FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Tryouts for the 2017-18 Sharkettes Spirit Squad have been rescheduled for Saturday, September 23 from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. and Monday, September 25 from 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Saturday's tryouts will be held in the Performance Theater in the Don Taft University Center while Monday's tryouts will take place on the North Court in the Rick Case Area.

Nova Southeastern University's Department of Athletics sponsors the Sharkettes Spirit Squad, which consists of a combination of cheer and dance individuals who serve as a sideline routine team during the basketball games, including halftime performances. Additionally, the squad serves as ambassadors of the University and its athletics programs, participating in requested community engagement appearances, as well as campus-wide events. 
 
The Sharkettes Spirit Squad must have a philosophy that maintains a committed program which values the educational and personal well-being of its student-athletes, coaches and staff, and emphasizes the core values of: integrity, innovation and vision, passion for excellence, servant leadership, accountability, sportsmanship, class, and respect, inclusiveness, gender equity, and diversity.
 
Tryout Eligibility

• Females that have full-time student status at NSU
• Returning NSU students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and be free of any academic or disciplinary probation.
• You must be CLEARED by our Athletic Training department by September 22, 2017 to tryout. This means :
  • You provide proof of passing a physical exam dated April 1, 2017- September 22, 2017
  • Or you must pass a 'tryout physical' conducted by the Sports Medicine department

 
Please contact the Sports Medicine Clinic at 954-262-5590 to schedule an appointment or get one done by your personal physician. Once that has been completed contact Dustin Gatens, Athletic Trainer by email at gatens@nova.edu or by phone at 954-262-8246 to turn in your paperwork and review everything. He will grant clearance for the try out. IF YOU ARE NOT CLEARED BY DUSTIN, YOU WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO TRY OUT.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  NO VIDEO SUBMISSIONS.  NO MAKE UP TRYOUTS.
 
Skill Requirements
Each prospective Sharkette will be evaluated on their flexibility, stylistic variety and their performance of the specific skills listed below, that may be a part of the audition process. Please be prepared to demonstrate all skills on both right and left sides. Strong energy, technique, and endurance is important. Each prospective dancer should be physically ready to perform. Everyone auditioning will go through a warm-up, across the floor, and dance combinations of jazz and hip-hop. Overall, the Sharkettes are looking for highly versatile dancers.
 
Suggested skills:

• Turns (double and triple pirouettes)
• Dances (Jazz & Hip Hop Routine will be taught)
• Pom Routine (will be taught)
• Leaps (a Grande Jete, Side Leap, Calypso, Switch Leap both front and open)
• Splits  (right, left, center)
• Toe Touch Jump
• Ability to lead and engage a crowd (Do not underestimate the importance of this)

 
What to Wear
A fitted top and dance pants or shorts that compliment you.  PLEASE COME WITH "PERFORMANCE" HAIR AND MAKE-UP. 
 
Method of Evaluation
The team is selected by the Sharkettes coaching staff at NSU and possible guest judges. Audition sessions are closed to the public and are limited ONLY to the coaching staff and the applicants.
 
*Commitment Requirement*

• As a Sharkette you are required to be on time and in attendance for all practices, events, and games.           
  • All women's and men's home basketball games
  • Additional performances/appearances/attendance throughout the year may include:
    • Soccer Games
    • Tailgates
    • Open House
    • Team 2020 Celebration
    • Requests from:
      • Athletic sponsors
      • Student Clubs/Organizations
      • Non-profit organizations
    • Athletic Awards Ceremony & Reception
    • National Women in Sports Day Luncheon
    • Scholarship Golf Tournament
    • Community appearances  & performances may also be requested throughout the year

• Attendance at all events and games is mandatory. The schedule will be posted at the beginning of the season. 
  • Fall 2017
    • Tuesday & Thursday- 6:00 a.m. -7:00 a.m. - Strength & Conditioning Training
    • Monday and Tuesday 6 p.m. -8 p.m. - practice
    • Thursday 8 p.m. -10 p.m. -practice
    • Additional practices will be scheduled based on coach and dancer availability.
    • Performances and appearances will be on various days.

 

• Spring 2018
  • Tuesday & Thursday- 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. - Strength & Conditioning Training
  • Wednesdays 5 p.m. -10 p.m. - games (DO NOT SCHEDULE CLASS)
  • Monday and Tuesday 6 p.m. -8 p.m. - practice
  • Thursday 8 p.m. -10 p.m. -practice
  • Additional practices will be schedule based on coach and dancer availability.
  • Additional performances and appearances will be scheduled.

NOTE: All members of the Sharkettes are expected to fundraise a minimum of $100 for the SharkClub, the official booster club of NSU Athletics, which will help fund for additional gear. 

If you have additional questions, please contact the Sharkettes' coaching staff:

Giana Buttacavoli, Head Coach
gianabuttacavoli@yahoo.com
 
Joanna Theodorou, Assistant Coach
Jtheodo1@mynsu.nova.edu
 
Shanygne Bitna, Assistant Coach
Coachshay.B@gmail.com