As the 2010 St. Paul Winter Carnival heads into its final days, the St. Paul Bouncing Team is already gearing up for next year.
Team organizers are looking for women to try out to be the 2010 Bouncing Girl and for a group of men — with strong backs and strong arms — to be the pullers stationed around the outside of the blanket.
Bouncing Girl tryouts are Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Landmark Center in St. Paul.
And not a moment too soon.
The 2010 Bouncing Girl will debut at the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, which starts at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in downtown St. Paul.
Prospective Bouncing Girls must be at least 21 years old. Organizers recommend they wear athletic clothing, including tennis shoes and flexible attire for the auditions.
No experience is necessary and practice bounces are allowed. Cheerleading, ice skating or gymnastics experience may be helpful, but they’re not required.
There is no weight restriction to be the Bouncing Girl, but the lighter you are, the higher you’ll fly. Typically, Bouncing Girls weigh less than 115 pounds, although athletic women of varied weights have done well.
Candidates will be judged by poise, control, enthusiasm and, of course, how high they fly. Bouncing Girls can reach heights of 20 feet or more.
The new Bouncing Girl will serve a three-year term and perform in 10 to 12 events each year.
Organizers also want to find new muscle — that is, the group of men who pull the blanket while the Bouncing Girl does her routine. They’re looking for 10 men this year. Those interested should contact join@stpaulbouncingteam.org or go to the Friday night tryouts. And don’t forget to bring your gloves.
“Bouncing” is the oldest event affiliated with the St. Paul Winter Carnival, which began in 1886. The Carnival winds up Sunday.
Copyright 2010 Pioneer Press.
