Talk of the Town

By Kelly Ellison

January 28, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

Hello.

It seems as though a school official would have been monitoring the dance as well as the instructor prior to the game. The school is actually at fault here by hiring an instructor that came in and taught inappropriate dance routine to these girls (they did’nt come up w/ the dance steps on their own). Will the parents receive their money back for the uniforms they spent $150.00 on?

Thanks

By NoClayton

January 28, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

This is so typical of Clayton County and it’s school system. I wouldn’t expect anything less.

By George

January 28, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

Here we go again. Ghetto Fabulous at its best!! These high schools ought to be ashamed of themselves. The coaches of these dance teams should be fired!!!

By DaWayItIs

January 28, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this

What do you expect when these kids grow up with no enforcement of — or value of — moral behavior from the community, the school, and especially from their parent (not “parents,” as most of these kids’ baby-daddies are long gone, though they likely wouldn’t have imparted any morals, either). What results? Clayton County, with rampant crime, trashy streets, foreclosed houses which buyers had no economic business buying to begin with, a corrupt school board, an ineffectual and clownish county commision, and a general populous that resembles NOTHING more than a motley collection of petulant, unprincipled, loud-mouthed, and oft times violent, children pretending to be adults. Why expect ANYTHING else from these kids?

By Classicone

January 28, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

Provacative? Yes. Calling them ‘sluts’, unfair? Yes! Should they be suspended? No. I have seen much more provactive dancing, were they scantilly dressed? No. When do we find time to put more pressure on things that really matter- than to do a “social ettiquette/entertainment piece” on some kids- yes kids, no matter what. Who didn t even have a proper routine down, and who were dressed appropriately. I was more worried about them falling off the chairs, and taking those boys/men onto the court- than some half-baked routine. How about trying to get the scores up in the Georgia School Sys, or giving the Cox back that million dollar for a worthy cause- for the school system even. All this un-warranted rant and rave about some dance- darn, I guess cheerleaders in the NBA/NFL and all other areas of entertaiment of such provativeness need to alert others and say “hey dont dance like that- we are actaully having kids watch us and perform like us. PoppyCock, Hypocrisy, Prude, Outdated…passe- YEA YOU GET THE DRIFT. Now, darn I wonder what the weather is going to be like this weekend, or if I can still buy peanut butter, or if I am going to see that Stimulus passed in Congress- darn, there I go with some serious news. People Get a life!

By dave

January 28, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

I was disappointed. I was hoping it would be something you could hold up dollar bills for. Instead you get something from MTV. You disband the team for this? Welcome to the 19th century.

By Sylvia

January 28, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

they should not have been suspended, where was the school teachers and principal?

By Laura

January 28, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this

I’m a high school dance team coach and my first thought was, “Where is the coach?” Teenaged girls WILL come up with moves like this on their own (my team largely does their own choreography), but it is up to the coach or moderator to make sure these types of moves don’t make it into the dances, and especially not onto the basketball court! I’d think it’s a serious issue if there is nobody in charge of these girls. It was inappropriate in every way - the costumes, the chairs, bringing guys out onto the floor to participate (and practically give lap dances to), and the movements. My athletic director would drop dead on the spot if my team did this, and I’d be fired immediately. It’s unbelievable. And these girls are foolish to think this would go off without a hitch.

By Steve

January 28, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

First….the video is very readily available for viewing and i’ve seen it. It’s got nothing to do with Jonesboro or being “Ghetto”. It’s pretty much blatent “stripper like” and wouldn’t even be appropriate at the halftime of a hawks game. If there is a coach, fire them. If these girls have parents, make them sit at home with them for a week on suspension. It’s just a snapshot of the MTV Generation and the glamorization of Sex and our youth today. I AM NOT SURPRISED.

By dw

January 28, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

From what I saw on the news it was not as bad as it’s being made out to be. They should have been reprimanded, but to have their team disbanded for an error in judgement by the kids and most of all by the advisor is a bit much.

By Long View

January 28, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this

I am not a racist by any stretch of my or your imagination (I am happily married in an interracial partnership). But, C’mon folks, what in the world is going on in Clayton County? One thing after another, from dysfunctional BoE in need of adult supervision to cops running Bigfoot scams to the generally poor quality of elected officials who act like Emperor Jones their first week in office points to a total lack of class and competence in Clayton County, from top to bottom.

Are there any competent, classy, people left in this county? If so, will you please run for office or apply for key civil service positions? Please!

This clown circus has to stop before there are no citizens left.

By Heather

January 28, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this

I don’t think their dance routine is too racy (the video is still posted on youtube.) I did think it was inappropriate for the boys to come out and sit in the chairs. That made it appear as though it would turn into a lap dance (which it never did.) Other than that, all I saw were highschool girls performing a dance routine.

By DT frBenHill

January 28, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

I am a concerned father of two girls(9 and 4). I knew it was just a matter of time! If you seen or attended any NBA games lately, you too had to see this coming. Our own A-Town dancers make men blush and made me cover my 9 and 4 year old’s eyes during halftime. Little girls love to participate in cheering and dancing, we adults have to stay vigilant and make sure they keep it sporting vs. sexy.

By chuck

January 28, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this

I was able to find the routine on the internet. I was a high school teacher for many years. If some parent thinks this is obsene, they would close down all of the school dances. The people who have blamed the school administration would be the first to complain of censorship if the school had banned this performance. When these young ladies were dancing in front of the guys as if they were at a strip club, should not they have recognized that that type of conduct sends a message, even if those who receive the message are being sexist. The message is the same. These young ladies willingly allowed themselves to be portrayed in this manner. I question the value system that has been passed on to them by their parents.

By SAWB

January 28, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

I am a 41 yr old, white father of a 16 yr old high school cheerleader. (Interestingly enough I graduated form Jonesboro High School, but would live no where near there today.) I have a particular distaste for all things ‘hip-hop’ and otherwise labeled ‘urban’ - music, slang, dress, etc. I am also very strict with my daughter regarding decorum and acting like a respectable lady. However, with all this being said, I persoanlly did NOT find this routine to be as provacative as I expected based on this story and the school’s knee-jerk reaction. I am disappointed that dance routines nowadays involve an inordinate amount of pelvis thrusting, but I am sure that these kind of moves have been accepted in this team’s routines before. I started to get concerned when the boys were placed in the chairs, thinking they were about to get the equivalent of public lap dances, but the girls never went within 2 feet of them. I would like to see high-school dance routines toned down some, in general, but I did not find this particular performance over the top nor deserving of this punishment. These girls obviously worked hard practicing their “sport,” and I think it is a shame to see this activity taken away from them. Surely this was a better use of their time than several other things that they could have been up to instead.

