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A long-standing tradition in many spectator sports, the glitzy, glamorous and perky dancers that entertain fans in between plays are no longer just pretty faces.
“I knew I wanted to study dance and I really wanted a program with a strong jazz emphasis,” University of the Arts sophomore Molly McCloskey said. “I think it’s awesome how the program fosters a well-rounded dancer and there are focuses on ballet or modern and, even within the jazz program, there are tons of specializations.”
The Broad-and-Bainbridge-streets resident has been twirling since the age of 2-and-a-half and moved to the area this year for the proximity to her classes as a dance major at UArts, 320 S. Broad, and the other goodies South of South.
“I love it. My town that I grew up in, it’s not small, but it’s a suburban area,” McCloskey said of Ellicott City, Md. “The energy of the city, there is always something going on. And the dance and artistic culture, it’s just amazing.”
As one of the newest members of the 13-girl Angels dance team for the Philadelphia Wings lacrosse squad, McCloskey is taking advantage of her urban location and trying things she never thought she would.
“I’ve never seen a lacrosse game, so I’m excited for that, also,” the 18-year-old said.
After making the cut Sept. 15, where she went head-to-head with 44 other hopefuls in an open audition at the Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad, McCloskey and her fellow Angels are ready to shake their stuff at the Wings’ opener Jan. 16 against the Boston Blazers.
“The opportunity to perform with such an esteemed team within the National Lacrosse League is an honor,” McCloskey said of the squad, though she hasn’t had the opportunity to meet the players yet. “And it’s really exciting to perform in a venue like the Wachovia Center for a professional hopeful like myself.”
The twice-weekly two-hour practices have put three to four dance moves under her belt, as well as on standby, for opening day. Though she is used to the spotlight, the arena is a new outlet for the performer and one she is thriving in.
“In the college or university setting for dance, you don’t necessarily get as many performance opportunities because I used to compete and perform with a number of companies locally,” McCloskey said. “Also, I had never worked in sports or entertainment and that [prospect] was exciting.”
As one of the four original teams in the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League that began play in 1987, the Wings have withstood multiple reassignments and have managed to maintain their name, logo and distinction as the only group to play all of its seasons in the same city. Additionally, the squad has the most championship titles in combined league history. This year, as a 12-year member of the National Lacrosse League, the Wings are embarking on their 22nd season in the City of Brotherly Love.
“The team is relatively new in terms of the league as a whole,” McCloskey said of lacrosse’s still-burgeoning status as a spectator sport. “But in that short amount of time, to establish such a professional [dance] group is amazing.”
Indeed, the Wings may not draw Eagle- or Phillie-size crowds — yet — but they have long been the gold standard in the NLL, averaging a league-high 12,000 in attendance for their opening-season matches.
Local fans take the same spirit expressed for the football field and baseball diamond to the inside of the Wachovia Center, causing one former Wing, Geoff Snider, to comment to NLL.com in 2007, “The Philly fans are great. They are very loyal and they get behind it. I got a standing ovation once for a roughing penalty. I’d never seen anything like that before.”
To soften the brutal play, and perhaps make things a little easier on the eyes, the Angels take the field when the Wings are on the sidelines. Their signature white boots and shorts with a red, black and white top complemented by silver pompoms have become a mainstay at games.
“Last year, I knew two girls who auditioned and were a part of the squad, but I wasn’t old enough to audition,” McCloskey said. “I always kind of kept the idea in the back of my mind.”
When auditions rolled around for the 2010 season, McCloskey was ready and set out in the morning hours to get a head start.
“Well, my roommate and I got there really early … and of course we walked around the whole building to find the entrance,” McCloskey said of her first trip to the Wachovia Center. “They had veterans auditioning alongside you. It wasn’t intimidating at all. They were talking with the potential candidates and they were super-nice.”
After Stephanie, the captain, taught a typical Wings-style number, the hopefuls performed and were evaluated on their technical execution and overall performance by a panel of judges that included Wings’ player Bill McGlone, Angels coaches Dana Theil and Debbie Lynch and members of the Wings front office.
The girls awaited the decisions and 20 lucky dancers — which included McCloskey and her roommate Rachael Keppel — were told they made it to the interview round.
“At the interview, I was really nervous. I went in and tried to present myself well. I got to talk to Debbie and Dana, maybe 10 minutes at the most,” McCloskey, whose interview was a few days after the tryout, said. “They were so nice and they made sure I’d be comfortable with the whole process.”
With both Keppel and McCloskey making the squad, the roommates jumped right in to ready themselves for the season.
“It was kind of scary since shooting our calendar was the first thing,” McCloskey said of the $5 date-keeper that will be available for purchase in early January. “It hasn’t been too large of a time commitment. We’ve only had a few appearances. There are eight or nine games for the season. I’m excited for the games.”
With practices at the Pennsport School of Dance, 1632 S. Second St. — as Theil is part owner of the studio — and rehearsals set to begin at Sweat, 1509 E. Passyunk Ave., in the near future, McCloskey has been getting a good look at her new home.
“It seems like my location is right in the middle of everything,” the Graduate Hospital area resident said. “You can walk to the shops on Chestnut and Walnut or you can walk down South Street.
“I’ve been trying to explore the city this year and since [South Philly] is the direction I always enter and exit the city, I have my sights set on a few places.”
Despite the fact she has yet to try a cheesesteak (though it’s a priority on her to-do list), McCloskey thinks her new neighborhood and new team fit her like a glove.
“It’s been amazing. The team has been so nice and so able to welcome the new girls with open arms,” McCloskey, who aspires to be a Broadway dancer, said. “It’s so much fun and the process is a really fun, creative outlet where you can let loose and forget the stresses of school.”
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