It was the fall semester of 2023, leadership scholars classes were in full swing and there sat second-year criminal justice major Zamaya Flucas. She recently quit the Stevenson cheer team and felt a bit stagnant.
Stevenson has many other performing art programs, like marching band, dance line and color guard, but none of those options felt right for her. So if she couldn’t find a club, why can’t she start her own?
Thereafter, Zamaya met Aaliyah Fields, now the Stangettes’ captain, and they came together to found Stevenson University’s Stangettes.
The Stangettes, which consist of 20 members, categorize themselves as a majorette and stomp and shake team. But what sets the Stangettes apart from other dance/ performing teams at Stevenson? It would help to think of the group in the context of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) vs. Predominantly White Institutions (PWI).
“I would say the Stangettes have more cultural undertones, and our vibe is similar to something you would see at an HBCU versus a PWI,” Flucas said. “Our style of cheer is stomp and shake, while Stevenson’s cheerleading team is more traditional. The Stangettes aren’t a competition team, but we would like to perform at different types of school games, though.”
Third-year Britney Carey is the Stangettes’ treasurer.
“I feel like Stevenson is a bit lacking in terms of school spirit, and I hope the Stangettes could fill that void,” Carey said. “I did step through high school, and I thought it would be nice to have a place where people can make new friends, build a community and have fun while performing with the Stangettes.”
Although the 2024-2025 Stangettes team has been finalized, the Stangettes have an audition process and the “it factors” they are looking for.
“We’re looking for flexibility, stamina, some aspects of leadership training and dance, cheer or step experience,” Fields said. “We’re also looking for individuals with vocal projection for the cheers and motion tightness. During the audition, we run through a couple of cheers so we can see how well someone can pick up material and deliver it.”
“As long as you have beat, rhythm and enthusiasm, you can join the club,” Carey added.
The Stangettes’ Instagram page displayed a link where participants signed up to audition. Then, the Stangettes’ executive board posted the tryout dates and location by email, and flyers were posted around campus.
The audition process was like every other performing arts club; there are cuts and a reserve team, where members of the Eboard see potential and skill, but feel like one would need some time to become more acquainted with the material.
First-year Ashley Trimble felt anxious before the audition due to the number of people present.
“I didn’t know what they would be looking for at the time either, since it was a new team,” Trimble said.
Aiyona Surely, the Stangettes’ co-treasurer is optimistic about the potential of those who made the team.
“Everyone was able to show what they could and couldn’t do, so everyone on the team can be on the same page,” Surely said.
The Stangettes’ executive board consists of six members:
- Zamaya Flucas, founding president and captain
- Aaliyah Fields, founding co-president and co-captain
- Britney Carey, treasurer
- Aiyona Surely, co-treasurer
- Jamillya Henry, secretary
- Shaniya Sample, senator
“I think one of the Stangettes’ biggest strengths as a new club/ group is we all are new to this and we’re learning together,” Carey said. “We on the Eboard all have different strengths, so it genuinely feels amazing when we come together and create choreography and plan events. Even the members are able to contribute because of the new and open social environment.”
“I never did stomp and shake cheer, but I’ve done a little bit of majorette in the past, but I’m happy I joined the Stangettes during their first season,” Trimble said.
Although the Stangettes do not have any confirmed performances, they are extremely excited to debut for the Stevenson community.
“As a team of predominantly black women, we’re doing something the school has never seen before. We would love it if you could come out and support us when we perform,” Surely said.
