Temple University Athletics
Diamond Gems Dance Team
The Diamond Gems Dance Team, as part of the Temple University Spirit Squad, strives to entertain, energize and inspire at designated Temple Athletic contests and promotional events at the direction of the administration of the Temple Department of Athletics.
The Temple University Diamond Gems is a group of talented athletes from all over the United States. With 3-4 practices per week, gym sessions, games, and appearances, these student athletes balance their hectic dance team schedules while working hard in the classroom. The team performs at all football, and men's and women's basketball games as well as volleyball contests. They also compete in the annual UDA College National Dance Team Championships in Orlando, FL. As one of the faces of Temple University, the Diamond Gems strive to bring positivity and enthusiasm in support of their University to the Philadelphia area and beyond.
For more information about the team or upcoming events, please visit our Facebook page or email Head Coach, Jennifer Keller at templedanceteam@gmail.com.
Pre-Audition Workshops – Sunday (3/22) and Friday (4/17)
We will be hosting two Pre-Audition Workshops for high school and college dancers who strive to be a part of the Temple Diamond Gems or any college dance team. Participants are welcome to attend 1 or both of the workshops. Workshops are $15 each (cash or Venmo only) for current Temple students (student ID required) and $30 each (cash or Venmo only) for all other dancers. Workshops will be structured as follows:
Sunday, 3/22 (4-8pm in McGonigle Hall)
  - Jazz technique, Hip-Hop skills/tricks, Choreography combos and Q&A with current team members and coaches
Friday, 4/17 (6-10pm in McGonigle)
  - Jazz technique, Hip-Hop skills/tricks and Audition choreography review
Note: Audition choreography videos will be released to all registered participants on 4/11.
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If you are interested in participating in one or both of our workshops, please contact Coach Keller at templedanceteam@gmail.com prior to each event to register and to receive additional information.  Â
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2020-21 Temple University Diamond Gem Auditions
Auditions are open to all individuals who will be enrolled as a full-time student of Temple University in the Fall of 2020. Proof of acceptance is required at the time of auditions. Registration Fee is $30 (cash or Venmo only) and can be paid on the 1st day of auditions.
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Friday, 4/24 (6-10pm) – McGonigle Hall Main Gymnasium
 6:00-6:15pm - Registration
6:15-6:45pm - Explanation of Audition Process and Team Member Expectations
6:45-7:15pm - Warm-Up
7:15-9:45pm - Jazz Technique and Hip-Hop Skills Session
10:00pm - Announcement of those dancers selected to move on to Day 2
Saturday, 4/25 (12-8pm) – McGonigle Hall Gyms 144 and 145
12:00-1:00pm – Check In, Headshots and Review Audition Choreography
1:00-6:00pm – Closed Door Auditions
6:00-8:00pm – Announcement of 2020-2021 Team & New Team Meeting
During day 1 of the audition process, participants will selected to move on to the choreography round of auditions after participating in the technique and skills session. If selected to move on to the choreography round on day 2, participants will perform in groups of 2 or 3 for a panel of judges. The performance will include Pom, Jazz and Hip-Hop choreography that will be posted online prior to auditions (on 4/11) and reviewed at our final Pre-Audition Workshop (on 4/17). Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
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Required Skills and Technique:
Pirouettes (triple, preferably quad)
Fouettes a la second (at least 2 eight counts, preferably in combination)
Toe Touches and Leaps in Second   Â
Turning Discs
Kip Ups and Headsprings
Overall Flexibility
Acrobatic skills, specifically front and side aerials, are preferred but not required
*Note: All of the required skills will be discussed and reviewed at our Pre-Audition Workshops.
Attire for Auditions:
Females - Black Booty Shorts, Black Sweatpants (for hip-hop only), Crop or Bra Top (must be red, black, grey or white), Jazz Shoes or Turners as well as Sneakers (for hip-hop)
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Males – Black Shorts and/or Sweatpants, Tank Top (must be red, black, grey or white), Jazz shoes and/or sneakers
Please come with hair and make-up performance ready and be prepared to have headshots taken.
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Physicals and Required Paperwork:Â If you were on the team during the 2019-2020 season, you are not required to have a physical for auditions. All others are required to obtain a physical from either Temple Hospital, Student Health or your Primary Care Physician. You are required to use the Temple Sports Medicine physical exam checklist (see below) when having your physical completed. Both the general medical and orthopedic sections of this physical exam checklist are required to be completed by a physician in order for you to audition. A sickle cell screen is not required, however any person auditioning who has a known hematological condition should disclose the information. In addition to the physical exam checklist, everyone is required to complete ALL medical forms as appropriate for your status (freshmen/transfers vs returning student athletes) as well as the liability waiver form listed below.
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ALL forms must be turned in to the address or email listed below, no later than Friday, 4/17. If you are attending the Pre-Audition Workshop on 4/17, you may turn in the paperwork at registration that night. IMPORTANT…If paperwork is not received by the deadline, you will NOT be allowed to participate in auditions.
Please return all the forms listed in the links below to:
Temple Athletic Training
Attn: Alyson Hansbarger
1800 N. Broad Street Rm. MG-28
Philadelphia, PA 19121
email: AHansbarger@novacare.com
Exam Checklist (PDF)
Medical Forms
Liability Waiver (PDF)
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If you would like to register for Auditions or have any questions, please contact Coach Keller at templedanceteam@gmail.com. All registered participants will receive an email with the link to the Audition choreography on 4/11.
