As a member of the State University Dance Force (the dance team), I am outraged at the way the university treats us. They won't let us practice anywhere but a place that is unsafe for dancing. As for scholarships or credit hours, which other sports teams receive, they are nonexistent if you are on the dance team. They also won't let us be a part of anything at the university and have robbed us of the few performances we were getting. I feel the university should give us a little respect for all our hard work, and for representing the school in any special functions we attend. Their behavior towards us is unnecessary and absolutely pathetic.
             In order to dance properly, a dancer needs a flat smooth surface. That's why most dance studios consist of all wood floors or tile. Even gym floors would be sufficient for dancing. The university makes the dance team practice in the same place where most other club sports practice, the French Field House. This is a very nice facility, don't get me wrong, but not for dancing. It may be a perfect place for all other club sports to practice, but it is a major hazard for us dancers.
             First of all, the surface of the floor is either a track or cheap astroturf. The track wouldn't be too horrible to dance on, but there is a lot of people who run that we would get in the way of. So, we have to resort to dancing on the turf. Dancers wear very thin, tight shoes in order to be more precise with their movements. The astroturf tears these shoes to shreds. I have had my dance shoes for at least six years, and they have held up this long with no problems. Once I started dancing on the astroturf, they started getting holes, which then led to the complete loss of the soles of my shoes. I had to go out and buy new dance shoes, which are at least forty dollars a pair. Now the new shoes I bought are in the same condition as my original ones. Every girl on the team ha...