You remember the Jonesboro High Dance Team, those wacky teenagers from Georgia whose provocative halftime routine got them banned by the school district? Now they've been canceled by Tyra Banks.
The eight-member girls team — who gained national fame when a video entitled "The Sluts Of Jonesboro" hit YouTube last week — was scheduled to fly to New York appear on Tyra Banks' syndicated talk show. But the show's spokesperson told the Atlanta Journal Constitution today that the Jonesboro team's appearance has been canceled.
We initially did reach out to them," said Jessica Fielder, a publicist for Banks. "But we're not having them on now." However, some of the students still thought they were going on the show.
"Nobody told me they canceled it," said Allison Bryant, whose daughter Exia is on the team. "The principal told us we were making a big mistake going on the show. But as far as I know, the girls were going on the show."
The team is not listed on the show's online schedule of guests. Other topics this week included "Child Brides" (Tuesday), "Mama's Boys" (Wednesday) and, from Jan. 15, "Bleaching For Beauty." No reason was given for the cancellation.
The team was disbanded by Clayton County school board officials following their performance at halftime of a high school basketball game, in which they wore skimpy shorts and danced somewhat sluttily on chairs.
Exia Bryant, 16, said does not regret the dance, but is tired of people at school calling her a slut, ho and stripper. "Eight girls went out and did something we love to do and had fun," the junior said. "I knew who I am before I did the dance and I know who I am now. I will keep dancing and keep my head up."
Your move, Oprah.
'Tyra' Won't Host Jonesboro Dance Team [Atlanta Journal Constitution]