For 40 minutes, basketball players put all of their effort in helping the team score points and preventing opponents from putting the ball into the basket. What goes unnoticed is the amount of work George Mason University spirit teams go through to keep the crowd entertained.

Regardless of the situation of the games, the mood stays the same for the Masonettes, a group of 16 dancers, when they perform in front of approximately 9,000 fans during halftime, which has been a rallying point for the fans and the home team.

Led by head coach Michelle Chin, the Masonettes and their halftime shows are a popular attraction during the Mason basketball games. Chin was a Masonette a decade ago. Over the years, the alumni have continued dancing professionally. Former Masonettes are currently dancing for the Washington Redskins and Washington Wizards. Others like Chin became coaches for high school and all-star teams.

“I remember that we’d be excited when the Patriot Center was half-full. It’s so great to see the student involvement and the seats filled at every game,” said Chin.

For the Masonettes, to be part of great excitement at Mason is a grand experience. Their performances are enhanced by popular and current music. “Old school” music and ’80s music have been a big hit with the crowd.

Senior Denise Maclin, captain of the Masonettes this year, said, “In our first year doing hip-hop, we did very well. Since we look to push for improvement, our focus will be on hip-hop and jazz this year.”

In the past, the Masonettes have been involved in other venues including Washington Wizards games and the Virginia Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies. With the Mason athletic teams progressing into CAA contenders, the Masonettes have accomplished at the national level.

The Mason Dance Invitational has been an annual tradition where junior high, JV and varsity dance teams from all over the Washington Metropolitan area compete in which the winner gets to perform at a Mason basketball game. The Mason Dance Invitational is usually held in November or December.

Every January, the Masonettes compete at the Universal Dance Association's National College Cheerleading and Dance Team Championship at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Last season, the Masonettes finished in seventh place in the hip-hop category of approximately 30 Division I schools.

“We were really happy with our finish last season since the competition had more than 30 teams,” said Chin, “Our goal is to always improve our placing, and this year, we want to shoot for a top five finish.”

Dancing also requires plenty of work from the Masonettes and every other college dancer. There are the expenses for shoes, costumes, and travel. In addition to that, choreography takes time to master. During the regular season, the Masonettes practice three times a week, and will eventually have a much harder schedule during the competition season when practice goes up to six times per week.

“Every morning, we practice starting at 7 a.m. on technical skills. As easy and effortless it may seem, I always love performing at basketball games. Dancing motivates us to make people smile, especially our younger crowd since it makes them feel like a part of the school,” said Maclin.

There are usually about 50 people trying out at the Masonettes audition, which also requires every current member to try out again for the following year. In the process of trying out for the team, Masonettes will go through a one-day clinic where dance combinations are taught, an interview, and a formal tryout. This year’s roster introduces eight rookies. Information can be found on the website GoMason.com—click on “Spirit” for the Masonettes page.

Even though dancing requires serious commitment, the end result is enjoyment among the Masonettes, who have kept crowd enthusiasm at a high level since 1990.