By Miz Thang

January 28, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this

Young ladies and young genltemen just have some RESPECT for yourself.

By Kelly

January 28, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

And to top it off they are ALL horrible dancers!

By JG

January 28, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

Yes, this was extremely inappropriate and I think disbanding the team was a good idea. A slap on the wrist would not stop these girls. They think this type of dance is okay. They see it on all the music vids and want to be like them. And no one is educating them as to why dancing like a stripper is not a good thing. At first I thought it was a little racy, but my mouth literally flew open when they brought the boys out as if they were giving them lap dances! OMG! Where were the school officials?? Aren’t they supposed to have adult supervision?? How did this get into the game???? Everyone is at fault here, not just the girls. And people who think this was okay are simply jaded by their own pornographic lifestyle. They don’t realize how vulgar this generation has become.

By 2intense4u

January 28, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this

how about holding the administrator over the dance team responsible for this incident. Clayton County is out of hand and whats sad is that No one is taking responsibility for all of this madness.

By Adam

January 28, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this

For me, it wasn’t terribly bad until they had the guys come out and sit in the chairs. There’s no way to justify that, they were clearly emulating strippers. I’m with most people here who’s first thought was “where are the teachers and coaches”. Clearly the students shouldn’t be punished because you can’t expect teenagers to sensor themselves of something they see in music videos and on tv. However, it is the responsibility of their coach to prevent routines like this, so blame should be squarely placed on their coach.

By Clayton Co Grad

January 28, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this

That dance routine is absolutely inappropriate, from the beginning until the very end. The proof is in the reaction of the students in the stands. Everyone involved should be reprimanded including the girls. It’s called tough love. You have to send a message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. They should not be aloud to perform again for a while and definitely need a proper supervisor. The song itself is inappropriate. Thank goodness for private schools.

By alvon

January 28, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this

Great question. Where was the dance team coordinator, the school appointed adult who oversees the routines and the team. Also not so getto fabulous seen a group of all white little girls do some provacative moves at a basketball game halftime.

By sharon

January 28, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this

When I saw this video, I was appalled what happen to the simple things in life. I am sure they practice this before they went out on that court, where was the coach/adult. I am sure someone seen this before they got to that point. This isn’t just a Jonesboro issue, but a high school issue.

By mike rudolph

January 28, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

Grow up, it’s just a dance routine…and a bad one at that. Only in the South do people care about this, and yet have no problem riding around with four shotguns in your pick-up trucks.

By Allen

January 28, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this

I don’t recall there being a pole dancing team when I was at Jonesboro High - of course we were accredited and regularly sending kids to some of the better colleges in the state back then. The music programs were getting regular invitations to national conferences and even an invitation to Disney World. I wouldn’t call these girls budding strippers - they aren’t coordinated enough. Can’t really call it a dance TEAM because they aren’t moving together. They do epitomize today’s Clayton County. I bet the award winning debate team from Jonesboro never had that many fans cheering. You get more of what you value and reward - wake up.

By Reese

January 28, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

Clayton County at its finest. Let the white flight continue!

By Ms V from Clayton Co

January 28, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this

Let’s not label the entire Clayton County because of isolated incidents of misjudgement. There are law abiding and morally sound citizens who are parents who live here. Stop berating our county. I am proud to live here. The fact of the matter is if each of you look in your own neighborhoods with a magnifying glass, then you will see some of the same problems. Let’s band together as Georgians and American citizens and pray for each other instead of always criticizing. God Bless Clayton County we will rise again!!!

By Frank Lee

January 28, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this

The behavior of the clueless/classless idgits in the stands is bad enough. That chick in the white t-shirt who keeps jumpin’ up and hollerin’ is THE face of everything that’s wrong with Clayton County.

By G.Duncan

January 28, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this

Come on…Where was the school staff? Why didn’t a staff memeber shut the routine down? Did any staff see the uniform prior to the perfomance. The school she be responsible…

By D-W00D Student

January 28, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this

On the other article, I read “sexy” and “chair”, and expected either: A) Grinding on said chair B) Lapdances C) Both

…and I got none of those. This was not bad at all. The only parts that in my opinion you could make a case for being inappropriate were when they “dropped down and got their eagle on” (1:03-1:13 for the older crowd that do not know their phrase). However, I would still disband them for lack of talent.

If you want something “sexy”, go to a school dance.

By M. Van Daele

January 28, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this

The Jonesboro H.S. staff members who were the sponsors of the dance team should be reprimanded in writing as well as banning the dance team from performing for a year. If the sponsors were not school staff members, then these sponsors should be banned from serving in that capacity again for any schools in the district. In addition, the school should offer free, fun after-school programs that promote positive self-esteem and positive role models.

In a recent Jonesboro parade the Jonesboro H.S. “majorettes” who marched in front of the school’s band wore very short outfits with a “high-cut swim suit” style with skin-tone tights. Their buttocks were totally exposed despite the extremely cold weather. Their routines could be interpreted as “suggestive.” The “majorettes” for the other bands wore attractive winter velour outfits. Why does the school district, the Jonesboro H.S. administration, and parents think this type of attire and behavior is appropriate? We need to make dance teams fun and modern, yet enourage youth to present themselves in ways that are not degrading and that, instead, promote positive self-esteem.

By change11408

January 28, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this

Kids will go as far as adults allow them to go. Where was the adult supervision when these girls were putting this routine together?

By JJ

January 28, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this

This is an exhibition of extremely poor judgment on the part of an adult….whomever is the coach or coordinator. This dance was completely inappropriate. When students are involved in activities, it is the time to teach them self-respect and boundaries, not a time to play into the worst of the teen culture. The coach is the one who needs to be suspended.

By Alicia

January 28, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

I’m 11 years old and even i wouldn’t do that it’s nasty and would destroy my reputation I would not want to be known as a slut

By Notanymore

January 28, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this

I didn’t see this particular routine but I’m not surprised. Last year was just as bad and after several parents complained to administrators, nothing was done about it then. I live in Calyton County and am looking forward to things turning around for us. I like where I live and just want the folks to take more pride in their community and their children and let’s get back to bringing our County to where it used to be!!

