Baseball Basketball Crew Cross Country Football Golf Gymnastics Soccer Tennis Track & Field
Basketball Crew Cross Country Fencing Field Hockey Gymnastics Lacrosse Soccer Softball Tennis Track & Field Volleyball

Annual Report (PDF) Athlete of the Week Athlete of the Month Athletic Training Cheer & Dance Compliance &
Student Services Directions Facilities Hall of Fame Kids Club (PDF) Liacouras Center Life Skills Marketing & Promotions Merchandise Multimedia NCAA Recertification Self-Study Draft Report Owl Club Press Releases Prospective Student Athletes (PDF) Sponsorship Staff Directory SAAC Temple All-Access Ticket Information Traditions Visitor Information

  Printer-friendly format  |     Email this article  

Diamond Gems Dance Team

About

Games and Practices

Promos/Appearances

Clinics

Photos

ABOUT...

2007-2008 Diamond Gems Dance Team

Mission Statement: The mission of the Diamond Gems Dance Team, as part of the University Spirit Squad is to entertain, energize and provide inspiration at all Temple events. The Diamond Gems Dance Team consists of 14 to 16 talented dancers. The team covers all home football games, as well as men and women's home basketball games. Diamond Gems serve as the liason between the Temple Community and Philadelphia, appearing at numerous promotional events throughout the city. Requirements: In order to be eligible to join the Diamond Gem Dance Team, you must be registered as a full-time Temple student (a minimum of nine credit hours) and must have at least a 2.0 GPA. Transfer students and incoming freshman are also eligible for tryouts with proof of acceptance to the University. Tryouts: Tryouts for the Diamond Gems Dance Team are held in April or May each year. Tryouts consist of technique (turns, leaps, extensions), jazz, pom and hip hop routines, as well as a personal interview. For more information regarding this year's tryouts for the 2008-2009 season, please contact Captain Julie Gargotta at julie.gargotta@temple.edu. This Year's Team: The 2007-2008 Diamond Gems Dance Team consists of 14 dancers: Julie Gargotta, Captain; Trista Verga, Co-Captain; Lindsay Southwick, Co-Captain; Alexa Savitz; Shannon Forney; Alyssa Spangler; Hillary Haye; Jillian Becker; Candice Bynum; Lindsey Heller; Devan West; Autumn Yeagle; Emily Montgomery; and Stepfanie McCaffrey.

GAMES/PRACTICES

The Diamond Gems practice three times a week, often at 5:45A.M. Due to the demanding game schedule each season, weekly practices focus upon learning new choreography (taught by the dancers themselves and outside choreographers), as well as conditioning. The team is responsible for their own fundraising and conducts numerous clinics for young dancers throughout the year. The Gems perform at all home football games, Men's and Women's home basketball games, pep rallies, and designated Temple University events. The Diamond Gem season runs from mid-summer through spring semester, concluding with tryouts for the following season. View Photo Gallery

PROMOTIONAL WORK

As part of Athletics Marketing and Promotions Department, the Diamond Gems appear at virtually every University event, including fundraisers, charities, pep rallies, promotional events, and media appearances throughout the tri-state area. Some recent television and radio appearances include the CW network, 610WIP Sports Radio, WMMR, CBS3, NBC10 and FOX29. Additionally, the team appears regularly on CBS 3 as Bob Kelly's "Jamm-ettes" at Philadelphia Eagles' tailgate shows. The Diamond Gems participate in numerous events throughout Philadelphia, spreading Temple spirit around the community. Each year, the team participates in Temple University's "Relay for Life," which raises money for the American Caner Society. The Gems have danced everywhere from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and at the MS Walk, to even on the streets of Philadelphia promoting the WB network. View Photo Gallery

CLINICS/FUNDRAISING

The Diamond Gems Dance Team holds numerous events and clinics throughout the year in order to fundraise for necessary team supplies. The clinics provide younger dancers with the opportunity to dance alongside the team and to get a feel for collegiate dancing. Participants spend the day learning a dance to perform at the halftime of a game (Football or Basketball) with the Diamond Gems. The Gems will hold two more clinics this year! The next clinic will be February 3rd, allowing dancers to perform at a Temple Men's Basketball Game. For more information regarding upcoming clinics, contact the Diamond Gem Dance Team captain, Julie Gargotta, at julie.gargotta@temple.edu. If you or your company would like to make a donation to the Diamond Gems Dance Team, please contact Captain Julie Gargotta at julie.gargotta@temple.edu. 2008 Diamond Gem Dance Clinic  The form is to be brought with the dancer on Feb. 3rd to the clinic. Click to view photos from the 2007 Fall Diamond Gem Dance Team Clinic! Photo Gallery - Additional Photos