Chicago Storm dance team to perform at club

Anticipation is building toward next month's home opener for the Chicago Storm, the professional indoor soccer team based at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.

Short of watching players take the field, however, fans can attend a pep rally of sorts when the Chicago Storm Chasers -- the team's new dance team -- performs at the Alumni Club in Schaumburg.

Team officials even hint that a few of the Storm players themselves may make an appearance, making it an informal "meet and greet" session as well as a dance performance.

The free event takes place at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Alumni Club, at 871 E. Algonquin Road in Schaumburg.

Storm officials credit dance captain Lindsey Jones with turning the spirit squad -- which debuted with the team back in 2004 -- into a premiere dance team.

Jones formerly danced with the Chicago Honey Bears, and now performs with the Wheeling-based Hip Hop Connxion. In the Storm's off season, she moonlights as a judge for high school pom and dance teams in Wisconsin; consequently, she knows the latest styles to incorporate.

"We're trying to do bigger routines that are exciting and high-energy," Jones says.

At Saturday's launch, the team will perform two routines, one that is a jazz number and another that features more hip-hop and funk influence, Jones said.

For this season's squad, the team drew more than 50 applicants last spring, said spokesman Brian Bauer. The team eventually selected 15 dancers who will perform during quarter and halftime breaks at its home games, as well as at public appearances.

"They're totally integrated into the team," Bauer said.

The Storm Chasers' appearance in Schaumburg comes about six weeks before the team's home opener, slated for 7 p.m. Oct. 27 when the Storm takes on the California Cougars.

This season, the team hopes to return to the Major Indoor Soccer League's playoffs, after earning a berth the last two seasons, and build on last season's 17-13 winning record.

Storm officials say the dance team is one of the team's best ambassadors, particularly in their quest to draw in more college students and the young adult audience.

"We've been able to draw a strong family audience base," Bauer said, "but we're trying to give the team more exposure in drawing out more of the 18-35 demographic to our crowds."

If you go

What: Chicago Storm Chasers dance team performance

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Alumni Club, 871 E. Algonquin Road in Schaumburg

Cost: Free

On the Web: www.chicagostorm.net