For the second consecutive year, Northwestern State University’s Demon Dazzlers were first runners-up it the American Dance and Drill Team American Collegiate Championship, Division I, held in in Denton, Texas, March 23-24. The win marked the highest-ever finish in national competition for the team, said Renee Scallorn Oates, Demon Dazzler director.

The Demon Dazzlers serve as the official jazz line for Northwestern. Performing for Demon pep rallies, football, and basketball games, the Demon Dazzlers blend different styles of precision movement to produce a unique style of precision-jazz dance. 

Members of the Demon Dazzlers are Katie Bethard of Jena, Emily Daniels of Kentwood, Kim Gallow of Lafayette, Falon Jackson of Mansura, Apryl Jenkins of Natchitoches, Bethany LaVergne of Opelousas, Rachael McGee of Eunice, Lauren Waguespack of Gonzales and Robin Wilder of Homer. 



Waguespack, McGee, and director/choreographer Oates, an alumna of Northwestern in theatre with a concentration in dance performance, worked with the Dazzlers to develop a jazz dance routine to the song “Heads Will Roll.” 



“We worked hard and left it on the dance floor,” said Waguespack, a senior theatre major who is the Dazzlers' captain. “It was a difficult routine that really showcased what our team has to offer.” 



The Dazzlers hope the strong showing on a national level two years in a row will help them recruit new members, Oates said. Auditions for the 2012-13 Demon Dazzlers will be held April 21.

During the fall semester, the Dazzlers serve as an auxiliary unit of the Spirit of Northwestern Demon Marching Band, accompanying them to various marching festivals, guest appearances and football games both at home and selected away games. During the spring, the Dazzlers provide half-time entertainment for the Demon basketball games and perform various exhibitions throughout the state. During the summer, the Dazzlers sponsor and attend dance camps.

For more information on the Demon Dazzlers or to download an audition packet, go demonband.nsula.edu/auxiliaries or recruiting.nsula.edu/spirit-group-information. Incoming students can also call Northwestern State’s Office of Recruiting at (800) 327-1903 or e-mail Ashlee Crooks at crooksa@nsula.edu or Oates at scallornw@nsula.edu. Incoming or continuing students are eligible to audition if they have at least a 2.0 GPA.