Thank you for your interest in the ISU Sparkette Program. Our Organization is a proud tradition at Indiana State University that dates back to its inception in 1959.
The Indiana State University Sparkette Dance Team and Color Guard are preparing for 2008-09 auditions. We are a performance group as well as ambassadors of the university. We are held to high standards. It takes a talented, dedicated young woman to become a Sparkette
Team members are required to register for the class that meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2:00 to 5:10. During the 2:00-3:00 period, we focus on technique work and physical conditioning. The remainder of the class period is devoted to routines/combination work. During football season these members perform stands routines as well as special feature numbers during pre-game and halftime. These routines are performed with the Marching Sycamores. Away travel may include selected ISU games as well as alumni gatherings, a Brickyard 400 performance and an Indianapolis Colts performance. The Sparkette Guard only participates during football season. It is a fall semester only program.The Sparkette Dance Team continues thru basketball season and various spring performances/competition. Basketball season includes pre-game, halftime, time-out performances, Missouri Valley Conference Post season tournaments, selected campus performances and personal appearances. Dance team members must register for the class in the spring as well. The Sparkette dance team will be traveling to Daytona Beach, Florida to compete in the College Nationals, April 9-13.
All performance uniforms are university-owned.However, each member attends a mandatory summer camp and buys her own shoes, tights, make-up, and practice uniforms, resulting in an approximate cost of $500-$600 out of pocket expense for first year members. Subsequent years are much less costly as we use the same personal items from year to year. Pre-season training includes summer camp and rehearsals. The summer camp is a mandatory closed ten-day camp that prepares us for our Brickyard 400 performance.
Please complete the enclosed application and return by April 19, 2008 in order to participate in auditions. Please also review the enclosed Audition Workshop information sheet.
Those who participate in this exciting activity include it as one of their most memorable and rewarding college experiences. We hope that you will audition for membership in this prestigious organization and make it a part of your college memories!
Auditions will be held at 5:00 PM on Saturday, April 26th, 2008. Mandatory Workshops will be held prior to Auditions on that Saturday, from 8:00-11:30 AM, 12:30-4:00 PM. Students auditioning must attend both workshops in their entirety. There will be NO exceptions. All audition information will be given at an orientation meeting starting at 8:00 AM on Saturday morning. All material for auditions will be taught during the workshops.
2007-08 Sparkette Dance Team audition combinations will include jazz, funk/hip hop, and lyrical dance techniques, high kicks, leaps, turns, and marching/pom fundamentals. Members will be required to have and develop various technical requirements. Dance team auditions will include proficiency with the following techniques; splits, leaps, axils, calypsos, turning discs, toe touch jumps, fouettes, heel stretches, and pirouettes.
2008-09 Color Guard requirements will include equipment technique, marching style, flag routines, and movement technique. Each member will be required to have and develop various tosses, dance movements, and other specific technical requirements.
All of the above will be explained and reviewed during the workshops.
The ISU Sparkette Organization is looking forward to your becoming a part the Indiana State University tradition!
I look forward to meeting you!
Sincerely,
Tammy Schaffer, Sparkette Director
