‘Tyra’ won’t host Jonesboro dance team

The Tyra Banks Show has decided not to interview the Jonesboro High School dance team.

The eight students, who became known for a provocative performance at a basketball game, had said earlier this week that they were scheduled to fly to New York and interview with Banks on Thursday.

On Wednesday, a publicist for the show said the dance team will not appear on the show. She did not say why.

“We initially did reach out to them,” said Jessica Fielder, a publicist for Banks. “But we’re not having them on now.”

However, some of the students still thought they were going on the show.

“Nobody told me they canceled it,” said Allison Bryant, whose daughter Exia is on the team. “The principal told us we were making a big mistake going on the show. But as far as I know, the girls were going on the show.”

On Tuesday, Jonesboro High School Principal Carl Jackson met with some of the dancers and told them it was their decision whether or not they went on the show, district spokesman Charles White said.

“He said it would not be in their best interest to appear on the show,” White said. “At no time did he tell them they could not go. He told them this is their decision because it is not a school-sponsored function.”

School officials had also told the girls the time they missed would be counted as “unexcused absences.”

Parents of the dancers are scheduled to meet with Jackson on Monday. The dance team has made headlines since The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported that Clayton County school officials disbanded the team for being too provocative.

On Jan. 13, the team performed during a boys’ basketball game half-time show. The girls dressed in tiny shorts, thigh-high stockings and tight shirts. They pulled boys out of the crowd and danced around as the boys sat in chairs.

After complaints from parents and teachers, the school system disbanded the team, removed the coach from the team and began an investigation.

Bryant said an assistant principal watched the dance, saw the outfits prior to the performance and signed off on everything.

White said an administrator only saw a portion of the dance routine and didn’t see the costumes.

The administrator and coach are still under investigation, White said. The coach nor the assistant principal returned phone calls Wednesday.

Allison Bryant said she hopes her daughter can still tell her story to Banks.

“I think they have blown it way out of proportion,” the mother said. “As far as the outfits, I made sure she was covered. I made sure she would still be respected.”

The mother said she attended the majority of the practices and did not find anything inappropriate. The mother said the boys had rehearsed with the team and knew they were not supposed to touch the girls.

Exia Bryant, 16, said does not regret the dance, but is tired of people at school calling her a slut, ho and stripper.

“Eight girls went out and did something we love to do and had fun,” the junior said. “I knew who I am before I did the dance and I know who I am now. I will keep dancing and keep my head up.”