By hazel

January 28, 2009 6:14 PM | Link to this

Anyone cpmplaining about Clayton County well it’s happening in your county as well (UNDERCOVER).

By Todd Green

January 28, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this

So what… there are more things to worry about. Tis type stuff is on Cable type TV to watch at will. What more do you expect. This is a none issue.

By Clayton resident

January 28, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this

I live in Clayton county, this is so embarrassing. Wow.

By To Clayton Co Grad

January 28, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this

Clayton Co Grad. don’t think private schools don’t have their problems. It hasn’t been to many years ago that girls from a private school (located in either Gwinnett or DeKalb) were posting photos of themselves topless. Class runs in the person not the school. And its apparent the dance team nor sponsor has any. Unfortunately it says a lot about their parent(s).

By cooper

January 28, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this

I have to question why the girls were suspended and not the coaches? Kids will push all limits when allowed….I think the punishment was severe and the coaching staff was to blame. I haven’t seen the dance but certain the girls had to practice before performing, where was the coach then?

By EJ

January 28, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this

I have watched dozens of basketball games this season across the metro area. Jonesboro isn’t the only one that has a team performing inappropriate dances. I think that all the area schools need to look more closely at this issue.

By Big D

January 28, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t know that I would call the routine vulgar but it was inappropriate for a high school dance team. But does it really surprise you??? This does not look any different than what you would see from the Laker Girls, Brittney Spears or even many of the high school cheerleading squads. The fault here lies with the coach or adult supervisor. They should be the one held accountable and suspended. Maybe the girls should have known better but teenagers will push the boundaries. That is why they are suppose to have an adult in charge. I would like to know if they had been told before to tone down their routine??? If they were told before then the team should be disciplined. If they had not been warned, don’t punish the girls (kids) but punish the adult. The girls deserve a chance to correct their mistake.

By Kimberly

January 28, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this

Inappropriate- yes. Slutty outfits- no- they aren’t any worse than your standard cheerleading outfit. Would I have grabbed my daughter off the floor- yes in a minute. Do I think their team should be disbanded and they should be suspended for the remainder of the year? absolutely not. you see during the whole routine not one teacher steps in to stop the act. the girls are allowed to continue even after the topless guys come up in the chairs. this isn’t strip club worthy, but I think it is too much for half time in a highschool. I say in this instant you see all of the teachers getting the kids to get back on the bleechers and stuff, yet not one of them tries to stop the kids, but then they are mad about it now… they should have stopped them in the middle of the dance. If they waited to react until parents sent in notes, apparently they weren’t too against it to begin with.

By Laurie

January 28, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this

The routine was probably a little too racy for the venue, but the girls were not good dancers, so whatever might have been intended to be salacious or sexy was overshadowed by the sheer amateurism of the girls, which is something one would expect from high school girls. It’s probably sexist and inappropriate, but I don’t blame the girls. I blame, if anyone, the poor judgment of the dance coach. The girls do not need to be suspended. What is accomplished by that? They get out of school for dancing? Sounds like a good deal to me. Who’s being punished here? The girls? Why? This to do about nothing is ridiculous, and I can’t even begin to believe it made the papers.

By Neal

January 28, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this

I agree with: By SAWB January 28, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this.

I am a 33 year old single male who considers himself a moderate (conservative on some issues and liberal on others).

Personally, I didn’t think the dance routine was inappropriate. The high socks may have not been necessary as well as calling the boys onto the floor b/c they didn’t actively participate in the routine. Then again the video was somewhat unclear and couldn’t hear the lyrics and rhythm of the back ground music.

For those of you who are offended - life training starts at home not at school. Besides what parents can offer, you also have to look at television and magazine viewing habits. To all the parents that have got their panties twisted over this - have you put a parental block on the following 4 channels at home - MTV1, MTV2, VH1, and BET. I’m 99% sure that all of you will say ‘No’.

Now let’s look at it from a positive side disregarding the routine and attire - I thought it was a good way for the girls to build their self confidence. Most of the girls knew their routine, all of them tried their best, and it seemed that all of them had a high level of confidence to perform in front of a big crowd (or developed a higher level of confidence based on the encouragement of the crowd). This type of confidence will pay dividends down the road.

So, to ban the team is a big mistake. It should be reinstated and the perceived negatives (routines and attire) be more closely monitored because the positives that come from this type of experience are immeasurable (individual personality development, individual confidence development, team skills, etc.) These traits will lead to a stronger and more self confident personality. This will help parents natural fears that people (guys) will take advantage of their children (girls). Confidence helps the development of self appreciation/strong mind and when you appreciate yourself it is more difficult for people to screw with your mind. People with weak minds end up regretting more decisions that they make (more likely to get screwed over both figuratively and literally).

By MARK

January 28, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this

I think this being blown out of proportion….whats new!!!Tell them how silly they looked and let them know want happen again..these kids were trying to be part of school spirt they just went too far thats it..they are kids..thats why we have parents teachers etc…it will be okay!

By Beth

January 28, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this

Somebody should have pulled the plug on this routine right there at halftime as soon as the girls sashayed onto the court in their thigh-highs and short-shorts. I danced in high school (mid-80s) and my parents would never have purchased such a provocative uniform, let alone allowed me to participate in a routine like that. I can only imagine my father leaving the stands to drag me off of the basketball court! But in this case it sounds like mothers of the girls were actually cheering them on in the video. And they’ll have the nerve to be shocked when their daughters end up pregnant. Shame on ALL the adults involved for not giving these girls better guidance. I feel sorry for these girls that they feel this is the only way to get attention, by using their bodies and God-given talents to participate in something so immodest and tasteless. Where is your dignity, girls? Remember what St. Paul said - You were purchased at a price, and your body is a temple. Have some self-respect.

By Deborah

January 28, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this

Where were the parents?? That was appalling. Did anyone walk out??

By Bree

January 28, 2009 7:54 PM | Link to this

Trashy and ridiculous. They weren’t good dancers, and it was totally inappropriate. Ghetto queens, a product of the vile area also known as Clayton County. If any of the girls or anyone responsible for this pathetic display is reading…let me ask you…why do you give white people a reason to talk bad about you? Why do you set yourself up to look like a desperate, insecure, love-me-please-I’ll-do-anything person? It’s shameful. Shame on you, Jonesboro, for allowing this. Shame on you, Clayton County, for once again, making a mockery of your school system.

