Dixie Darlings
The Dixie Darlings, from The University of Southern Mississippi, were founded by Dr. Raymond Mannoni in 1954. He had a vision and wanted to start a drill team of young women, patterned after the Kilgore Rangrettes to perform with the University’s marching band, The Pride Of Mississippi. Members were initially chosen by the group’s founder on their dancing and twirling ability, and the group soon gained recognition and fame as the “Rockettes of the Gridiron”.
During the 1950’s and 1960’s the group appeared at various prestigious events such as the Sugar Bowl and the Liberty Bowl. In 1994, a group of 18 alumnae came together for a reunion. Reunions since then have brought greater numbers together and the current alumnae group now enjoys performing as well as fundraising for a number of charities.
For more information on the Southern Miss Dixie Darlings, please contact their director - Mrs. Tracy Smith at
Dixie Darling Dance Camp
This camp will be hosted at The University of Southern Mississippi—Hattiesburg campus, and includes:
Student Classes:
Learn dances in hip/hop, jazz, kick, and pom.
Learn Sideline and Pep routines.
Learn proper dance team technique, fundamentals and terminology.
Have fun with the DD’s and campers doing team building activities.
Director/sponsor classes:
Learn about preparing/cleaning dances, healthy lifestyles for students, injury prevention and care, setting up booster clubs and by-laws, share general fundraising ideas, team building activities for students, and auditions.
***We can design a routine especially for your entire team.***
For more information, please click on the “All-South Activities” link in the navigation menu at the top.
2010 Audition Schedule
Please contact Tracy Smith to register: e-mail ph. 601.266.4990.
Clinics:
January 16 - 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Payne Center
January 23 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Payne Center
Auditions:
March 27 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Payne Center
April 24 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Payne Center
Dixie Darlings FAQ’s
How many girls are selected at Try-outs?
Generally, we choose between 40-50 girls. However, we will place the cut at any number depending on the talent at the auditions.
What do I wear to auditions?
Wear dance sneakers, jazz shoes or aerobic type sneakers, a tank, a leotard, a cami or fitted t-shirt and shorts or dance wear that you can stretch in. If you are wearing a loose fitting t-shirt, you may be asked to remove it so we can see body lines. Wear a leotard or a sports bra type top under your t-shirt. Make sure your outfit complements your body style.
Are the auditions closed or open?
Auditions are closed to the public. There is a waiting area in the lobby of the Payne Center.
When will I find out if I passed the auditions?
You will usually find out the day of the audition. At the latest you will find out within the next 2 days.
What will I do at the auditions?
Each girl will perform various dance elements such as turns, leaps, kicks, a short dance routine, the fight song and the Strut. We will teach you the dance routine, it is not necessary for you to have one prepared. You will be judged according to your technique, rhythm, coordination, accuracy and memory of motions, and performance skills.
What should I do to prepare for the try-outs?
You should be active so you are in good physical shape. Take dance classes to train your body, work on kicks, turns, and leaps. Work on performance skills, agility, and flexibility Be disciplined enough to follow through with a commitment to team work.
Are there any height or weight requirements?
There are no height requirements at all. There are no exact weight requirements either. We will not weigh and measure you until you are on the team and getting a costume. However, we do want a healthy looking team. We do not look for “model thin” dancers, but healthy dancers. If you look physically unfit or have trouble with your stamina then you may not be selected.
Do I need to fill out an application before the try-outs?
You will fill out an application at the door on the day of the auditions.
What is the cost to be a Dixie Darling?
You will pay a $50 rental fee for all uniforms. You will be expected to purchase your own boots, tights, gloves, and some practice wear.
Are scholarships/class credit offered?
We offer scholarships through the music department and our DD Alumnae Association. You will also receive class credit through the music and dance departments.
History of the Dixie Darlings: 50 Years and Counting
The World-Famous Dixie Darlings, created in the early 1950’s under Southern Miss’ fourth president, Dr. Robert Cecil Cook, have represented the spirit and tradition of Southern Miss, since their inception.
In 1954, university band director Dr. Raymond Mannoni [founder] wanted to start a drill team of young women to perform with the Southern Miss band. He wanted a group patterned after the Kilgore [Texas Community College] Rangerettes.
Mannoni had seen the Rangerettes perform at the Senior Bowl game in Mobile in January, 1954 and contacted one of its members, Joyce Scimeca [now Joyce Scimeca McHenry], in June of that year and asked her to come to Southern Miss [then known as Mississippi Southern College] to audition. He then introduced Scimeca to MSC president Dr. Robert C. Cook, who offered her a full scholarship after their meeting, and the dance team was established.
