Attendance at NSU basketball games is increasing, and it’s not just because of the players — it’s the halftime show.
The Sharkettes, a NSU dance team, is dancing its way into fans’ hearts and helping increase Shark pride.
Jennifer Goetzl, sophomore psychology major and captain of The Sharkettes, started the organization last semester from an inactive dance team. They revamped the constitution and started from scratch.
“I originally started the team because I worked at the Office of Student Activities’ front desk, and there were a lot of people who came in, and there was no dance team available to them. I wanted to fill that gap,” she said.
Goetzl used to dance in Dance Movement, a dance company, and taught dance for years, but stopped when she came to NSU, until she started the team.
“It is really sad for people who have danced their entire life. All of us have a passion for dance. Even if it’s not your major, it’s something you want to keep up with. I feel like The Sharkettes does that for you. It’s an extracurricular, but it’s also a serious team,” she said.
Though the Sharkettes are only a few months old, they have already been successful. Goetzl said she has seen growth in the number of people attending games.
“I’m really excited that we’re making an impact and that people are finally getting excited about basketball and our sports teams,” she said.
Amanda Smith, freshman biology major, said the team’s focus is not only on dancing, but also on spreading Shark pride.
She said, “Some of the other dance groups are designed for dance majors and to only learn new dance styles. We dance and have fun to help spread school spirit.”
The Sharkettes perform at most basketball games during the halftime show.
Rachel Salveson, freshman chemistry major and co-captain, said they have a lot of fun and receive a great reaction from the crowd.
“It’s exciting to know that people are coming out to see us, and it makes me want us to look ten times better,” said Salveson.
Anyone interested in joining The Sharkettes can check out their jazz and hip-hop routines at the basketball games. Dancers can also attend their open practices every Thursday starting March 1 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the RecPlex.
Interested students can contact The Sharkettes through OrgSync. OrgSync will also show the days and times they perform.
