The Tampa Bay Lightning will begin hosting preliminary auditions for the 2010-11 Lightning Girls squad beginning July 10 at the St. Pete Times Forum. Registration will be held from 10-11 a.m. and there is a fee of $20. Pre-registration is available at www.tampabaylightning.com, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Interested females must be 18 years of age or older by July 10 and have a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED). Participants should bring photo identification, water, a towel and a snack. They should wear a half-top, hot shorts, skin colored tights and dance shoes or sneakers. Choreography will be provided and no preparation is required. Candidates advancing will be asked to remain at auditions so they should plan accordingly.
Semi-finals will be held at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum on July 11.
To get some help, the Tampa Bay Lightning also hold free Lightning Girl audition and prep classes. These classes include group stretching, a workout, technique training, dance combination as well as audition tips and a Q&A session with former Lightning Girls. All classes are free and will take place in the Channelside Room at the St. Pete Times Forum.
Remaining classes are scheduled for June 30 and July 7. Each run 2 hours, from 7-9 p.m.
The Lightning Girls are a talented group of dancers who entertain fans at all home Lightning games and appear at close to 200 appearances and post game activities in the area each year. The Lightning Girls create an energetic social tone by providing inspiration, enthusiasm and support for the hockey team. They encourage positive attitudes, healthy lifestyles, work ethic, discipline and determination while serving as ambassadors who recognize the importance of community outreach, charity involvement and proudly giving back to the community.
Responsibilities of the Lightning Girls include pre-game performances on the plaza, in-game choreographed dance routines, engaging and entertaining Lightning fans as well as making appearances at team events both at the St. Pete Times Forum and across the Tampa Bay community. Dance, cheer, choreography, ice skating experience and hockey knowledge is preferred, but not required. Candidates should be comfortable with performing in front of a large audience, engaging and communicating effectively with the public and have an outgoing personality with strong interpersonal skills.
For more information, interested girls should contact Kelli Yeloushan at 813.301.6574 or kyeloushan@sptimesforum.com.