The Fresno State Dance Team — completing its first year that included an impressive showing at the United Spirit Association’s Collegiate Cheer and Dance Nationals – will hold auditions for the 2010-11 squad on Saturday, April 10, and Sunday, April 11.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. at California State University, Fresno’s North Gym located next to the Bulldog Diamond softball field (south from Barstow). The two step process includes a clinic from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday ending with initial selections for the call back sessions which are on Sunday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Final selections will be announced at the end of the second day.

Participants must complete an application, available on the band’s Web site, and attach a photo and two letters of professional recommendations. There is a $20 audition fee.

The Fresno State Dance Team, which had been on hiatus for a few years, returned last fall, performing at Bulldog football games and basketball games. Team members also responded to community requests, including early-morning television shows appearances to promote the games and visits to elementary schools for Red Ribbon Week.

“Last year’s squad exceeded our expectations, and we are definitely planning for even bigger and better things for year two,” said Tim Anderson, Marching Band director.

Coached by Tiphanie McNiff, a member of the Oakland Raiderettes, the 2009-10 squad was sponsored by D.A. Designs Dancewear of Clovis, which donated the dance team’s uniforms.

In February, the dancers took on a big challenge entering national competition during their first year as a team against established colleges. They missed a national ranking by two points but finished ahead of such teams as UCLA, USC, Cal Poly San Luis, Boise State, University of Colorado and University of Southern Utah.

“I think we made a really good name for ourselves at that competition,” said Heather Forcella, team captain. “We have a lot of talent and we beat out some pretty big teams in our first year of the program.”

For more information about the auditions, contact Sindi McGuire at sraya@csufresno.edu. A dance camp is scheduled for July 26-30 at the North Gym.

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