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The Rockettes in Richmond? They may not have been the real thing, but UR's Spiderettes gave the highkickers a run for their money. With big smiles and flashy costumes, the Spiderettes entertained halftime crowds at the Robins Center during basketball season with their jazzy synchronized dance moves. During the season, the dancers performed seven or eight different routines to music designed to pump up the fans. This year's squad of seventeen women was smaller than last year, but the talent did not miss a beat. Rigorous practices three times a week resulted in perfect maneuvers such as the crowd pleasing "pompom toss." Spider spirit and teamwork were two necessary elements each Spiderette brought to the squad. Tryouts consisted of pairs of women performing a oneminute routine choreographed by a team member and
judged for skill, synchronization, and interpretation by the captains and ten to fifteen faculty members. Love of dance led Heather Scull, '96, to join the Spiderettes. "I danced all through high school, and joined the team in college because it looked like fun. It's become a part of my life; I couldn't imagine college without it." Most of the Spiderettes had previous dance or cheerleading experience, which was helpful during tryouts. Yet, along with their athletic ability, the squad members had lots more in common, and grew to be a closeknit group of friends. With the leadership of captain Kristi Klein, '95, and the creative minds of choreographers Tara Laskowski, '95, and Kristin Lewis, '96, the Spiderettes danced their way into the hearts of Richmond fans. —Diana Cichewicz
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Front row: Becky Kelly, Elizabeth Joines, Kristen Petrone, Meredith Brady, Heather Scull. Kristin Lewis. Second row: Ann Michelle Schaeffer, Jeanie Kang, Debbie Hauss, Danielle Foschino. Back row: Amy Wilborn, Kristi Klein, Tara Laskowski, Betsy Thielecke, Maria Matthews, Mary Snider, Beth Thompson.
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