March 28, 2017

By Crystal Medrano

With over 35 student clubs and organizations, it’s possible that one could go their whole college career without hearing about all the opportunities that Dominican has to offer. If you have, there’s a chance you don’t know much about them, which is a little tragic given that Dominican is filled with so much talent and creativity.

One of the organizations on campus that is known for their pep at basketball games but not much more, are the DU Starlettes. The Starlettes is the Dominican University dance team that is split up into two groups, the Blue Team and the Silver Team; each has its own agenda and different dance styles they concentrate in.

The Blue Team performs at most men’s basketball games during the winter season and other small events happening around campus. They are proficient in mostly jazz and hip-hop. The Silver team on the other hand works on improving their own skills throughout the year in other styles of dance that the Blue Team is not known for, such as ballet or jazz.

The  Starlettes’ annual Spring Recital allows for both teams to showcase their talent to the Dominican Community. One who attended enjoyed all types of dance from modern contemporary to lyrical, hip-hop and many others. You were able to watch the Starlettes show-off their moves in various team dances, duet’s, trio’s and even solo’s. This year’s showcase titled “Legacy,” took place on March 17 and 18 and many of the team members would say that the 2017 Starlettes Showcase was a success.

Co-captain of the Starlettes, Anna DiFronzo expressed that to be a Starlette, one must be hardworking, dedicated, responsible and respectful of your teammates. Anna DiFronzo has been on the Starlettes for three years but began dancing at the age of three and is experienced in many styles of dance including, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary/lyrical and tap.

DiFronzo said: “we have been working on the showcase since January with countless hours to try and make this show a success. It’s amazing to see my choreography come to life as the team prepared to make their routines performance ready for each dancer to have the opportunity to showcase their talent and shine in front of friends and family.”

Junior and Starlette member Samantha Hoffman attests to the hard work done in the past couple of months.

“Dancers spend hours learning, drilling and polishing each routine to make a successful showcase year after year” Hoffman said.

This is Hoffman’s first year as a Starlette and similar to DiFronzo, has been dancing since she was three years old and is also experienced in a variety of styles such as hip-hop, poms and salsa. She is most ecstatic about being able to share a common passion with the rest of her team.

“I love having the opportunity to perform with people who are equally as passionate about dance as I am” Hoffman said.

The hours of hard work that went into the showcase payed off and captain Anna DiFronzo is extremely proud of being able to put on this show with her co-captain Monica Rodriguez.

If you still haven’t seen the Starlettes perform this year, there is still time. They will be shining once more at the school’s talent show, “Dominican’s Got Talent,” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28.

If you would like to join in on the fun and be a part of the Starlette family, they will be holding auditions in the fall and would love to see new faces.

“All it takes to be a Starlette is the drive to become a better dancer,” Hoffman said.

The Starlettes have auditions in the fall and will welcome anyone to audition.  

medrcrys@my.dom.edu