Texas State University Dance Team's 'Strutters' to Perform at Trump's Inauguration Despite Criticism

The Texas State University's all-female dance team, The Strutters, have had controversy and criticism over their history, including integration, weight restrictions, cardio conditioning and strength requirements, restrictions on body piercings and more. The team defends itself by reminding others that the being part of the organization is elective, not mandatory, and that the rules are in place to insure a level playing field for everyone, and designed to bring out an individual's qualities within the constructs of a team. As ambassadors of Texas State University, the state of Texas, and the USA, team members gladly adhere to the rules set forth by the organization.

In December 2016, the organization drew criticism for agreeing to perform at the inauguration of Donald Trump. The criticism was primarily from current students of Texas State, but other groups involved in the inaugural, such as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, were also widely criticized for their participation as well.

Critics argue that the inaugural performance will be in poor taste after several threats and protests related to the election were on the San Marcos campus, advocating for the "arrest and torture" of university leaders "spouting off all this diversity garbage."

The University said that the Strutters had applied to march in the inaugural parade early in 2016, well before Trump was even the Republican nominee.

Matt Flores, university spokesman, said the dance group is a "top-notch representation" of the university and a "wonderful opportunity" to perform on a national stage.

On their Facebook page, the Strutters wrote:

The Strutters are excited to announce that they will be a part of the 2017 Inaugural Parade on Friday, January 20th! The Strutters cannot wait for this once in a lifetime performance opportunity coming up in the next few weeks. There are also other performances that the Strutters will participate in during their trip to Washington D.C. and more details on those performances will be shared later on! #TXSTStrutters #TXST #TexasState #AYAYAY

The Texas State University Strutters are the first American Precision Dance Team to be founded at a four-year institution, and are currently the largest university precision dance team in the United States. The team has performed nationally and internationally in twenty-six countries spanning four continents, and are the first U.S. dance team to perform in the People's Republic of China. Other performances include two presidential inaugural parades, two Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades, several NBA and NFL halftime shows, America's Got Talent, MTV's Total Request Live, and appearances in five movies.

The team was founded by Mrs. Barbara Guinn Tidwell in 1960. Even with nowhere to practice on campus, the team became popular immediately, with a photograph of the Strutters included in Mobil Oil's 1962 calendar. In 1976, the team was selected to represent America's Bicentennial in a national television commercial for Coca-Cola.The Strutters have a strong and active alumni group of over 3,000 who network well, assisting each other in personal and professional endeavors.

On September 8, 2012, the $2.5 million Linda Gregg Fields Strutters Gallery in the North Side Endzone Complex at Bobcat Stadium was opened. Mrs. Fields and her husband, Jerry D. Fields, are among Texas State's most generous benefactors, donating more than $11.7 million to Texas State, including $1.35 million toward the construction and operation of the gallery which depicts the history and prominence of the organization at the university

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