By jeff

January 28, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this

Well atleast the girls can get a job at Magic City now. Especially since the school system has lost it’s accreditation. And once again thanks for keeping the stereotypes alive and well. You go you future babies mommas!!!!!!!!!!

By teacher

January 28, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this

Society at large is responsible for this dance routine. Anyone who has ever paid money to go to a rated R movie or one of those Battle of the Bands competitions is at fault. These moves were not as vulgar as I have seen from many of the HBCU band dance teams and drum majors. These moves were no vulgar than I have seen other high school dance teams make. These girls just happened to be wearing some questionable outfits and make some very questionable moves and be posted on the Internet. Be honest with yourselves. Go and find the videos for other organizations and compare them. And if you’ve ever had any contact with a teenager, you know that they will do what they want. School administrators are not to blame for this display but the sponsor is. Adults have the responsibility to guide these students and unfortunately the adults in our society push sex around every corner. What else are they to think is appropriate?

By RoadRanger

January 28, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

I’m a social liberal, but I still understand the need for social and moral boundaries. It’s clear from the You Tube video (now approaching 19,000 views) this was way beyond what needs to be presented as half time entertainment at high school. With Clayton County already in severe decline, the school system doesn’t need to add to the free fall unless they plan on installing poles in the gym, charging for parking, raising the cover, and serving alcohol during the game. If they’re going to get trashy, at least they should make some money for the school budget to cover the shortfall brought on by declining enrollment.

To start, I’d remove the “adult in charge” from any employment directly involving children. The teacher’s union won’t like it, but she - I assume it’s a she; hope it’s a she - can work somewhere in the central office. It’s obvious she’s not ready to teach my child or anyone’s child at this point. The dance team can spend the rest of the year watching the step team fill in for them. You’ll never convince me they didn’t know the costumes, the Madonna “leg spreads” on the chairs, and shaking their behinds in the boys’ faces was inappropriate. If, indeed, they were all that naive, the community needs to reverse the decay as soon as possible.

In closing, I’m sorry that all parents do not have the option of providing private school or home schooling for their children. There are sound reasons why the Obamas and other presidential families have their children at Sidwell Friends and other private schools. Think about it.

By Sharon

January 28, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone blaming the school, principal, etc… WHERE WERE THE MOTHERS??? First and foremost, my duaghter couldn’t come home with booty shorts and call it her dance outfit. Second, if she managed to hide the outfit, I still would’ve been there for the dance. At the beginning of the dance, I probably would have been p** about the outfit but let it go. When the boys came out, my daughter would’ve been pulled off the floor by her hair!

If you watched that and you could say some girl thrusting around with her face in some young boys crotch is not obscene and there is nothing wrong with it, you might just need to spend a little less time at the strip club. You’re just a little too jaded!

By KAREN

January 28, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this

This could have happened anywhere. But, because it was in Clayton County it was blown up. My daughter is cheerleader at a Clayton County H.S. and she is a competitive cheerleader. We have traveled around the US and you see this type of dance not only from African Americans teams but, from all white cheerleaders as well it is just a sign of the times. This same routine was done at an award show by destiny child and no one made a big deal about. So everyone need to focus on what is going on in school during school hours rather than this!

By imfurit

January 28, 2009 9:14 PM | Link to this

And we are paying idiots with no more judgement than to let this go on teach our young people. Geez…..

By Derek

January 28, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

Uhhh folks, this is why kids get in trouble. By parents who think they are hip or liberal and that EVERY new fad, dance etc; is progress. no sometime you have to maintain morals, dignity and common sense. Did you see the other kids shouting slurs and acting like perverted illiterates chasing the girls. I’m glad I wasn’t there and my daughter wasn’t in fact someone should be sueing!

PS> The Mt Zion team performed by Brusters once and I thought I’d pulled up outside the old Gold Club!

By Faith

January 28, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

I understand the hard work the girls put into the dance, since the dance lasted over 5 min. I saw the clip…Dance was OK typical. For some high school bball games. till the guy came out in chairs…don’t they get enough Lap Dances in the class room. Wait, there dance is nothing like DeKalb County High School Bands Dance Team doing football season. Now those OMG. Working around different school system at basketball games. The Athletic Director is always there and a member of the Administrator Staff is there. They can pull the plug and I have seen the plug pulled. Dance long, boring, and boring. OK. Guys on Gym floor in Chairs for Lap Dance …NO….. YOU EVEN HEAR THE KIDS SAY THEY ACTING LIKE STRIPPERS

By Marla

January 28, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

Totally inappropriate (and not very interesting). The straddles, squats, outfits, etc. - the whole thing is too stripper-like. Their parents should be ashamed, the girls should be embarrassed, and the coach should have been reprimanded.

By Derek

January 28, 2009 9:18 PM | Link to this

It reflects on the community as a whole, the CC Comission, BOE, Elected Officials, School Management, Super, and it is the fault of those who moved into the county trying to make it theirs, well congrads they have! Now to fix it, try voting for those who have the expierence, dignity and know-how to putthis county back in order, instead of voting for a COLOR!!!!!

By Derek

January 28, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

THE WORST PART WAS THE ROUTINE SUCKED

The only reason anyone watched or cheered was because they were acting like strippers, they couldn’t dance and sure weren’t performing a coordinated routine

By Joseph

January 28, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

They should give them 4 years suspension so they can go raise their fatherless children until the state can start footing the bill in pre school….I guarantee half will be pregnant before/if they graduate…Kudos Clayton, you’ve done it again!

By aprildawg

January 28, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this

Visit other schools and you will see the exact same thing. When my sons were playing football ten years ago, the cheerleaders and dance squads looked like hookers in training or at least Hooters Tech. The only thing missing was a pole. And we live in one of the most affluent counties in Georgia! These same brothers were adamant that their sister not be a cheerleader; they heard the derogatory comments about the girls.

By Sick of it all!

January 28, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

What the heck was the coach thinking ? This is obviously in very poor taste. This should also have been halted by some school official once it became apparent what type of performance this was turning into. The students should be suspended for a game or two so they will understand the seriousness of the matter but the coach should have definitely been fired, along with any other staff who approved the routine.

