Spirit Squad Spotlight: Dance Team Seniors
12/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Spirit Department
Jan. 7, 2016
The spirit squad seniors have spent years on the sidelines and courtside supporting other teams. Now it's time to turn the spotlight on them. Meet the dance team's Ashley Selleke, a nursing major who enjoys spending time with children, Maycee Nicholas, a movement science major with a knack for imitating others, and Jordan Haag, a communications major and a music minor who would love to work in Nashville.
How did you first get involved with dance?
My pathway to realizing my love for dance is a lot more indirect than a lot of my teammates, but hey, I got there eventually! I started dance as a three-year-old who was too interested in playing outside with her friends to focus on the teacher's "kick-ball changing" at the front of the room. I took a short leave of absence from my preschool tap and ballet dance days and traded in my dancing shoes for soccer cleats and figure skates, but neither seemed to fit me well either. When I was 11, my older (and obviously, way cool) cousins invited me to their dance recital to watch their routines and at the end of the performance, I "kick-ball-changed" myself for not keeping up with it. Realizing it wasn't too late to start back up, I jumped in with a passion that three year olds don't understand, and I think that's what helped me to succeed so quickly in the sport.
What led you to Michigan?
I really kept my options open when I was applying for colleges, but what really attracted me to Michigan was the academic prestige that it holds as well as the years and years of tradition that back up the block M. After my first campus tour, I knew that my seemingly difficult choice for where I would spend my next four years wasn't much of a choice at all. I got accepted to the school and later realized that I could keep my passion for dance growing by trying out for the Michigan dance team, and I've been bleeding blue ever since.
What has been your favorite memory from being on the Michigan dance team?
My sophomore year we took a short break from our long days of our nationals winter intensives and we took a seat in one big circle. One of our captains at the time prompted us with the question: "We want to do well at nationals, but why do we deserve it?" We went around to each member around the circle and came up with reasons such as:
- We go to the best University in the world.
- We walked through a snowstorm to get here.
- We are an army of best friends.
It was one of the most passionate conversations that I've ever had with a group of 27 people. We knew that we deserved to perform well and now, we knew why. Every single reason was a piece of the puzzle that made up what we were as a team. I get chills thinking about it to this day. At the end of the huddle, we came up with 59 reasons. Fifty-nine reasons that brought us to that point, that kept us going, and that would continue to drive us forward throughout our season. Throughout the rest of our practices and even on the stage at nationals, the words "fifty-nine" would be shouted for motivation and was a quick reminder of who we were and why we were there, and it was my most fulfilling and memorable experience on the Michigan dance team.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Michigan dance team?
I get to represent the best University in the world doing what I love. That's the sweetest deal of all, if you ask me.
What is the best thing about football games, home or away?
The best thing about football games is sharing in a singing of the Victors with teammates and fans. No matter how many times I hear it (probably 350 times to date, if I'm being realistic), it still hits home every time as if it's the first time and it's something that I'll be able to experience way past my time as a student here.
What is the best thing about basketball games?
THE ARBY'S HAT SHUFFLE! There's something about that cheesy tune that gets stuck in your head for hours after the game and something else about losing the sandwich halfway through the game and looking to a knowledgeable fan for the answer. I love how interactive that part of the basketball game is and how excited the fans get. Seeing the look on the kid's face after they win curly fries for their whole row is priceless, and I'd be lying if I didn't envy that winning row every single time.
How does it feel to interact with the public and be a role model for kids on game days?
To a four-year-old wearing a Michigan Dance/Cheer uniform, the spirit department is the coolest thing in the whole wide world. At the end of the day, if I was able to make a kid smile with a high five, a teaching of a Go Blue chant, or singing of the fight song, Michigan wins, despite the outcome of the game. My dance uniform is a superhero suit to some children and I will never take that experience for granted.
Who was your role model growing up?
Growing up, I idolized my studio dance coaches (Kelly and Alisa) who were sisters and some of the coolest people I've ever met. I really owe them one for seeing potential in an uncoordinated 11-year-old me and for giving me the most thoughtful challenges throughout my dance career. I trusted them with my whole life. If they told me to drop down and do one hundred push-ups right now, I'd do them. If they told me the sky was green, I'd go out and be an advocate for that green sky and would spread the word that the sky was green because Kelly and Alisa said so, and every single thing they've told me or asked of me in the past has made me my best me so let's just keep that going.
What is your major and what is next for you after Michigan?
I am a nursing major at Michigan and of all my clinical rotations thus far, my absolute favorite has been my experience in pediatrics. I've always loved working with children, and working with children in the hospital setting brings a unique set of challenges. I really enjoy that I get to make kids smile and to help make their time in the hospital a little bit better. Kids are resilient and a lot of them find joy and happiness in the little things (i.e. watching Frozen/Big Hero 6, discovering the wonders of inflating blue nitrile gloves, etc.) despite the challenges they're facing. Pediatric nursing is a unique field in that I'll get the chance to balance professionalism and fun while caring for kids as if they are my family, and I am excited to take on the challenge.
