The Northwestern State University Demon Dazzlers are looking forward to the American Dance and Drill competition. The Demon Dazzlers, NSU’s Dance Team, have been rehearsing for their March 23 competition in Denton, Texas.

The team is lead by Rachel McGee, captain, and Robin Wilder, co-captain. The Dazzlers are comprised of 11 members: Katie Bethard, Breanna Collier, Allison Dupre, Tiffany Freeman, Kim Gallow, Rachel Harper, Falon Jackson, Micalee Jeansonne, Apryl Jenkins, Taylor Walker and Addie Wilson. All range from freshmen to seniors.

The Demon Dazzlers have been the National Champion runner up for both 2011 and 2012, but this year they are looking for National Champion overall. The Dazzlers will be performing a jazz dance at competition, choreographed by Coach Renee Oates.

Oates is the owner and director of Renee’s Dance Studio in Natchitoches as well as an adjunct teacher in the Creative and Performing Arts Department of NSU.

Oates began choreographing at the age of nine and by the age of 20, she had opened her own studio. She has been the coach of the Demon Dazzlers for three years. Oates said the girls have been rehearsing for “two months, which includes six hours of dancing and three required gym hours per week.” Oates said she has been challenging and motivating the girls by “telling them to look forward to winning first place as well as improving overall.”

Captain Rachel McGee also added that she has encouraged her teammates to “keep a positive attitude and stay happy. It is important to have the desire to be at practice.”

McGee and Oates are hoping to have a preview of their competition dance at school before the Demon Dazzlers travel to Texas.

Both agree they are “looking forward to competition and are ready to perform their dance.”

Besides competition, the Demon Dazzlers will be collaborating with the NSU Cheerleaders and the Purple Pizzazz Pom Line to perform a special dance.

Oates’ advice for aspiring dancers and Demon Dazzlers is to “work very hard and be dedicated to the art of dance.” McGee added that dancing is “lots of work, but you must challenge yourself and keep your head up.” The team is looking forward to a successful competition season.

The NSU Demon Dazzlers will be holding tryouts April 20 at the Health and P.E. Major’s building on the Natchitoches campus of NSU. All dancers are welcome to attend.

For more information, contact Renee Oates at Reneesdance223@yahoo.com or please visit http://demonband.nsula.edu/demon-dazzlers-dance-line.