New Haven Independent

Shirley Banks (pictured on the right in photo above) founded and named the team ten years ago. Twenty young people, aged 7-18, are members, divided evenly into junior and senior divisions. The seniors choreograph their own moves; even the juniors do some of that. Banks is the treasurer, grant-writer, chauffeur, and inspiration.

“We have a chance to go to Jacksonville, Florida, in August for the world championships,” she said. The Elks hold the event in a different city every year, and any team that pays a $15 entrance fee can participate. Banks says she and the kids have raised $5,000 for hotel and meals, but an organization that had pledged $10,000 for the bus has gone missing. “I’ve been calling and I get no answer. We’re kind of stuck — we need the money for the bus.” That’s $10,000.

It’s obvious to a reporter on a visit that the kids have bonded with each other and with Banks. Tonya Pouncey, 15 (first row on the left in the photo), joined a few weeks ago. “I want to be here because I like doing something besides sitting in the house, and to have new experiences.”

Edward Salmond, 16 (pictured next to Banks), has been in the group for two or three years. “It’s a passion for me,” he says. “I love to do it.”

Curstyn Turner, 15 (second row on the left, in white shirt) a.k.a., “Grandma,” has been a member since the beginning — two-thirds of her life. Why does she do it? “I get away from babysitting, and I’m not in the streets doing anything, and I get to help my grandma,” Ms. Banks.

They’ve been trying to raise money in other ways, through a fundraiser at Appleby’s and by “sponsoring” — having the kids stand in front of stores and ask patrons for contributions.

Edward is optimistic about their chances of going, and of putting together a routine that’s “worthy” of winning the championship, and knowing, win or lose, that they’ll have worked together and done their best. Click here to hear his thoughts.

Interested in helping the team get to the championships in Jacksonville? You can send a check to the Soul-o-ettes, 240 Division St., New Haven, 06511.