The History Behind MDTA

The Metropolitan Area Pompon Association (the predecessor of MDTA) began as an outgrowth of the annual St. Louis area pompon competitions held during the early 1970's. The late George Fithen II, of Cleveland High School hosted these events. George also held friendly get-togethers on the school tennis courts for teams to meet individually for the purpose of assisting each other by exchanging routines and ideas. The camaraderie of the teams and directors clicked and everyone became very good friends.

In 1976, Yvonne Cole and George Fithen III (George's son) met with eight directors of the Greater St. Louis Area schools to form the Metropolitan Area Pompon Association. Members were: Yvonne Cole (Lindbergh), George Fithen III (Southwest), Jackie Howell (Fox), Marlo Bamberger (South County Tech), Phyllis Sims-Roy (Roosevelt), Joan Berry (Clayton), Beverly Dew (Sumner), Bonnie Wietkamp (McCluer), ________(McCluer North), and Carol Blazicek (Cleveland). The organization met monthly for a small program and discussion of new ideas, problems, etc. These meetings were discontinued when the organization went statewide.

The Metropolitan Area Pompon Association sponsored events during the year and each fall from 1977 to 1988 approximately 450 girls from MAPA schools performed at Busch Stadium during a St. Louis Cardinal Football halftime. This activity promoted unity and friendship among the MAPA squads as they learned to work together in preparation for their group performance.

MAPA also sponsored the Missouri State Pompon Competition, which was first held in March, 1977, at Normandy High School, St. Louis. Categories that year were Pompon and White Glove. This competition has grown from approximately 17 teams to a high of 91 teams in 2002. The name was changed to the Missouri State Dance Team Championships and it has grown so large that it requires two locations to facilitate all of the participating teams. Teams originally were allowed only one routine in one of two categories. This was later changed to a maximum of three routines from a choice of seven categories (see contest info).

In 1983, MAPA was asked to organize, direct and choreograph a performance of pompon girls and cheerleaders from Missouri and Illinois for a performance on the Real People television show that was popular in the mid 80's. Thousands of girls from throughout the region covered the staircase and street in front of the St. Louis Arch for the nationally televised performance.

In 1988, the Missouri State High School Activities Association brought the Missouri pompon and dance teams under their jurisdiction and it was felt that the organization should go state wide thus forming the Missouri Pompon Association (MOPA). The name was changed in 2002 to the Missouri Dance Team Association to reflect the change in the style of the Missouri pom/dance teams.

In 2003, the Missouri Dance Team Association boasted a total membership of 248 members consisting of active directors, assistants, retired directors, and affiliate members representing professional dance related companies.

At first pompons/dance teams were considered as a division of MSHSAA's Cheerleading Division and all rules applied to both groups. Later the pom/dance team group was granted their own individuality and was given their own MSHSAA Pom Advisory Board.

The Missouri Dance Team Association is an independent incorporated organization and is not a division of the Missouri State High School Activities Association or any other organization. We do, however, require that our members' teams follow all rules and regulations set forth by MSHSAA and their affiliate the National Federation of Spirit Sports for all activities sponsored by our organization.