Sports
Get To Know The Iconic USC Song Girls
By CM Chaney · November 4, 2023
In brief…
- Song Girls founded in 1967 as iconic USC dance team
- Perform at football, basketball, volleyball games and other events
- Extensive dance background required to join competitive squad
- Being a Song Girl creates bonds, pride and lasting memories
The University of Southern California’s iconic Song Girls dance team has been a mainstay at Trojans athletic events for over 50 years.
Originally founded in 1967 as a seven-member squad, the Song Girls now number twelve talented dancers who “look resplendent as ever in their trademark white uniforms trimmed in Cardinal and Gold,” according to the university.
The Song Girls have become one of the most storied traditions in the history of collegiate sports, performing elaborate dance routines at USC football, basketball, and volleyball games. Their performances require “numerous National Championships for both the Football Team and the Song Girl squad,” with the women learning “three dozen new dance routines each year.”
Beyond athletic events, the Song Girls also make appearances at rallies, university and alumni functions, and even take their talents abroad. The squad has traveled internationally to perform in places like Italy, Austria, France, Hungary, Czech Republic, Japan, China and Australia.
The university says the Song Girls and the Trojan Marching Band together are the most visible public face of the University, and function as the ambassadors of spirit and good will for the Trojan Family.
It’s no easy feat being a Song Girl, however. Candidates must have extensive dance training in jazz and ballet, often since childhood, with many coming from high school song leader and cheerleading backgrounds. The team puts in intensive practice, rehearsing five days a week in addition to performances.
But for those selected, the university says being a Song Girl provides a wonderful experience and the opportunity to become a part of the heritage of the University. It instills a sense of pride and confidence in the women and allows them to form close bonds. The Song Girls can always look back proudly on their time representing USC.