The Birmingham-Southern Dance Team is looking for new members for next year’s group of Southern Stars – and the team is taking their auditions online. As always, the team welcomes new members with any level of experience.

“I want there to be a place where dancers can do what they love,” says Dance Team Captain Danya Kelly.

Kelly, a senior sociology major, joined the Dance Team when she first came to BSC. At the time, the group was still establishing itself. Eventually, Kelly became the captain and helped lead them to where they are now.

During Kelly’s first year, the team choreographed their own routines, keeping up with the jazz, ballet, kick line, and hip hop norms for college teams. Kelly pulled from her own dance experience, which was largely self-taught.

“I remember being in a parade when I was in preschool and performing a dance routine. I’ve loved it since then,” she says.

Kelly could not afford to take dance or gymnastics classes growing up, so she learned to dance by watching YouTube videos and getting involved in the Birmingham City Schools theatre program. Her talent and self-driven love for dance has helped her become a natural leader throughout her time at BSC.

Her favorite types of dance are lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop, but Kelly is constantly learning from other dancers on the team. They all work together to build their skill levels and routines for the year.

“There were some things we didn’t know about that other girls with previous dance training would teach us. A lot of girls who have been here from the beginning have learned so many new techniques,” she says.

As the team worked with different choreographers over the years, they also launched fundraising campaigns to help purchase varsity uniforms. Kelly also made service a priority from the start. During her first year, the Dance Team volunteered with St. Jude. Each term, the team chooses a different service project.

Kelly also made sure that the Dance Team was a place of community. Their practices are casual and flexible so members still have time to do school work and participate in other activities. Sometimes, they end up just hanging out or teaching each other new dances.

“Dancing has become a safe space and an outlet for girls with mental illnesses. I’m proud of that because that’s a positive impact the Dance Team is having in the midst of the stress of the term,” she says.

Even after she graduates in May, Kelly hopes to see the team continue to grow. She’s planning on staying in Birmingham, so she’ll be able to make sure everything is running smoothly on the Hilltop.

“I want to leave a legacy on this campus. I didn’t know how, and it’s surprising to see that it’s happening through dance,” Kelly says. “When I have the ability to give back, I will put all of my effort to help the Dance Team, maybe through a dance scholarship or funding for uniforms.”

Students interested in joining the Dance Team can submit videos using the instructions on their audition flyer. If you have questions about the audition process or the team, you can reach out to Rebecca Long at [email protected] or Dr. David Phy at [email protected]. Videos must be submitted by 11 a.m. Sunday, April 19.