The old generation of Dollies passed the torch last spring to the next class of dancers, and the incoming Dollies shared their hopes for their year in the iconic white boots and Cardinal red hair bows.
The Stanford Dollies are the dance team of the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band (LSJUMB). Every year, the Dollies compose new repertoire for the band’s ever changing setlist, with the exception of classics like “Yellow River,” which has been around since the 80’s. Ten of those dances they learn in just a couple months for the Fountain Rally, the official welcoming of the Dollies into the band community.
That timeline might seem daunting, but not to these experienced dancers. This year’s class of Dollies all grew up in the world of competitive dance, performing a variety of styles from ballroom to ballet.
While Maples Pavillion and the football stadium may be different venues than the spotlit stages of dance competitions and recitals, the Dollies are not worried. In fact, the large spaces reminds Dollie Samantha Lau ’28 of when her high school Poms team performed at halftime for football games.
“I’m looking forward to rallying school spirit again,” Lau said.
Dollie Corinne Thomas ’28 loves that “live music makes the performances such high energy.” Fellow Dollie Makayla Cervantes ’28 added, “as dancers, we feel motivated by the energy of the audience. With the band what is cool is that the live music also acts as a tool to empower us to continue dancing 120% full-out, even if we grow weary.”
Cervantes expressed how “unforgettable” it was to dance with all the Dollies during Dollie Splash for “Yellow River.” While the majority of the dances are performed by current Dollies, all are invited to rejoin for “Yellow River.”
“Getting to appreciate the amazing ballerinas, commercial dancers, [and] theatre artists in my lineage was so empowering! I will never forget the joy of getting to continue the talented two legacy and dancing alongside Dollie No. 2’s from 2024, 2023, 2022, and even the 80’s,” Cervantes said.
For many of the new Dollies, stepping into the iconic cream white boots (and sneakers for Maples, of course) feels very full circle. Thomas met former Dollie Yujen Lin ’27 when they were in high school together. Thomas, in turn, introduced sophomore Rosalyn Tu, a current Dollie, to dance on campus when they met at admit weekend, and Tu “fell in love instantly” hearing about the Dollies.
“Growing up, I’ve always dreamed about dancing on a field and embodying school spirit; I’m beyond excited to realize this dream and work with this amazing group of women who all love to dance,” Tu said.
Lau found the Dollies on social media before she came to Stanford and “was captivated immediately.” When she arrived on campus, she was encouraged by friends in dance groups and two of her future Dollie sisters, Cervantes and Tu.
While being a Dollie is a huge time commitment, the dance community has been supportive. Tu praises the wide variety of dance styles which helped her grow as a dancer. Cervantes, a member of Alliance and Innovative Styles and DV8’s Winter Show Chair, is appreciative of the flexibility in deciding when to be active as a member and choosing performances to dance in.
Lau is excited for what lies ahead for herself and her Dollie sisters.
“I love the community and the friendships I’ve made through being a Dollie,” Lau said. “It’s only just the beginning and has already been an amazing experience. I’m most looking forward to performing at games and hyping up the school spirit.”