BATON ROUGE - Southern University is home to the Fabulous Dancing Dolls.

For more than 50 years, the dance team has represented the university, dancing to the music of the Human Jukebox. The team's reputation for beauty, style and grace has carried them through the generations.

"To be a part of the legacy and you're being a forever doll, it is a huge responsibility because you have younger girls who are looking up to you now even more," Chania Bishop, current member of the team and graduating senior, said.

"We're more than just teammates, we call each other sisters," Soija Cameron, another member, said.

Every year in the Spring, hundreds of girls come from across the country to try out for the team. But only a select few are chosen. Mauretta Wales-Elbert is an original Dancing Doll. She says the process today looks very different from back in her day. 

"We did not have to audition; we were specially chosen by Doctor Greggs and Gracie Perkins, who was our choreographer at that time," Elbert said.

She joined the team in 1969. 

"There were eight of us who were chosen; we came from Southern Lab, Capitol, Glen Oaks and Scotlandville, all from Baton Rouge at that time," Elbert said.

It was a mixed group of girls who had different levels of dance experience.

"Most of us had some professional training, well, many of us did. and some had raw talent, but they could dance at that time," Elbert said.

The team has changed over the years, pushing the boundaries of dance, ability and creativity. adding to the lasting legacy. 

"Now it's history, I am 75 years old, and I'm still excited every time I see these dolls come out on the field, it reminds me of when I was out there," Elbert said.