“The girls were chosen by Dr. Mannoni partly from their performances in high school [as dancers or cheerleaders],“ said McHenry, a Covington, La., resident who was instrumental in helping Mannoni begin the program and choreograph dance routines. “When we began, there were 16 regular [dancers] and two alternates. By year’s end, that number had doubled.“
After the first week of practice and being called the “Dixie Maids”, Mannoni decided he did not like that particular title, so he called everyone together to make a decision. After several suggestions, he narrowed it down to two names: the “Dixie Dancers” or the “Dixie Darlings.“ “Barbara Rhodes and I wanted the name to be ‘Dixie Darlings,‘“ Scimeca said. “I don’t remember if he allowed us to vote on one of the two names or if he decided himself, but ‘Dixie Darlings’ was chosen and we were ready to perform for the first time at the MSC-Alabama game at Montgomery in September 1954.“
The original Dixie Darling costume was a black velvet top and shorts. The top had a gold braid over a scooped neckline, and the shorts had a gold tassel on each side. The dancers wore white boots with black fringe, and donned white gloves. The media often referred them as the “World-Famous Dixie Darlings.“
Powell said the demanding practice schedule for the Dixie Darlings was due to Mannoni’s desire to have a top-notch halftime performance. “He was a real perfectionist,“ said Powell, who was a cheerleader in high school and had received dance lessons. And just because a Dixie Darling had performed at one game or event was no guarantee they would be in the starting lineup the next time, Powell said, evidence of Mannoni’s desire for quality performances. “We had to try out before each game,“ Powell said, “because there was always at least a couple of alternates or more [to compete against], so you would have to worry about that.“
The original Dixie Darlings comprised Ann Bond Beasley of Greenville; Ann Briggs McCormick [deceased]; Carolyn Cochran McGinnis of Houston, Texas; Kay Crenshaw McCrary of Laurel; Joyce Dawson Trenton [deceased]; Betty Farnham Cotten of Hattiesburg; Jean Freeman Webb of New Orleans; Pat Harris Millican of St. Simons Island, Ga.; Jeanel Hewes Pettey of Gulfport; Mary Lou Key McClammy [deceased]; Betty King Self of Richardson, Texas; Ann Lynch Boyer of Jacksonville Beach, Fla.; Lady Dell Mechatto Martin of Merritt Island, Fla.; Miriam Middleton Moyer of Brookhaven; Ann Miller Jordan of New Orleans; Fredde Mincher Taylor of Long Beach; Mary Brown Nowell Kaiser of Natchez; Jo Ellen Pirtle Clark of Ruston, La.; Nancy Powell Bryant of Hattiesburg; Barbara Rhodes Dearman of Jackson; Joyce Scimeca McHenry of Covington, La.; Mary Ann Smith Jasper of Wesson; Sue Smylie Thompson of Meridian; and Patsy Stegall Richardson of Hattiesburg.
Dixie Darling Scholarships
Scholarships are provided by the music department and the DD Alumnae Association. Both are based on eligibility and an application process. All DD’s receive some type of scholarship for the fall semester only.
Dixie Darling Rehearsals
The Dixie Darlings rehears Monday through Friday from 3:30 - 6:00 during the fall semester only. All other classes must be scheduled around this time.
Dixie Darling Cost
Each student rents the uniforms and accessories for the season for a rental fee of $50. If all pieces are returned in good condition, then the student will receive a $20 refund. The rental will be done in the fall.
Each DD will be required to order a black DD shirt and black DD sweatshirt. We will use those for special events and games. These will be ordered during the summer. You will receive an e-mail by the end of June. If you haven’t received an e-mail, please contact the director immediately!
You will need to find the following on your own:
- Black shorts for practice ( no emblems, stripes, etc. )
- White knee boots with white soles (any brand)
- White no show or ankle socks ( no emblems, no color, etc. )
- White elbow length gloves and put elastic in the top to secure to arm
- Get the gloves with a matte finish and 3 pearls on the wrist. Go to a prom type store for this. Gloves should come above the Elbow, around the middle of the biceps.
- Flesh color tights ( Bodywrappers, matte, light suntan)
- Lipstick Maybelline classic red (Or any true red color)
- Black dance sneakers (any brand)
Dixie Darling Audition Information
Auditions are each March and April with a possible August date.
There is no fee to audition. Auditions are closed to the public.
Fill out an application from the web site or at the door.
Clinics are available to assist candidates with the auditions.
At each audition, we will teach you a short dance in one hour and watch you perform it. We will also watch you do the following technical elements: kicks, grande leaps, second leaps, axle turns, stags, double pirouettes, heel stretches, splits, jump split. We will teach you the USM Fight Song and the strut. Cuts will be made through out the audition.
Auditions are an all-day process. Bring plenty of water and energy boosting snacks to keep you going.
What to wear: Wear dance sneakers, jazz shoes or aerobic type sneakers and a tank, a leotard, a cami or fitted t-shirt and shorts or dance wear that you can stretch in. If you are wearing a loose fitting t-shirt, you may be asked to remove it so we can see body lines. Wear a leotard or a sports bra type top under your t-shirt. Make sure your outfit complements your body style.
Dixie Darling Dance Camp - June 22-25, 2009
This camp will be hosted at The University of Southern Mississippi -- Hattiesburg campus, and includes:Student Classes:
Learn dances in hip/hop, jazz, kick, and pom.
Learn Sideline and Pep routines.
Learn proper dance team technique, fundamentals and terminology.
Have fun with the DD’s and campers doing team building activities.
Director/sponsor classes:
Learn about preparing/cleaning dances, healthy lifestyles for students, injury prevention and care, setting up booster clubs and by-laws, share general fundraising ideas, team building activities for students, and auditions.
***We can design a routine especially for your entire team.***
Cost:
Commuter $200 includes lunch meal
Resident $275 includes meals and housing
1 Chaperone is free for every 10 students.
• Home routine competition night – Bring your favorite home routine for a camp competition.
• Awards for: Best routine, Best Uniform, Best Choreography, Outstanding performer
• Individual ribbons awarded on final day during the camp showcase. Squad with highest point total will receive a trophy.
• Spirit Awards
For further information, please contact Tracy Smith at 601.266.4990 or .