Prospective Sunsation Letter

Dear Prospective Sunsation:

I am happy to learn of your interest in the dance team for the University of Miami known as the Sunsations. This talented group of dancers performs on the sidelines during football season and is featured in halftime as well as timeout routines during basketball games. In addition to being an athletic team, the Sunsations are also an important public relations tool for the University so individuals are expected to exude a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and school spirit as they promote the Hurricane athletic program.

There are usually two tryouts for the Sunsations.

April TBA – The benefit of trying out during the spring semester prior to the new school year is that the selected team members attend dance camp over the summer.
August

Places on the squad are highly selective. Sunsations are chosen based on dance ability, style and showmanship. An advanced level of dance experience is highly desirable in the areas of jazz and hip-hop. Prospective team members are encouraged to attend the Sunsations pre-tryout clinic usually held within 1 week prior to each tryout. Information regarding these clinics is posted on our web site under Traditions at Hurricanesports.com and promoted on the University’s campus.

The Sunsations begin their year in early/mid August by attending college dance camp and continue through men’s basketball season ending in March with the ACC Tournament. The squad practices on average of twice per week and participates in various University promotional events throughout the year. Team members that successfully complete a full season of Sunsations are awarded a small stipend in addition to the many benefits they receive as a University of Miami athlete. This monetary compensation does not affect financial aid and begins at a base of $200 per year. The final amount of the award increases with seniority, attendance and community service.

Anyone interested in becoming a Sunsation, must be a full-time student at the University of Miami and physically fit. A cumulative GPA of 2.00 based on a 4.0 scale is required in order to remain on the team. Each individual’s grades are closely monitored and squad members are offered additional tools to maintain academic excellence in the form of tutors and test banks with the help of our Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

I hope that I have provided you with valuable information about our program. If you have further questions about the squad, please visit the Traditions section of our web site at Hurricanesports.com. Go Canes!

Sincerely,

Ryan Bucher
Assistant Director of Events/Sunsation Advisor