The 20 women who will represent the Rush as members of the 2009 Adrenaline Rush Dancers were selected Saturday in front of a packed crowd at Chicago’s House of Blues.

In front of hundreds of Rush fans, family members and friends -- along with a panel of expert judges -- forty three finalists began the day competing for a spot on the squad.

First, each potential dancer was brought on stage to participate in an interview session in front of the fans and judges.

Next, the dancers split into groups of four and returned to the stage to perform dance routines choreographed by dancer captains Mekial and Tracey.

“It was a great afternoon,” said Gloria Esposito, who takes over as the team’s new coach/choreographer after serving as a member of the Adrenaline Rush Dancers since the team’s inaugural 2001 season.  “All the dancers worked really hard throughout the entire process -- which included two mini-camp style practice sessions last week -- and it showed on Saturday. The judges truly had a tough time narrowing the field down to the final 20.”

The final group, which includes 10 dancers who return from the 2008 squad and 10 rookies, will begin practice later this week and will make their debut at Allstate Arena in March.