The Saint Paul’s Golden Blues
The team performing a field show.
“Here come the girls! Gracing the field are the high kicking, high class, oh so fabulous dance team, the Golden Blues!”
For 52 years and counting, the Saint Paul’s Golden Blues have thrived on tradition. While some things have changed, much remains the same.
The easiest way to spot a Golden Blue is her uniform.
Up until the 1996-1997 season, the formal uniform consisted of a dress with a cowl neck, slits on the sides that ran up to the waist and yellow bloomers to wear over their stockings.
1997 was the first year of the current formal dress. The current formal is a fitted, royal blue dress with the cursive letters “SPS” embroidered on the chest, trimmed with yellow and blue stripes on the collar and bottom hem.
The Golden Blues’ formal uniform also consists of several accessories. A Golden Blue will never be seen without her white bow, pearl earrings, tan stockings, long white gloves and of course their infamous white boots.
While the boots remain iconic, their style is ever changing. Through several years of Golden Blues, the white boots have undergone many changes. In past photos a variety of short, long, shiny, matte, tap-bottomed and even wigwam boots can be seen.
The uniform is not the only recognizable thing about this team. The style of dance performed by the Golden Blues can easily be detected at first glance. According to alumna and current Coach, Sara Licht, “The Golden Blue style is classic precision jazz and kick dancing.”
Precision jazz is characterized by synchronized, sharp arm movements and head pops. A classic kick dance is easy to distinguish. Almost every field-show includes a flawless kickline that leaves the crowd in awe.
The team also performs stand and sideline routines. These routines are short, usually lasting no longer than seven 8-counts and focus more on precise movement and synchronization as opposed to technical aspects reserved for field shows. The current team performs sideline routines that date back to over 13 years ago. “Hey baby”, “Funky wolf” and “Row” are all still performed by the current team.
The Golden Blues’ most well known routine is none other than “Basin Street Blues.” Every year at Saint Paul’s homecoming game, the Golden Blues dance to this classic song to recognize and highlight alumni and carry on tradition from those before and those to come. While the choreography in this classic number has undergone many changes, one thing remains the same: the kicks and jump split. This particular kick sequence dates back to over 25 years and attracts alumni of all ages to watch the annual performance.
Many fans of this classical team know very little about the preparation that takes place before football season even starts. Every year, the girls attend band camp at the end of July. Band camp is the perfect example of working hard and playing hard.
During the course of the week, the Golden Blues work with their “partners in crime”, the Saint Paul’s Marching Wolves. The two organizations work on drill skills that are later used during the football season and have a blast while they do so.
After long days of hard work, the two groups come together to bond and have some fun. One of the team’s newest traditions, water day, is one that is sure to continue.
At the beginning of the day the upperclassmen in the band fill a truck bed with water as a ‘pool’ for the day. As the day progresses the senior band members slip away to fill water balloons for the annual water balloon fight against the Golden Blues.
According to alumna and former captain Hannah Crews, “It’s a great way to take a break from all the hard work and training that goes into our season and bond not only as a team but as an organization.”
Events like water day at band camp are crucial for developing lasting relationships with the Marching Wolves.
The hard work of band camp eventually pays off when football season rolls around. Game day for the team starts as soon as the school dismissal bell rings.
Every Friday, the Golden Blues get ready as a team at a members house. They then carpool to the newly built band hall and listen to the band director, Mr. Andrew Moran, for any further directions to make sure the night goes smoothly.
From the band hall, the Marching Wolves and Golden Blues march in two lines through the arch near the field, through the side gate then around the track to start off the game in Hunter Stadium.
Many people are not aware of the Golden Blues pre-game performance. Because these two routines are performed several minutes before kick off many fans do not get a chance to watch them. It is recommended to anyone who wishes to see these performances to arrive at the stadium at least 15 minutes before kick off.
Football season is not the only time of year these ladies showcase their skills. Marching the streets of New Orleans is just one more way the team upholds their reputation and legacy. The Golden Blues and Marching Wolves have always been a fan favorite during Mardi Gras season.
As far as performances go, stand and sideline routines from football season are altered to be more easily done while walking.
The main job of the team during Mardi Gras is to, “Bring people happiness and make them smile!” says Hannah Crews.
One thing any alumna can agree on is the lasting effects of being a Golden Blue.
Being a member teaches confidence, what it means to be a leader, to be reasonable and accountable, what it means to be a friend and team player and how fast time flies.
The memories and friendships made as a Golden Blue are ones that will last a lifetime.
Watching the team perform and “Hearing the Saint Paul’s band music takes you back,” says alumna Eleanore Pitard.
While many things have changed over the years, one thing will always remain the same: the Saint Paul’s Golden Blues will forever be an organization with roots of passion, love, grace and of course, tradition.
Hey Doves! My name is Haley Hebert and I am a senior here at SSA. This is my second year writing for The Nest. I am a member of the Saint Paul's Golden...