Are you involved with any other programs on campus?
I'm a campus representative for Love Your Melon! LYM is an apparel brand run by students across the country. Think BOGO, but instead of buy one get one, you buy one and give one to a child battling cancer in America. By wearing our LYM gear and doing promotions for the brand, we raise awareness for childhood cancer and get to bring smiles to those in their time of need.
Have you been involved in any interesting research, projects, internships or classes?
I'm a senior in the school of nursing and right now, my clinical rotation takes place in none other than the Mott Emergency department. I get to use my education to help kiddos get through some scary times. I've seen a variety of complex medical cases and being around these children and families motivates me to be the best nursing student that I can be to make sure they have the best care and experience possible. Pediatrics is definitely a place for me, and my new found love for the ER has opened up a lot of different possibilities involving pediatric critical care into my future.
What is your favorite class?
I took a freshman year psychology seminar with Shelly Schreier which focused on "Development through Children's Literature." Among the twenty readings that we had, I most remember reading the Bernstein Bears, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Hatchet and The Giver. The course was more than just a blast from the past, I promise! I was able to look at the simplest of books critically and analyze how they supported and promoted children's development in cognitive, social and emotional ways.
What is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place would have to be the Law Library (you know, that one place that looks like Hogwarts). There's something to say about feeling stressed and, maybe even sad that your friends are doing something else but then just looking up at the ceiling and just knowing that you're right where you're supposed to be. A wise old teammate once gave me that piece of advice and it has helped me through some long study days and has helped me to appreciate the beauty of Michigan on the academic side of things.
Favorite TV show?
I don't always watch TV but when I do, I'm probably watching "Grey's Anatomy." I've seen the entire series three times through (Netflix binges are every human's weakness) and I'd like to think that Mer, McDreamy, Christina, George, Lexi are my best friends (or that they would be, if they really existed). I'm a nursing student and I kid you not, Grey's has helped introduce me to a lot of the medical lingo that I learn about and see in clinical, so you may hear me using that excuse to justify my copious amounts of "Grey's Anatomy" watching.
Favorite musician?
Is it juvenile to say Justin Bieber? If not, then Just Bieber. If so, still probably Justin Bieber. BUT, if you put me in a contest for biggest JB fan with my fellow seniors, Dani Johnson would win by a landslide (not trying to steal your man Dani, I promise).
How did you first get involved with dance?
I sort of stumbled upon dance after my mom and I moved to Clinton Township, Michigan. My prior gymnastics career turned out to be far from my "forte," so I (thankfully) walked in to the doors of Dancer's Edge Studio, and my life has never been the same.
What led you to Michigan?
As soon as I got accepted to Michigan, I knew there was no other school for me. How could you pass up this institution?!
What has been your favorite memory from being on the Michigan dance team?
Oh my gosh, it's so hard to choose. Oddly, I think one of my favorite memories will always be the incredibly scary feeling I get when I'm huddled with my team just before we are about to run onto the Nationals stage at Walt Disney World in Florida to perform our two-minute routine for thousands of people and judges. The rush of adrenaline and nerves is something I'll probably never feel again, at least not to the amplitude that I feel before I take the stage with my teammates.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Michigan dance team?
Wow, what a hard question. Aside from all of the amazing places and environments I've gotten to dance in, I'd say the best thing about being a Michigan dancer is just being a Michigan dancer. Being a part of this team is the best opportunity I've had in my life thus far!
What is your favorite Michigan tradition?
Listening to the entire Michigan Marching Band warm up in Revelli Hall on football Saturdays. They are such a talented group it's sort of surreal.
What is the best thing about football games, home or away?
Being so close to the action! I always say that we have the best seats in the house (although we are never actually sitting), and it makes me feel so much more a part of the unforgettable gameday experience.
What is the best thing about basketball games?
Being able to be so interactive with the crowd, and we get to actually dance, too, since the wood floor is perfect for what we do (as opposed to turf, a wrestling mat, or the tile outside of the swimming pool -- all of which we have proudly danced on, as well).
Who is the most famous person you have met and what were the circumstances?
Well, I've met Jim Harbaugh, which was great. I also (unofficially) met Big Sean when I danced two feet behind him at a basketball game last year.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I'm really good at imitating people's actions and voices (muwahaha).
How does it feel to interact with the public and be a role model for kids on game days?
It makes me feel humble, happy and overall grateful that God gave me the tools and talent to be where I am today.
Who was your role model growing up?
Kelly Bettin and Alisa Ruppenthal, my two studio dance teachers who I loved so much that I sometimes wished they'd adopt me when I was younger (haha). I owe an overwhelming portion of my dance successes to those two!
What is your major and what is next for you after Michigan?
