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 a week for 2 hours with additional practice required on morning of game days. The Showgirls season runs from the end of August until the end of April with a required summer practice which leads to the UDA Camp.
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 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.
Tryouts for the up-coming year are held in the spring (late March or early April) and each squad member must tryout every year. Tryouts consist of 2 rehearsal clinics and then the final performance for evaluation. Participants are required to learn and perform a jazz dance 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 members during their freshman year at Truman.
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 strongly encouraged to engage in some type of fitness program during the summer and throughout the school year.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.