Now Accepting Video Auditions for our 2020 Team
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As our campus is shut down for the remainder of the semester, Our spring audition for the 2020-2021 Sapphires Dance team will be through video auditions only. Below are all the requirements for video submissions.
Video Audition Requirements:
- Both the Hip Hop and Contemporary Routines (links below)
- Battements, Leg hold, Leg hold turns
- Jumps/Leaps (Grand Jeté, Middle, Single Stag, Calypso, Toe Touch etc.)
- Pirouettes in possé and coupé
- Turns in second
- Leg extensions (tilt, ponché, etc.)
- Any Specialties (walk overs, ariels, kip up, head spring, tricks etc.)
- Quick Interview answering the Audition Questions (link below)
- Copy of SSU acceptance letter and Headshot
We are waiving the audition fee and will not need the liability form at this time. We have extended the audition period to a month to provide everyone enough time to find a space to record their videos. Please refrain from baggy clothing so we are able to see your technique with performance appropriate hair and makeup.
When you have everything completed, Please email your video/picture to [email protected]
All Submissions must be completed by May 15th!
Thank you for your interest and GOOD LUCK!
DANCE TEAM
Being an SSU Sapphire is not only being a part of a dance team, it is representing your fellow students, staff, and university. For over twenty years, Sonoma State’s Dance Team has worked hard to present exciting half-time dances during basketball and soccer games, be involved in various community performances, choreograph and produce a Spring Show, and compete at UDA Nationals in Orlando, FL & USA Nationals in Anaheim, CA in the past. As a member of the dance team, you are a visible representative for the entire athletic department and sports club division on campus.
We encourage all of our team members to focus on their academics first, and dance team second. Upon making the team, dancers are required to disclose all activities they participate in on and off campus (ie: job, sororities, class schedule, other clubs or sports, etc.) In previous years we have had dancers on team take over 18 units, hold a part-time job, participate in a sorority, and maintain a very active social life. It is very possible to be on the team and still experience all that college offers. You do not want to miss out on an opportunity to be a part of something as rewarding and fun as the dance team!
PRACTICE INFORMATION
SCHOOL YEAR PRACTICES:
*Fall 2020 practice schedule is as follows:
Practice times for the upcoming season will be Monday-Wednesday 9-11:30 pm. We will add practice on Thursdays weeks of Performances and leading up to Nationals if needed.
*We schedule our practice times this late to ensure there are no conflicts with class times. If you have any questions about this please email us at [email protected]
*Additional Nationals practices will be announced ASAP.
PERFORMANCES & NATIONALS:
All performances and competitions are mandatory for all team members. The following are performances and competitions we usually perform at. Additional performances will be added.
*Soccer Games: Men's Soccer Games during Fall Semester (Usually Fridays)
*Basketball Games: Women’s and Men’s Basketball games during Fall Semester & Spring Semester (Usually Fri,Sat & Sun)
*Midnight Madness
*USA Nationals
*Pack the Den
*Spring Show at SSU
EXPENSES:
*Participation Fee of $100.00 for the year is due upon accepting place on the team.
*The below expenses are what the team have previously had, but we will be working this year to make the team more affordable, with a clear budget in place at our first team meeting.
*The total cost of Dance Team for a new member is about $2500-$3000. This includes 2 National Competitions, travel cost, Nationals choreography, costuming, uniforms, practice apparel, coaching, and more! The cost of team reduces greatly after your first year. These are just price estimates and are subject to change. We do offer flexible payment plans and there are team fundraisers held throughout the year to reduce the out of pocket cost.
*All uniforms, choreography, and costuming is the responsibility of team members.
COMPETITION FEES:
Additional costs that are the responsibility of the dancers are: Nationals Transportation, Room & Board, Competition Fees, and Costume/Rhinestones. We expect to have a large portion of these costs covered by sponsors and fundraisers. We had success with helping curb these costs last year and expect to do even better this year. More information will be released at a later date.
FUNDRAISING:
The whole team will participate in fundraisers all year. We will add additional fundraisers during first semester specifically to help curb the cost of Nationals. We will have two fundraisers per month during the Fall Semester and one fundraiser per month during the Spring Semester. We also seek out team sponsors and offer a tax-deductible number for their contributions.
FAQ:
1. How many dancers make the team?
Usually, we accept anywhere from 12-25 dancers. Some competitions allow only up to 16 dancers to compete (in each dance), so we do not guarantee that everyone on the team will compete.
2. What are the judges looking for?
We are looking for talented and entertaining dancers who want to be a part of a competitive, college team. In addition, we are looking for dancers who work hard, are committed to the team, and can fully dedicate the time and money that dance team requires. Lastly, we want dancers who are technically trained and have the dedication and work ethic to continue to improve in their dancing.
3. What is the time commitment of dance team?
Dance Team practices a minimum of three days per week averaging 2 1/2 hour practices. As well, we have choreography days, workout days, and performances throughout the year. Classes, jobs, and other commitments are allowed but MAY NOT conflict.
Practice Times: Monday-Wednesday 9-11:30 pm.
4. Is there a height or weight requirement?
There are no specific height or weight requirements. However, we are looking for talented dancers who demonstrate healthy living and maintain a collegiate appearance. We expect the dancers to condition throughout the year and treat their bodies like athletes.
5. Do you offer scholarships?
Unfortunately we do not. We are self-funded team and try to keep costs to a minimum as much as possible. We do however hold many fundraisers throughout the year to help with the expenses of being on the team.
6. What are the perks of being on Dance Team?
You will be a part of a Nationally ranked college dance team with other talented and passionate dancers. You'll make friends with the dancers on the team before classes even begin, and continue to grow as a dancer. The team performs throughout the year and is asked to participate in a variety of events. As well, you'll have the opportunity to travel for National Competitions. Dance Team will be some of the best memories you'll have of college.
7. What sporting events do we perform at?
Men's & Women's Basketball.
Additional Information:
*All returning members are required to re-audition every year. No Exceptions.
* If you were offered a spot on the team, you'll be given a contract that has detailed information about the team and how our organization is run. You will need to agree and abide by all rules in the contract in order to be a Sapphire.
For any questions about Auditions, please email us at [email protected]