Dance Team: C-I performs at Outback Bowl

After close to a year of preparations and fundraising, 28 members of the Crosby-Ironton varsity and junior varsity dance teams, performed at the 30th Outback Bowl Jan. 1 in Tampa Bay, Fla.

Choreographed routines were emailed and dancers were responsible for learning the routine beforehand. The team met dancers from across the country, who gathered at the Hilton Westshore Hotel for the first group practice Dec. 28.

Just for Kix blocked the entire facility, as well as the hotel next door for dancers, coaches, chaperones, staff and families. There were 800 people registered as part of the tour, the largest since 1996.

Game day was Jan. 1 and after a dress rehearsal with marching bands from across the country, the team was bused to Raymond James Stadium to perform pregame and halftime at the Tennessee vs. Northwestern football game.

Members of the C-I team were chosen to hold a large American flag during the National Anthem.

Video of the performances can be viewed on YouTube on links entitled "Just for Kix Outback Bowl 2016."

1/3: Members of the Crosby-Ironton varsity and junior varsity dance teams line up on the field during a performance Friday at the Outback Bowl in Tampa Bay, Fla. The dancers participated alongside Just for Kix dancers. Submitted photo

2/3: Members of the Crosby-Ironton varsity and junior varsity dance teams perform a routine Friday during the Outback Bowl in Tampa Bay, Fla. Submitted photo

3/3: Members of the Crosby-Ironton varsity and junior varsity dance teams hold a flag on the field Friday at the Outback Bowl in Tampa Bay, Fla. Submitted photo