| Dance Team Tryout Advice From Syracuse University | |
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Tryouts. Just the word itself can evoke nervousness. On that day when you put all your skills and technique on the line, you certainly want to look your best. A good appearance may not guarantee a spot on a dance squad but a poor one will almost certainly keep you off. Appearance is important as the saying goes 'first impressions are often lasting'.
At the Coaches vs. Cancer event held in Madison Square Garden, we had the opportunity to discuss the idea of tryouts and appearance with Nicolette and her Syracuse University dance team members. Nicolette Balducci, who coaches the dance team is a Syracuse graduate who was a member of the squad as recently as Spring of 2001.
Balducci
believes "technical talent, leaping and turning are essential skills."
Balducci also is sold on team chemistry and notes "the girls on our squad
work well together and get along with each other, that's important." The
SU dance coach also likes to incorporate a routine into the tryout. "We
will teach a group a routine at tryouts and ask them to carry it out,"
Balducci said. That way she can get a good read on how quickly a candidate can
learn a new routine and execute it successfully with her teammates.
Appearance is important. While Balducci did not address the general concept
of personal grooming she did make a point regarding what she as a coach is looking
for. "I want strong athletic looking girls," she said. "I want
girls that look like they can run a marathon."
Two members of the Syracuse dance team also took the time to respond to the questions about tryouts and appearance on that big day. Here are their personal profiles and responses:
Name - Andrea
Hillock
Hometown - Philadelphia, Pa.
Year - Senior
Major - Communications Sciences/Disorders
Tryout Advice: "Dance your heart out. Have fun and let your personality
show through"
Appearance: "Important but secondary to performance. You really
need technical skills and a 'stage presence'."
Name - Marianne
King
Hometown - Millbrook, NY
Year - Senior
Major - Advertising
Tryout Advice: "Get out and shine. Do your best, look beautiful
and remember to smile- it really helps you get noticed."
Appearance: "Keep in shape. It's important to be in shape and don't
forget that smile."
* Recently received some emails about college dance team tryouts. Specifically, one was from a young lady who will be entering Syracuse for the second semester with hopes of joining the squad.
Colleges generally hold tryouts in Fall and Spring. Syracuse follows that procedure. "We hold Spring tryouts for those who are in school and want to be on the team next year," Balducci said. "The Fall tryouts would be for incoming freshmen, transfers or anyone who didn't tryout in the Spring." So obviously anyone who would transfer in for the second semester, would have to wait for the Spring tryout to join the squad.
* In the next installment we'll discuss the same topic with members of the Rutgers University dance team.
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.