UCSB Dance Team
~Who We Are~
The UCSB Dance Team is an entirely student-operated team composed of full-time UCSB students. Members are elite dancers who wish to further their technique, performance and competition skills. As well-rounded dancers, we perform both jazz and hip-hop routines, much of which we choreograph on our own. We perform these dances at halftime and time-out shows for men and women’s basketball games, as well as other various Athletic events. We also compete and enjoy performing on campus and in the community. This team takes a lot of hard work, and we have a BLAST!
Since we do not have a coach, we have a team of Leadership, composed of a captain, one or two co-captains, and other chairs like Treasurer, Publicity, Costuming, Fundraising and Sweetheart.
~What We Do~
During the summer, we have a mandatory 3-day camp for our team. We also have summer practices for those in town. During the year, we have nearly thirty performances. We hold at least one all-day dance workshop per quarter in which members of the team choreograph and teach different styles of routines. We also conduct kid’s workshops. At the end of each season, we put on a Benefit Concert as a fundraiser and charity event. The Dance Team traditionally competes in jazz and hip-hop at the United Spirit Association’s Collegiate National Dance Team competition in Las Vegas. While it is difficult to compete with other teams that are fully school funded, we are one of the highest placing four-year university dance teams without a coach. This year, we will also be competing at Universal Dance Association’s National Championships in Orlando, as well.
~Practices~
- Practices: 3-times a week, for a total of about 7 hours
- Held: Two Weekday Evenings & Sunday Evenings
- Work-out one morning a week as a team
- Other commitments may arise
- Practice begins fall quarter & continues to the middle of spring quarter
- "Being on the team is a commitment and takes a lot of dedication!"
~Financial Commitments~
~$1500 per dancer. Fundraising opportunities available.
~Auditions~
Auditions are only held once a year: in the spring. Auditions for the 2008-2009 UCSB Dance Team will be held on a Saturday and Sunday in May or early June of 2008. Attendance on both days is mandatory.
The team typically consists of between 10 and 20 members. First years must re-tryout.
The weekend audition includes
- across the floors (six step into pirouettes, battements front and side, leg holds and leg hold turns, leaps, chaines, pique turns, axels, calypsos, etc.);
- center floor (a la secondes, specialties); and
- a routine taught on Saturday. If you are absolutely unable to attend, you may send in a video audition.
If you would like to make a donation (tax deductible), or if you have any questions, please email us at ucsbdanceteam@hotmail.com