I'm a movement science major in the School of Kinesiology, and I plan to go to medical school to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine. My dream is to specialize in seeing patients who are athletes and/or are diagnosed with scoliosis.
Are you involved with any other programs on campus?
I volunteer at the Ann Arbor preschool and Mott Children's Hospital, worked with the football team a few times this summer, and I'm also in the Nutrition and Sports Medicine clubs on campus.
Have you done any internships?
I'm interning right now for a company called Rich Vitamins based in New York City and I love it!
What is your favorite class?
Professor Rebecca Hasson's class -- MoveSci 413: Physical Activity Across the Lifespan.
What is your favorite place on campus?
It's a secret, but it has an amazing view of pretty much every good part of campus.
Favorite TV show?
Friends!!
Favorite musician?
Hozier, Vance Joy, and Taylor Swift as of now.
How did you first get involved with dance?
I was a very active toddler, so my mom put me in dance classes when I was two years old and I have loved it ever since.
What led you to Michigan?
I am a third-generation Haag to attend the University of Michigan and I was raised to love the Maize and Blue. It had been my dream to come here since I was a kid.
What has been your favorite memory from being on the Michigan dance team?
My favorite memory was at the second Under the Lights game against Notre Dame in the Big House when we performed a Beyoncé themed halftime. I'm obsessed with Beyoncé, and the energy in the Big House was amazing. I definitely cried happy tears on the sideline. It was the coolest feeling, and an even better feeling when we won!
What is your favorite thing about being on the Michigan dance team?
I get to share my love of dance with my love of sports and, more specifically, my love of all things Michigan. I get to cheer on the best athletes that compete for the best school in the world. It doesn't get much better than that.
What is your favorite Michigan tradition?
I absolutely love pregame with the band on game day. There's so much tradition involved, and I feel such a sense of pride running out of the tunnel, dancing to the entire version of "The Victors," and watching the football team touch the banner.
What is the best thing about football games, home or away?
I love the emotional rollercoaster that comes with every game. One minute we're jumping up and down because Michigan returned the ball for a touchdown on kickoff, the next minute we're experiencing a nail biter when a team goes for it on 4th and 1, and the next minute we're back to celebrating a Michigan win. The fans play so heavily into the atmosphere of the stadium we're at, and it's awesome to be able to experience it all on the sideline.
What is the best thing about basketball games?
Basketball games are a much more intimate setting compared to football games, and it's really fun being able to be closer to the fans. I also LOVE the Arby's Hat Shuffle. I don't think I've ever guessed it wrong.
Who is the most famous person you have met and what were the circumstances?
I've happened to meet a lot of country artists (Craig Morgan, Hunter Hayes, Jana Kramer, Kelsea Ballerini, Eric Paslay to name a few) by being in the right place at the right time and actually meeting them backstage at their concerts. Also, I like to pretend that I met Derek Jeter when he was in town for the Michigan game this season because I danced the entire first quarter inches away from him.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can do Beyoncé's entire "Single Ladies" dance and I can lick my nose.
How does it feel to interact with the public and be a role model for kids on game days?
Interacting with the public on game day is so much fun because everyone is so high energy and shares the same excitement as I do for the upcoming game. I really love interacting with kids and letting them play with my poms if I get a free minute. It's really humbling to know that someone out there on game day is looking to myself and my teammates as role models. I remember sitting in the stands at the Big House while I was in high school and I couldn't keep my eyes off the Michigan Dance Team on the sidelines. I know how it feels to look up to the girls on this team, and to think that someone out there could look up to me in the same way is very humbling.
Who was your role model growing up?
When I was in middle school, I really looked up to Hayley Williams -- definition of girl power. Going into high school, my dance teachers Laurie Papovich and Regina Ihns were (and still are) my role models. They're incredibly hard workers that pushed me to be my best.
What is your major and what is next for you after U-M?
I am a communications major and a music minor and I would love to work in event presentation for concerts or sporting events. Being able to work in Nashville and put on events with CMA or at places like the Grand Ole Opry would be an absolute dream.
Are you involved with any other programs on campus?
I am a part of the MLeader program. I also like to volunteer at Mott (Children's Hospital) when I can!
What is your favorite class?
English 125 and English 225 with Patrick Barry completely changed my life. He transformed the way that I write and the way that I approach college and life in general. Mr. Barry is undoubtedly the most intelligent and most interesting person I know.
What is your favorite place on campus?
The summer before my freshman year, I got lost driving around campus and came across this parking lot right next to the Big House at the corner of Main Street and Keech road (SC36 parking lot if we're getting real specific). It's at the top of a hill and has the most beautiful view of campus. It's a great getaway spot with my best friends and has since been named "the spot."
Favorite TV show?
I'm such a Netflix junkie, so it's hard to pick just one show. I'm well known to watch an entire TV series in 1-2 weeks' time. My top three favorites (for now) would be "Lost," "Grey's Anatomy" and "30 Rock."
Favorite musician?
BEYONCÉ!!
