to twenty-five people. Information and dates on all workshops will be on our website early February.
- Sherri Thompson, Director of Sea Gals
Have a question about the Sea Gals? If so, click here to ask Sherri a question.
