Welcome to Truman Showgirls

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The Truman State University Showgirls dance team is an elite group of 16 girls whose responsibilities include providing spirit, support and entertainment at home athletic events. The Showgirls also provide entertainment at pep rallies, parades and Homecoming/Greek Week events. The Showgirls practice 4-5 nights per week for 2 hours with additional practice required on the morning of game days. The Showgirls season runs from the end of August until the end of April with required summer practices prior to the UDA Camp.

FOOTBALL

During football season, the Showgirls work closely with the Truman State Marching Band to perform sideline routines throughout the game as well as a featured half-time performance. These routines incorporate pom style choreography with a mix of kicks and jazz to create visual entertainment for the stadium crowd.

BASKETBALL

Basketball season brings performances at both Men’s and Women’s basketball games. The Showgirls perform sideline routines with the basketball jazz band as well as a halftime routine at each game.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A SHOWGIRL?

Tryouts for the upcoming year are held in the spring (late March or early April) and each squad member must tryout every year. Tryouts consists of one rehearsal clinic and then the final performance for evaluation. Participants are required to learn and perform a dance composed of jazz, hip hop, and pom and the fight song routine, as well as demonstrate various technical skills. Overnight housing with current squad members is available for those seniors in high school who are trying out to be members during their freshman year at Truman.

QUESTIONS

Is prior dance experience required?

Previous dance experience is not required however, squad members will perform double/triple pirouettes, toe touches, switch leaps, fouettes, and various flexibility skills. Weakness in one area can be compensated for by strengths in another area, giving those without proficiency in all skills the opportunity to perfect them with practice.

Does the squad have a work out requirement?

Because a great deal of strength and endurance is required to perform for an entire game, squad members are required to complete two hours of strength training, cardiovascular workouts and yoga at the Student Recreation Center.

What additional costs are required of the squad members?

The university provides a budget to cover the majority of costume expenses. Personal costs include shoes, tights, and jackets.  Dancers must also fund the cost of UDA camp.

Who does the squads choreography?

Some routines are taken from summer UDA camp dances, however most of the music selection and choreography comes from squad members.