Sugar Bears Dance Team Upcoming Appearances

Sept. 19, 2009  MSU Football v. Murray State 3pm

Sept. 26, 2009  MSU Football v. UNI 1pm

Oct. 10, 2009    MSU Football v. South Dakota State 2pm

Oct. 31, 2009    Homecoming Parade 9am

Oct. 31, 2009    MSU Football v. Illinois State 1pm (Homecoming)

Nov. 7, 2009     MSU Football v. Indiana State 1pm

 

2009-10 Sugar Bears Practice Schedule:

The Sugar Bears practice schedule is as follows:

Fall 2009:        Monday - Friday  1:00-3:00pm

  
Additional practices are required to prepare for nationals, and to practice with the band for football season. Plan your class schedule accordingly.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many dancers are selected for the MSU Sugar Bears Dance Team?

Sixteen dancers are selected for the MSU Sugar Bears Dance Team each year.

What are the academic requirements to be a Sugar Bear?

To tryout for the Missouri State Sugar  Bears, you must either be a student at Missouri State University, or have an acceptance letter from Missouri State University to attend classes for Fall 2010. You must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0. Members of the Sugar Bears Dance Team must be full time students at Missouri State University, and maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. to remain eligible.


How often do the Sugar Bears practice?

The Sugar Bears have some summer practice and camp requirements. They average five 2-hour practices each week during football and basketball seasons, with additional practices for Nationals.  Practice times for the 2009-10 season are Monday through Friday from 1:00-3:00pm, with additional practices prior to Nationals.  Practice schedule may vary,  and all practices are mandatory.



Can I tryout for Sugar Bears without attending the tryouts (for example: by sending in a video)?

Tryout participants are required to attend the tryout and at least one tryout clinic. If you have a conflict with the audtition dates, please contact Sugar Bears Coach, Susan Brown, at sugarbears@prodigy.net to discuss your conflict situation.

What expenses do Sugar Bears have?

Although the expenses will vary from year to year, the University has taken care of many expenses in the past, such as camp fees, camp wear, uniforms,  poms, and most Nationals expenses.  Some items each Sugar Bear has needed to purchase:   specific tan & black jazz shoes, Sugar Bears jacket, tights, and briefs. Those items are all specific and will be purchased through the squad. Additional expenses may also include nationals costumes and airfare to nationals.

What skills are required for tryouts?

Attending one of the mandatory tryout clinics in April 2010 will help you to become familiar with the style of dance, method of teaching, and types of skills that will be required for tryouts. We will go over various leaps, turns, and other skills that could be included in the tryout material. Fight Song will be taught at the tryout clinics, and all finalists will be evaluated on this fight song. We will also be available to answer questions at the end of each clinic.

In addition to games, performances, and practices, what other time requirements are involved with Sugar Bears?

The Sugar Bears have a team practice weekend/photo shoot in June 2010. They attend camp, and pre-camp practice in Springfield in July 2010. Sugar Bears are required report to campus to attend practices the week before Fall Semester begins, as well as practicing and cheering at games scheduled during Thanksgiving, Fall, Winter, and Spring Breaks. They participate in producing and selling Sugar Bears calendars,  hosting a high school dance team competition, reading to local elementary children, and participating in events for charitable organizations and community service. Additional practices and performances may also be required.