Flowing Wells dancers 'Go Dumb'

The team's "Go Dumb" routine — which was inspired by crash-test dummies — has already produced a top-five finish for team Pulse. Team members don attire similar to what Vince and Larry — the stars of a popular seat belt campaign — wear, and dance to a mix of car, motor and hip-hop beats.

Last month, the hip-hop team placed fifth at the Universal Dance Association's National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Fla. The event featured 61 teams and will be broadcast on ESPN in April.

On Saturday, the team will perform a tweaked version of the animated routine as it vies for a varsity hip-hop title at the Arizona State Cheerleading/ Pom Tournament in Phoenix.

The team also will compete in the jazz category. The 12-member team is composed of 10 girls and two boys.

Nerves are high, considering Pulse is the 5A varsity hip-hop defending champ.

"It will be my first time at state," said senior Sam Kurkowski, 18. "I am trying to help everyone so we can keep this championship. It's kind of stressful to think about it."

But the team can't let nerves rattle them, said second-year coach Sasha Naasz.

"We can't show that at state," Naasz said after the team performed the routine to end a practice last week. "We have to be confident, just like nationals."

LOTS OF PRACTICE REQUIRED

Though the team has built a considerable amount of momentum heading into the competition, Naasz wants jumps to be higher, head snaps to be quicker, and arms and legs to flail more feverishly.

The two-minute routine bursts with flurries of hip-hop staples, such as popping and body rolls, and inserts kung fu moves and "The Matrix"-like stunts. And while the team is on stage for only a couple of minutes, preparation off stage is staggering.

Take into account the number of hours each student spent perfecting the "Go Dumb" routine. Members estimate that figure to be close to 170 hours.

"It is really intense to be on the team," senior A.J. Allen said. "It's not a joke at all. You have to put your life into it. If you don't, you really can't get nowhere."

Allen, 18, won a spot on the team during his junior year.

Students have to audition for the team, and this team is far from average.

In January, it captured first place at the UDA Cactus Cup Championship in Mesa.

Before placing fifth at this year's National Dance Team Championship, the program fared well in previous national competitions. But none compare with last month's showing.

"It was like winning first for us," Naasz said. "I think we were so loud at the complex that people thought we did win."

DANCE PROGRAM DREW KIDS

The dance company's success can be attributed to the type of students it attracts.

Seven members of the team live outside Flowing Wells School District boundaries.

Their decision to attend the high school, at 3725 N. Flowing Wells Road, was made in large part due to the glowing reputation of the dance program.

Allen and Johnny Perales, a senior, live in Three Points but make the commute to the school with little complaint.

Both had older siblings dance for the high school's dance company.

Perales' interest in dance was piqued after watching his sister perform. Now, not much else can compare to performing.

"It's like you're a different person when you're on that stage," said Perales, 18.

Perales shares captain duties with junior Becky Pitts.

Pitts was a cheerleader before landing a spot on the team during her sophomore year.

"My best friends are in this company," said Pitts, 16. "It's like a family."

Freshman Katie Loving was called up from the apprentice program after nationals to help the team in state competition.

"I want to prove myself to them that I can do it," said Loving, who is 14. "I want to be just as good as they are."

Mutual admiration and respect are not lacking on this team.

"I love this team," Naasz said. "It's refreshing. It's like a big family."