Today we’d like to introduce you to SMU Mustang Mavericks.
Hello SMU Mustang Mavericks, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The SMU Mustang Mavericks is Southern Methodist University’s first and only country-western stunt dance team. Established in 2008 by Philip Hughes, Aaron Rose, Haley Gatewood, and Ali Gatewood, the Mavericks have grown to be a well-loved part of the SMU community. Comprised of approximately 10 – 12 couples, the team performs at various events on and off campus – including talent shows, pep rallies, athletic games, community events, and charity events.
Yet, they are so much more than just a dance team. Although they love dancing, choreographing, and learning new tricks, steps, and stunts, they are really a family. Many on the team have built their community in Mustang Mavericks and have made some of their closest friends through this team. They always have each other’s backs and will support each other in school and beyond. A number of the alumni are also still fairly involved with the team and communicate often. The team has also begun hosting its own events at SMU, and it has had a fairly strong alumni turnout at these as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The team has certainly had some highs and lows. The team has grown steadily in recognition and number over the last 15 years, but there have been a few seasons with fewer members or fewer opportunities to perform. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly didn’t help with this. The SMU Mustang Mavericks were invited to perform again at the Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball in Washington DC in 2020 (they had previously performed in 2016) but unfortunately could not go due to the pandemic. However, apart from on-campus performances, they have still performed at numerous notable events such as the 2020 National Hockey League Winter Classic, SMU Mens and Womens Basketball Games, the Dallas Arboretum, a Boots and Bling Gala raising money for Elijah’s Retreat in Tyler, TX, an Agricultural Summit for US Congressmen, and more. We have even been extras in a movie called A Christmas in New Hope that is currently in the filming and production process.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a self-taught western stunt dancing team. Most people on the team have little to no dance experience, so routines, steps, and stunts are passed on from year to year by current members. There are few colleges that have teams like ours. One of the more notable groups is the Aggie Wranglers, but our group is structured very differently from them. We change partners and stunt pairings often and love learning new stunts that we find online or figure out on our own with various people on the team. We are known for our fun and entertaining dances, our energetic performances, our advanced stunts, and our school spirit.
We are very proud of the fact that this organization is thriving and healthy as an entirely student-led group. We take a lot of pride in the dances and work that we do, and we also love being able to partner with the community to perform for Elementary students, non-profits, and more. We love teaching others line dances and putting a smile on their face.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I hope that the team will continue to grow and build a reputation in the greater Dallas community. We are hoping to eventually get sponsors to help us provide boots for the team. We also hope to be able to travel more for performances. We also hope to build a stronger relationship with SMU and work towards being more involved with school spirit.
We have already seen the caliber of our stunts and dances increase over the past few years, and I believe we will only continue to get better and build a stronger community while we are at it
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smumustangmavericks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064941972064
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mustangmavericks9542
- Other: https://smumustangmaverick.wixsite.com/smu-mustang-mavs