Clayton County students have had to fight long and hard to try and overcome the stigma that has been placed on this county. Yet again, it is an ignorant adult that is creating the problem.

While I don’t agree with the rantings of such idiots as those posted at the start of the discussion, I am sick of the adults in the Clayton County and it’s school system destroying its reputation.

Contrary to what some want to believe, there are very nice upper middle class areas in Clayton County. Some of you who are so quick to judge probably couldn’t afford a home there even in this bleak real estate climate. Hence, the reason you sit behind a computer screen and degrade others in attempt to boost your minute self esteem.

I do, however, also blame those that recently moved into Clayton County from poor socioeconomic areas of Atlanta. Msny of them have moved from deplorable conditions in public housing. You would think since the opportunity to live in a better environment was afforded them, they would take this time to make changes in their lives. I’m sure that some have but I would venture to think that it isn’t the majority.

A radio personality stated years ago ,when the plans for accepting citizens of public housing from Atlanta was unveiled, that the surrounding suburbs who took those clients in would see a rise in crime and other less desirable behaviors. Boy was he right! This inablity to care for what has been given needs to stop. The feelings of entitlement need to stop! I wish the entire home voucher program would stop. If one would like a nice home in a quiet area, he/she should be forced to work hard, make good choices and purchase it on his/her own. It shouldn’t be given so freely. People usually appreciate things more when they have earned it!

The “hood” mentality has got to be removed from Clayton County if it is going to make a change and become what it once was. How can a school system go from being one of the best in the state a decade ago to one of the worst now ? Change the demographics! Bring in parents who don’t care. Bring in students who don’t care. Bring in officials, such as Eldrin Bell, who don’t care. That’s how it happens.

The City of Atlanta was the death of Clayton County. Hopefully it can still be resurrected!

By mysticsheesh

January 28, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

My big question is why some lady came along telling kids to back up off the court floor (in the youtube video I saw of it) but was oblivious to what she really needed to be stopping. Good gosh! Priorities people!

By Lady at all times

January 28, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this

Why in the world would the parents buy the sexy outfits? No what about the cheerleaders and drill teams, all outfits are out of control.Yes they were doing lap dances and boody shaking it’s a shame what children do now and I am sure that is not the dance they had been working on. The girls could have changed it without permissions.

By Vetnard

January 28, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this

No need to ask if the dance was too provocative. Go to YouTube and look at the other categories on that site. They all pertain to pornography. Why? Their dance (ha!) routine is listed where they (the audience)saw it. Come on people, remember - you are suppose to be educators. Why didn’t somebody’s’ mama or daddy drag their daughter off the floor. Even kicking and screaming if they had to? Why did the school officials allow it to continue? I don’t care how many people were appalled, no one stopped it not even the resource officer. Geez! What is really going on in the school house? Didn’t the dance supervisor see the routine before this event? If not, why not? If so, he or she should still be held accountable for not taking some of the “hoochie coochie” steps out of the dance. Poor leadership. Teenagers will give “follow-ship” if there is strong leadership. Apparently, there was nor is neither at Jonesboro High School.

By Lynn43

January 28, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this

School system spokesman, Mr. White, said the dance was previewed by a school administrator, and that they were not wearing the same outfits nor did the same dance for the administrator as they did for the audience. If this is true, then they and their advisor knew that what they were going to do and did do was wrong and would not be approved. They were just “pulling the wool over the administrator’s eyes”.

By Lashea

January 28, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

How come the staff and/or administrators did not stop this performance? Why did they allow it to go on for six minutes?

By Lynn

January 28, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe any sensible adult would teach a group of teen girls such a dance. It looks like a stripper routine! And, to have boys come out was insane! The dance coach should DEFINITELY have been removed from that position. He or she CLEARLY lacks good judgement. But, I do not think the dance team should have been disbanned. They should be allowed to dance again. It is obviously something they enjoy. And, they were only doing what they were ALLOWED to do. In the future, the routines should be more closely monitored and previewed before the games. Don’t make the students suffer for an adult’s lack of good judgement. :(

By malika

January 29, 2009 12:45 AM | Link to this

sorry, but IT WASN’T THAT BAD. granted, the part where they brought the boys onto the court and danced around in front of them was a bit much, but overall, it was fine. the outfits aren’t as bad as i expeted them to be. i graduated high school in 98 and the outfits our girls wore to dance at games would make people blush! their shorts were short, but they wore jackets so their breasts weren’t out and they wore long sports socks to cover their legs. i agree with the person above that said clayton county has bigger things to worry about than a dance routine. frankly if i lived in clayton county with my son, my biggest concern would be transferring him out to an accredited school, not a dance routine. it seems that the coach is only being fired so clayton could appear to be serious about dealing with issues. if only the parents that complained worried as much about the quality of education and the school board as they do about a harmless dance routine, they probably would have kept their accreditation.

By Omar

January 29, 2009 2:53 AM | Link to this

With the story and the preceding comments, I expected the worst. Yes, the shorts were too short. The boys should have not been sitting in the chairs. I didn’t see any physical contact; the choreography was straight out of a Britney Spears concert. They should have been told not to do it again, but not suspended. I also saw other routines by the same group where chairs and boys weren’t involved and they looked like other dance squads that you see on ESPN and teen movies. Most of the kids cheering were their classmates, obviously happy that their friends were in the spotlight and not a bunch of horny teenagers.

By firstborn40

January 29, 2009 5:46 AM | Link to this

first of all stop attacking the students, their family and their environment, a dance coach put the routine together…and even if the students made contributions, the dance coach had the final cut…whatever was rehearsed before officials was changed and this was also rehearsed to a degree (lol), so maybe the dance coach is the culprit here…she/he changed the routine in an effort to dupe officials…

the dance routine was a hyped up show tune routine…if they had umbrellas and top hats it could have been a broadway show as far as the dance moves were concerned…it wasn’t that bad…the ignorant males that joined the group made it a dirty affair because i’m sure their role was to just sit there, not lear and taunt…also the girls were dancing behind the chairs, not in front…so it didn’t look like lap dancing to me…the males involved made it look dirtier than it was…these are also high school girls hopefully seniors - they don’t do mary poppins…also, if they were majorettes, whose outfits consists of body suits and tall white boots, would they be any more provocative?

dont’ be part of the problem my expressing fault to the students or the school system…your kids aren’t that far removed - no matter what high school they go to private or public…while some students may be doing what might be provactive dance moves, others are selling their parent’s and siblings prescriptions to their buddies…

By Bodie

January 29, 2009 6:11 AM | Link to this

Pure Trash and Vulgarity! These girls are in high school and certainly had to know this was not appropriate. The dance coordinator should be fired and the kids suspended without hesitation. Clayton county is a disgrace to the state from the elected officials down to the kids. You guys did it to yourselves and allow it to get worse day by day by your own accord!

