The Mustang Fillies:
A Dance Team with Class
Mary-Ann Williams
Sunday June 11, 2000
Laura* has managed a BS in nuclear science and an MA in Finance, settling into a career with a bank in her daylight hours. She’s also the eldest on the team, at a respectable 27 years old. “This is my entertainment,” she says. The newest and youngest team member is 18, a recent graduate from high school. The most veteran, Angela*, has been on the squad for six years. Their careers are varied, just like any other group of women. A nurse, an accountant, a couple of financiers and numerous students are all included in the ranks. While only one is married, two are engaged and none of them have children yet. Bobbi*, a buyer and the team’s captain, was also the captain of the UWM’s dance team. About half of them were in poms in high school or college; the other half were cheerleaders.
 A smile and stamina are Filly staples. Image courtesy of football.com |
“They have very small costumes that they have to wear, and these girls have to look good in them,” says Dance Team Coordinator Kimberle Eckel. “I’ve gotten comments about their weight, but just look at them. They’re all in terrific shape.”
There is no weight or height requirement. In order to become a Mustang Filly, the only prerequisite is that they must be 18 years old by February tryouts. Anyone with the skills needed to do the half-time routine and the energy to dance throughout the game is allowed to give it a shot. The tryouts consist of two different stages. The first is to demonstrate a 30-second self-choreographed routine. Then, they must learn a new routine in less than an hour and perform it before a panel of judges. The best candidates are chosen to join the team. From there Vici Capelli, an official sponsor of the Fillies, offers them a complete makeover. “If they don’t like makeup, I tell them that this probably isn’t the right job for them,” laughs Eckel.
When asked if any of them aspire to a career as a professional dancer, Amy* responds, “I AM a professional dancer! That’s what this is!” She continues, “The Mustangs make us feel like we’re more than just a dance team. They make us feel like part of the entire organization.”
 Fillies project poise and class Image courtesy of football.com |
While the pay isn’t the best, the benefits are fantastic. The Mustangs know and appreciate their work, most of the fans can pick a favorite Filly without hesitation, and they get the best spots in the arena to watch the game. Despite the common misconception that all dance teams and cheerleaders must contend with, these ladies know their Arena Football. Nearly every one of the Fillies bristled when asked if they follow the sport. “Football has always been my favorite sport,” says one, while another pipes in with, “I could tell you the four top teams in Arena Football right now.” No chance these women are just there for decoration regardless of what people may think.
There is probably no stronger stereotype in our culture than that of the mindless cheerleader, aimlessly bouncing around. After watching this dance team perform, it becomes obvious that hard work and professionalism elevate them beyond that stereotype. Meeting them in person, one can easily disregard the other preconceptions they may have. These women have extraordinary energy, intelligence and class. They know what they’re doing and why, and most importantly, they enjoy doing it.
*The Mustang Fillies requested that last names not be used in this article.
Mary-Ann Williams lives in Chicagoland with her four children, Carter, Jackson, Jeremy, and Riley Jade. As a freelance writer, she`s written articles for the Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and the Daily Herald. She also serves as editor of the AFL-side of Arenafan Online, and covers the Chicago Rush.
