History and Achievements
The Sundolls were founded in 1977 by USF cheerleading coach Judy Genshaft, who wanted to create a dance team that would complement the cheerleaders and add more excitement to the games. The Sundolls started with 12 members and performed at football and basketball games. They soon gained popularity and recognition for their talent and spirit. In 1984, the Sundolls became the first dance team from Florida to compete at the National Dance Alliance (NDA) Collegiate Championship, where they placed third. Since then, the Sundolls have been regular participants and finalists at the NDA Championship, winning several national titles in jazz, hip hop, and team performance categories. Some of their notable achievements include:
NDA National Champions in Jazz (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995)
NDA National Champions in Hip Hop (1996, 1997, 1998)
NDA National Champions in Team Performance (2000, 2001)
NDA National Grand Champions (1991, 1992, 1993)
NDA National Spirit Award (1994)
NDA National Most Collegiate Award (2000)
In addition to competing at the national level, the Sundolls have also performed at various international events, such as the World University Games in Japan (1995), the Summer Olympics in Atlanta (1996), and the Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa (2001). They have also appeared on television shows such as Good Morning America, ESPN, and MTV.
Membership and Auditions
The Sundolls consist of about 20 to 25 members each year, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. All team members are full-time students at USF, with an interest in supporting USF Athletics. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and adhere to the team rules and regulations. The Sundolls practice three times a week for about three hours each session, and perform at all home football and basketball games, as well as selected away games and tournaments. They also attend summer camp and choreography sessions to prepare for the upcoming season.
The auditions for the Sundolls are held every spring, usually in April or May. The auditions are open to all current and incoming USF students who meet the academic requirements. The audition process consists of three rounds: preliminaries, semi-finals, and finals. In each round, the candidates are evaluated on their technique, performance quality, appearance, personality, and fitness. The candidates must also learn and perform a short dance routine taught by the coaches or choreographers. The final round is usually held in front of a panel of judges, which may include former Sundolls, USF staff members, or professional dancers.
Other Activities and Opportunities
Besides performing and competing as a dance team, the Sundolls also participate in various other activities and opportunities that enhance their personal and professional development. Some of these include:
Community service: The Sundolls volunteer at various local organizations and events, such as schools, hospitals, fundraisers, festivals, etc. They also host an annual dance clinic for children ages 5 to 18.
Scholarships: The Sundolls are eligible to receive scholarships from USF Athletics or other sources based on their academic performance and team involvement.
Travel: The Sundolls have the opportunity to travel to different places for games or competitions, such as New York City, Las Vegas, or Hawaii. They also get to experience different cultures and meet new people along the way.
Networking: The Sundolls have the chance to interact with various people from the USF community and beyond, such as alumni, donors, sponsors, media, celebrities, etc. They also get to learn from and work with some of the best coaches and choreographers in the industry.
Friendship: The Sundolls form a strong bond with each other as teammates and friends. They support and encourage each other through the challenges and successes of being a student-athlete. They also have fun and create lasting memories together.
Conclusion
The Sundolls are more than just a dance team. They are a group of talented, dedicated, and passionate individuals who represent USF with pride and excellence. They are role models, leaders, and ambassadors for the university and the community. They are also lifelong learners, achievers, and dreamers who pursue their goals and aspirations. The Sundolls are the premier dance team of USF.
For more information about the Sundolls, visit their official website or follow them on social media.
References:
[SunDolls - USF Athletics]
[Imgsrc.ru - Archiveteam]
[Lolita Site Links Page 1 Lolita Madness Guild - Gaia Online]
[Baby, the Stars Shine Bright]
[Sundolls (@usfsundolls) â Instagram photos and videos]
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