By Steve from Rocky Face

January 29, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this

Awesome.

Over the top and stripper like? Yes. Would I want my daughter doing it? Eh not so much, but really it wasn’t that big of a deal.

By mom3boys

January 29, 2009 6:41 AM | Link to this

As educators, we are to prepare students for the future. It is heart warming to know these ladies will be able to gain employment at a strip club after HS. Next year, I guess the coach will bring in poles? This was disgusting, trashy, inappropriate, etc, etc, etc….

By Vicki

January 29, 2009 6:44 AM | Link to this

Too sexy? Not sexy at all. Pure nasty, yes. JHS should never be allowed to have another dance team, period. I do think the participants should be punished. I don’t buy the excuse that they should not be held responsible because they are teenagers. They knew exactly what image they were projecting and obviously thought it was good. If no punishment is given, what’s next, working after school at strip clubs?

By NY4LIFE

January 29, 2009 7:18 AM | Link to this

I enjoyed the video. We we had girls like that when I was in high school!!!

By Time for real Change

January 29, 2009 7:53 AM | Link to this

WOW…I just went into look at the video. I had not seen it. My comments, this was not dance, hip hop or anything close. It was something one would see at a strip club only with the clothes. Suppend no I dont think so. Coach fired, good idea. These girls are highschoolers and they knew exactly what they were doing. Im getting tired of hearing how its just the coach or that the girls are innocent. They are not. They knew each and every move and performed it with great excitement. This is bad all around. The dance team should be cancelled and as for the cost of the uniforms. They knew what they were doing. They made their bed, let them lie in it.

By Michael

January 29, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this

You call that semi-coordinated pubescent gyrating sexy? Maybe to an 8th grader.

By Devildog

January 29, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

Well, at least we know now why many kids aren’t doing “the right thing.” The people who are supposed to teach them “the right thing” don’t know what “the right thing” is, either. On the other hand, at least these girls were getting some serious life skills for future jobs … as lap dancers.

By Dan

January 29, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this

The funny part of the article was the mother who said the girls were too young to understand what they were doing???? Riiiight

and to the person who said they shouldn’t have been suspended, just to clarify the girls were not disciplined but the dance team (the activity) was suspended or canceled

By free

January 29, 2009 8:23 AM | Link to this

too much *ss and no class. i haven’t been in school since the late eighties and, back then, our principal would have walked on the court and stopped this. however, everyone in my office who has teen daughters says this is on music videos, this is what dancers wear in the dance studios, and these are the dances teenagers do now. i suppose it’s a part of the 00s culture but all culture should not be allowed into high school.

By free

January 29, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

those shorts are worn by other dance teams in the metro area. they are also worn in dance studios by dancers. probably not appropriate for high school but they are dance shorts. clayton, of course, always makes the news though.

By steve

January 29, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this

What did you expect to come out of the Jonesboro area?Single mothers,gangs and thugs.The dancers are a reflection of the student community.

By Judi

January 29, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

The dance was very much inappropriate for the young girls to perform in public. There was too much pelvic thrusting, gyrating and legs wide open. I am the mother of an 18 year old senior girl who has been on the cheerleading squad. The dance teams in our school system also perform during halftime of Varsity basketball games. The principal of the high school my daughter attends would NEVER allow anything provocative to be performed by the dance team or the step team. She has been at a game before and cut a routine off in the middle because of one or two moves that were too risque. It only took that one time for something like that to happen for the students to know what kind of moves they could choreograph in to their routines as well as what kinds of outfits they could wear. There are some things I don’t like about our principal and don’t necessarily agree with, but clean representation of our school which is also a representation of her is first and foremost on her mind and she sees to it that things are done decently and in order at our school. My hats off to her for that. As for the Jonesboro school, the students and the sponsor should be reprimanded. Disbanded for the year may be a little harsh and extreme but they definitely need some kind of punishment. The girls need to be counseled on the moves they choreograph and what people perceive by how they move, dance and what they do. This is something a mature sponsor/adviser should have done and monitored. Bringing the guys out should never have happened because all that allowed was for them to get a close up view of the girls’ legs, thighs and behinds when they danced in front of them with their legs open. The girls need to have the mindset of “respect yourself first” then maybe a performance like this wouldn’t happen.

By Tonya

January 29, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

I am truly appalled, that a school adviser would even TEACH a dance like that to our high school girls. But unfortunately Jonesboro is not the only high school that dances like this, I have attended several high school games and they all are very provocative and explicit. The uniforms are out of control all over APS, Dekalb and Cobb County school system,not just clayton. We as community need to stop saying that it’s entertaining, but teach our girls to become proud young ladies.

By Henry County Resident

January 29, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

Well, another interesting uprising in Clayton County. A county that I grew up in and will always wonder what has happened. This display is of no surprise with the leadership displayed in the entire county. But I do see changes being made and I think good things are coming for the county.

I am at least glad of one thing, these kind of things keeps the lime light of of the stupid acts in Henry County such as the firing of the Stockbridge football coach after a half of a season and the complete lack of leadership from the cheerleading coaches there as well.

Keep up the good work Clayton!

By BBgenie

January 29, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

yes! This was a fun thing for the girls but, it was wrong. Too many of our young women are being led down the wrong road. All women want attention but we as a people must look past self enjoyment/lust/sexy looking objects. Young girls must be taught not to except being looked at as an sex object or when they become older women they will revert back to what they think is acceptable. It won’t be a easy thing to do because there is so much sex on tv, videos,& advertising in mall store windows. God help us! Save the children!

