| A Successful Dance Team | |
|
A successful dance team, similar to basketball, requires dedicated and talented individuals who are willing to make a commitment. While the basketball team is funded by the athletic department, dance teams are often not as fortunate. They have to raise their own money. At Syracuse University, men's and women's basketball programs are members of the Big East Conference. Competing at that level requires requires a significant budget. The dance team, under the direction of Nicolette Balducci who was on the same team in the late 90s, at Syracuse is talented and invests a significant amount of hours in practice. Money, however, is something the team members must raise on their own.
Andrea Hillock, a senior dance team member and Communications major from Philadelphia, is a three year veteran of the Syracuse team. This past Fall she took an active role in fundraising for her team. "We tried to raise money for new uniforms and to compete in competitions," Hillock said during a break at March's Big East Tournament. The dance team members have to balance academics, practice and performing at football besides men's and women's basketball games. It's a demanding schedule. Fund raising adds to the demands, yet Hillock and her team mates have developed creative approaches.
"We do a 'kick-a-thon' in the fall, " she said. "We pledge local businesses, family and friends." Those who sign up will pledge a certain sum of money for each kick of 90 degrees their chosen dance team member can complete within a five minute time span.
Hillock also realizes those attending the Syracuse home games are a great and instant resource for funds. "We do face painting before basketball games," she said. "We charge $3 which is the same price as a dome dog (the hot dogs sold in the Carrier Dome)," she adds with a smile.
In the future Hillock and her dance tam mates are planning an autographed calendar as a possibility. Selling team photos is also in the planning stages.
The fund raising efforts by the dance team are still in the foundation stage. Still, Hillock feels there is progress and an optimistic feeling that the efforts of the team members will bring added results. "We've had a good start," she said. "Maybe as we continue to raise more money the athletic department will take more notice and help us even more."
It would certainly benefit a worthy endeavor.
About Ray Floriani: Ray Floriani has been writing college basketball for over twenty years. He is a columnist with Eastern Basketball magazine, Basketball Times and College Hoops Insider. In 1998 he was cited by the Gazelle Group for his work in covering the Coaches vs. Cancer events and was chosen 1999 NIT Media Man of the Year. Contact Ray Floriani.
