Jackson says more dolls equals better fieldshows

Tryouts for the Southern University Dancing Dolls will be held on Apr. 29 and this year newly appointed Director of Bands Lawrence Jackson is bringing the Dolls back to traditional numbers.
“Some years ago we had nine to 11 girls and you could do a lot of routines and make a bigger picture with more girls,” Jackson said. “I want to make sure that we have a beautiful presentation. The more dolls the better the show.”
According to Jackson, Isaac Greggs, former director of bands, started the Dancing Dolls when he came to Southern in 1969. At the time of their inauguration there were 11 girls. The Dolls remained at that number until 1999 when four girls were injured leaving seven dolls.
“Before Dr. Greggs they had majorettes, and he decided he was going to start a dance team and he named them the Dancing Dolls,” Jackson said. “It then became a rich tradition. Southern University without Dancing Dolls is like cake without icing. They just go hand in hand. When some of the girls got hurt, Dr. Greggs just kept the number at seven. I think Doc felt good about the number seven.”
Jackson said at one point every school in the SWAC had decreased their number of feature dancers to seven in an effort to imitate the Dolls.
“I think the more Dancing Dolls the better,” said Latricia Atkins, a sophomore psychology major from Oakland. “They have always given school spirit and represented the university well and I think the guys will love it.”
Jackson said he is looking forward to the tryouts and is expecting a turnout of at least 80 prospects.
“To be a Dancing Doll you have to be in great physical condition, you have to be a beautiful person and you have to know how to dance,” Jackson said. “We have a lot of beautiful people here at Southern so I hope they come out and show us what they can do.”
Eleven dolls will be selected by a committee comprised of professional dancers and former dolls. Unlike previous years, this year, all dolls past and present will have to try out again if they wish to continue to be a part of the team.
Applications for tryouts can be picked up in Isaac Greggs Band Hall. The deadline for submitting applications will be Apr. 14. Information packages will be mailed out on Apr. 17. Registration and will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the Isaac Greggs Band Hall on Apr. 29. For more information call Jackson at 771-3528.