By MrE

January 29, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this

Come on people, get real. They are ALL at fault! Good grief stop acting like those kids are super-innocent bystanders in all of this. They KNEW they were doing a STRIPPER DANCE and at that age we all know - EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US - that it is inappropriate. Yes it shows low class on the parents’ part, yes it shows low class on the school admins’ part, and YES it show low class on the kids’ part. Deal with the reality of the situation rather than trying to blame a single person or group.

By Wells

January 29, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

Not only was the dance inappropriate from beginning to end, but the dancers weren’t very good either. Many of the girls didn’t know the routine very well, many of the “uniforms” didn’t fit the dancers properly and the moves weren’t sharp. If you are not going to respect yourself enough to not go out and dance like a stripper as a teenager at least have enough respect for yourself to make sure the routine is performed well.

The Hawks dancers also need the same advice. Their performances are awful.

By Qbaby

January 29, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

I’m glad my son plays basketball for Mays. They would never allow the girls to perform a stripper move like Clayton County.

By Neil

January 29, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this

Provocative??? 10 years performing floor routines during the Olympics were more provocative than this!!! But then, they were little white girls.

By former dancer

January 29, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

i do not think those girls are as innocent as that parent thinks! those girls know the difference between what is appropriate and what is not!

By chris

January 29, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this

i don’t understand why people think this type of stuff ONLY happens in clayton county? it’s everywhere! it’s seen on tv, it’s seen at professional sporting events, EVERYWHERE! it’s just pathetic that people are so quick to jump down the people of clayton county for this, believe me, if you were to go to any metro counties to any high school party, you’d see the same thing!

By carolyn

January 29, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

This type of routine (perhaps not as extreme as this) seems to be standard in high schools these days. It is a result of the continued “dumbing” of Americans, praise and idolation of performers such as Madonna (and the likes thereof), playboy models and the the fact that we as parents seem to feel our kids should be able to do “whatever they want to do”. We now see no need to teach our kids proper etiquette and respect.

By Tribal Connections

January 29, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this

This issue is not about Clayton County but a reflection of the black culture in general. These girls continue to hear women degraded in hip-hop songs and then act them out in public. The moral fabric (or lack of it) is one of the main differences between black and white cultures. Let’s not blame the county or school system but the culture in general. This is one of the reasons many white folks move when the black folks come. The lack of a moral fabric leads to out-of-wed births, crime & dirty dancing in public schools.

By Fed up

January 29, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

Wow; another slap in the face for CCSS! The dance routine was totally inappropriate and it offended me just watching it on the news and I wasn’t there. I think someone should have stopped it immediately, and yes the coach should be disciplined and as far I’m concerned they need to simply “eliminate” the dance team altogether until they learn some real dance moves that don’t depict the girls in this horrible light.I totally agree with sick of it as I grew up in CC,and graduated from Jonesboro H.S. when it was a safe, respectable, award winning school. Our cheerleaders and drill team would never have thought to perform such a raunchy dance; our principal used to stand at the front door as students came in daily and make sure we were dressed correctly and in line with school rules, and all of us graduated and went on to great colleges;many Ivy League, and be successful, by the way there was never, ever any issues with accredidation in those days either. I also know what happened to Clayton Clayton and until you remove that element that is there and arrived around 1995 (some of you know what I mean) Clayton County will turn into one of the most dangerous, deadly, gang-filled counties in the state with more abandoned homes,no jobs,no real opportunities,failing school system, and does anyone down there care about the kids and what’s going on? I mean really care and are concerned; if you do; get off your butts and do something to change this horrible perception of Clayton County before it’s really too late. For anyone shocked; please know many pre-teens and teenagers do a whole lot worse behind closed doors, and get most of that behavior off MTV, BET, etc. Parents; stop trying to be your child’s friend; stand up to them and be a real parent! There is no talent or class in behaving in such a disrespectful manner. CLEAN IT UP CLAYTON COUNTY!!!

By GR

January 29, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this

Reminds me of the A-Town dancers…..what kind of message are they sending? Ok for them to wear less than that and perform provocative routines at Hawks games?

By John

January 29, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

For most of the girls at Jonesboro HS, this is just vocational training for their life after high school!

By sharon

January 29, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this

Why was this story news worthy? This story was aired to demoralize the students and parents of Clayton County. Plain and simple. “Sick of It all” raised some very good points. The dance was too provacative. The outfit and the boys on the floor was inappropriate. We must hold ourselves accountable for our actions. We should make sure our daughters behave and look like ladies and that our sons behave and look like men. The culture has changed drastically in our county. Having said that, I would rather live among my kind, faults and all, than a dangerous, unstable racist. You are a fool if you think the kids in other counties are don’t have their issues too. Their issues don’t make the six oclock news like ours.

By Crystal

January 29, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

I received a link to the YouTube video, marked “The Jonesboro High School Dance Team Gets Suspended” with no other information posted. I had no idea what the dance was going to be, but within the first 20 seconds, I knew it was obviously a strip tease. It was like watching Carmen Electra’s StripTease workout video.

That being said, I thought it was hysterical and having been something of a cut-up, trouble-seeking teenager girl at one point, my assumption was that the girls had duped their sponsor and performed it as a practical joke.

Anyone who thinks these girls have no idea what they were doing is fooling themselves. Teenage girls today aren’t your Seventh Heaven sweethearts, and certainly no teenager living near a major city is going to be that naive.

Now, what the exact situation is between the sponsor and the girls should be investigated. If the girls did this on their own, then I think they should be suspended for a few games, have their hands slapped, then make sure any future dances are approved. But, it looks to me like a practical joke, and it’s good to see that Jonesboro is actually on the news for something funny rather than criminal.

And if I’d had half of the dance talent these girls had when I was their age, I would have certainly done the same thing—and I would have thought it was both clever, funny, silly and a statement on how our society thinks nothing of having teenage girls wearing skimpy skirts and sweaters jumping around showing their underwear at school games, but there’s a problem with wearing kneesocks, shorts and two shirts. Well, that and I would have found it funny to be essentially saying that these girls are going to end up using their dance talent at a roadside strip club later on.

By Mujambo

January 29, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

Strippers all over the USA are highly offended by this debacle.

By Tahuaya

January 29, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

I saw part of the video on the news but I felt the covering of the people in the stands said all that was needed.

These people were little more than animals. How did part of the human race ever get this way?

I am so glad that my children did not attend a school with students and parents like this.

By Mujambo

January 29, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this

Just another Hot Ghetto Mess.

