This year, Flisowski’s “kids” and five decades of Blinn dance alumni will mark the 50th anniversary of the Blinn College dance team and the College is inviting all former members – almost 1,000 of them – to a reception Saturday, Oct. 30, at noon in the Blinn-Brenham Student Center.
The dance team and its alumni will be recognized during halftime at Blinn’s football game at 3 p.m. that afternoon against Rezolution Prep Academy at Cub Stadium in Brenham. Members of the 2021 national championship dance team will be honored and receive their championship rings. Last season was the eighth straight year Blinn’s dance team has won the national title, and the cheer team has six national titles under Flisowski’s tutelage.
Flisowski is both a Blinn dance coach and alumna. She was a member from 1994-96, and her sister Alice followed her as a member of the team from 1996-98. Flisowski’s sister Alice (now Henrichsen) said she watched Sarah perform and “counted down the days until I could try out and hopefully be on the team.”
“My time at Blinn College and the friends I made there are the best,” Henrichsen said. “Our morning ‘fun runs,’ practices for football and Maifest, nights out in College Station dancing, and dorm life are always fun to remember. I made the best of friends during my two years on the team, and I can’t wait to see everyone at the reunion.”
Lizelle Lauron, a dance team member from 2009-11, credited the program with “paving the way for me personally and professionally” and said Flisowski was more than a coach.
“Sarah has always been someone I could reach out to when I needed advice on anything in life,” Lauron said. “This program has created lifelong friendships, taught me to never give up at the sight of adversity, and overall given me a second home in this great state of Texas. I’ll never forget all of the memories and life lessons learned there.”
Amber Scarborough, a member of the current team, said as a high school senior she was uncertain what she would do after graduation.
“That all changed after attending one of the dance team’s clinics,” said Scarborough. “At the clinic, I got of a glimpse of the team and knew that I wanted to be a part of it.”
She decided to attend Blinn and audition for its dance team.
“Looking back, that was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The environment here is like no other,” Scarborough said. “As a team, we want one thing – to win a national title. The energy, perseverance, and talent you feel when you walk in our gym is unmatched. The bonds I’ve made are unbreakable and the memories I’ve made are definitely unforgettable.”
Scarborough said Flisowski “makes being here worthwhile.”
“Her unwavering dedication and commitment to this team are unbelievable,” Scarborough said. “I have never seen a more caring and loyal coach. She will go to the ends of the earth for this team, and we are forever grateful. Being a part of the Blinn dance team is an experience in itself and one that I will never forget.”
Formed as the Blinn College Treasures in 1971, the team was organized by Sue Boehnke, who served as its director for 20 years. Subsequent directors have been Lela Kelly, 1990-96; Melissa Page, 1996-97; Tina McDow, 1997-98; Amy Michalczak, 1998-2001; Karry Forsythe, 2001-10; and Flisowski, 2010-present.
“It’s been interesting to see how things have changed – the outfits and the routines,” Flisowski said. “Back in the day, they wore outfits like buccaneers with a pirate hat and high boots. Then in the ’80s it was more of a ‘fringe and apron’ look. What we wore in the 1990s was very plain, with Blinn across the front. I’ve seen the development, and it’s just really cool.”
The routines themselves also have changed over the years.
“We definitely aren’t diving off of ladders now or using umbrellas,” she said.
Flisowski said she is eager to reunite with former members.
“I’m really excited. There are kids from teams that I haven’t seen for 10 years,” she said. “We still talk on the phone, keep in touch through Facebook, but I haven’t seen them in person.”
Former dance team members can sign up for the reunion at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDYe02-pUUN_NU-kup2Y3T_I0zGcfi8IEce7Q_P2gB0A5fnw/viewform.
For more information, contact Flisowski at [email protected].