By molly

January 29, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

They should all be suspended and sent to dance school. That was the worst dancing and choreography imaginable!!

It was obviously meant to be provocative and for that alone I think they should be disciplined. The result, though, didn’t come close to any form of entertainment - provocative or otherwise.

By juice

January 29, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

Inapropriate Yes….Disband No,I figured this would happen soon ,just didn’t know where. As luck would have it,Clayton Co.Like the county really needs this right now :). Ive been to a lot of basketball games ,Football games and other functions and have seen a number of dance teams perform. And each year the envelope has been pushed and pushed .Elementary school teams,Middle school teams,High school and College Dance teams trying to out do each other. The problem with most teams is that most of the coaches of these teams are very young women,in some cases ,college students or very young teachers ,early-Mids twenties…Even when theres an older coach ,usually the dance coach or instructor is a very young woman..Looking at the video there is a hint of a table dance, inappropriate for parents ,grandparents ,kids and family members sitting in the stands watching half time entertainment. What needs to be be done is a short suspension of the team ,kids will be kids ,get them together,show them the video and explain to them what was wrong with the performance, replace the dance coach with a more mature and aware individual and proceed with the program.

By Bradd

January 29, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

Where were the parents (or should I say Mothers)of these girls when this dance routine was being developed…where is guidance of these children?To say this is nothing worse than seen on M T V…well that right says alot.It is not a trashy, no talent musically inept hip hop video,ITS A SCHOOL FUNCTION PEOPLE, a supposed family event.Maybe that’s the problem..there’s no male present in most of those so called families God help Clayton,Dekalb,and south Fulton county’s.The Obama voters run amuck

By Dave Perry

January 29, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this

These girls are just imitating what they see on television and in the movies. They are old enough to know better and certainly their adviser is, but people shouldn’t be so shocked. If their daddies were around I guarantee this kind of behavior couldn’t exist. The action of their mothers is why these fatherless girls exist in the first place.

By still hopeful

January 29, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

Get a life you say. Proper upbringing and a decent education does not include lap dancing to please a crowd. Tell us how this helps a young lady in school get ahead. Isn’t there a game going on? Who won? You must have been there yourself to see the dancing when you should have been routing for your team. ……. Careful out there, we all share the same road.

By D_right_one

January 29, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this

Hoefully, this “routine” was a joke. A couple of the girls didn’t seem to be to comfortable in the shorts anyway. Man, Jonesboro really didn’t need the media coverage. I wish a responsible school administrator had cut the music off within twenty seconds of this routine. It was in bad taste, out of sync, and too provacative for teenagers awash in hormones.

By britt

January 29, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this

GET REAL! There is administrator that goes across video to get students to sit down how about turn around and get your “dancers” to sit down and put some clothes on. I am an alumni of JHS of which I am embarrassed to say. When I was a student this would have never gone this far. So that just tells you all about who Clayton County allows in the school system there. YOU ALL NEED TO CLEAN UP YOUR ACTS not just the “dancers”. I am talking about the ADMINISTRATION of CLAYTON COUNTY SCHOOOL BOARD and STAFF OF JHS. This is just a way to prove how poorly staffed and qualified JHS is. This is disgusting. I am so offended that JHS has come to this.

By mom in clayton

January 29, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Little miss sunshine did this routine much better. These girls should be suspended not for the routine but for not learning it.

By Simply HERS

January 29, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

I’m a parent of a daughter from Tri-Citi High Dance Magnet Program. One of the students choregraphed a dance last senior concert that was similiar but more tasteful she received rave reviews from student, parents and staff. And won top honors for her skills. Even though they are young I’ll bet any thing these are the kinds of dances that they do at parties. They just put it out in public. The uniforms are no different than what ALL the girls where who are on the drill team, cheerleading team or dance team. Look at the college and professional teams. These are the same dances I saw on the Travel Channel last week from dancers in Africa and I was just telling my daughter that these are the same raunchy dance moves that they do in dance class. It’s no different. We got to realize girls can’t help their shape or how they are built. just because they dance that way, no one has the right to judge character. What they are doing now they will be doing it in the future should they choose to make dancing a career or teach dance. I don’t blame the children or the teachers I blame the parents who try and protect their children without explaining their history. We sometimes take everything out of perspective because it doesn’t fit our lifestyle and makes the parent look bad. If a TV, radio or talk show asked the girls to come and perform at the Super Bowl or and event and get paid for it. Then what would have been said or done. And lap dance!! I had to go back and see that because I seen young men sitting in chairs not touching the girls and the girls didn’t sit in their lap and start dancing. We disect too much on something that doesn’t need to be disected. Talent can sometimes be a curse and they have talent and no one knows how hard it is to do the dance routines and keep up with someone else or those that may have weight problems that think they are too big to dance. Let’s look at CHANGE and find out what that word really means.

By RRobertson

January 29, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

Wow, reading some of the comments posted online opened my eyes to a lot of things, especially the sentiments of DaWayItIs. I can’t believe some of the things that was stated in his post. My thoughts on the issue…suspending the dance team is NOT a good idea. Why take away an extracurricular activity for a mistake. Most of you make mistakes on the job daily but no one is firing you. Some of you are actually reading and posting on this blog from work knowing your not supposed to…should you be fired? So why would we take away options from those whose options are already limited. We as people are so quick to judge. If we stopped to think for a second, we would be capable of making better choices. Suspending the dance team was a quick and unrational choice brought about by pressure. “What about the Children?” Let’s think people!!!!!

By Gwen

January 29, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

Girls should have never been on a school approved dance team dressed like that. Dance should have been stopped when the moves became inappropriate. After listening to the girls respond to reporters’ questions, I think that they need to spend more time in the classroom and less time on the dance floor. Poor representation of Clayton schools on all levels.

By Ayn Rand was Right

January 29, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this

What are they supposed to be cheer leaders or fantasy leaders. It is disgraceful that a public school would allow such behavior. There is no excuse for adults to stand by and watch this type of “dance routine” and not stop it. Parents, Coaches, Administrators all are guilty. The girls thought they were cute and could get away with pushing the limits. At least now they know that they cannot. Maybe just maybe one or two of them will put this lesson to good use.

Commentary on the dance team: as Simon would say, you are not going to Hollywood. That was horrific from the outfits to the terrible uncoordinated dance steps.