The Loyola dance team has increased its audition requirements to form a bigger, more talented group.

The dance team, which practices Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, has been holding tryouts since April in hopes of finding talented dancers to add to their squad. The team currently consists of eight freshmen and two returning members.

“We had a lot of great students tryout, but the team is definitely selective. In order to grow the team as a nationally recognized dance team, we have set technical requirements that students auditioning must meet,” said Crystal Vaccaro, coach and associate director of Admissions.

Vaccaro, who was a member of the dance team from 2001 to 2005 and served as captain her junior and senior years, has been the team’s coach since she started working at Loyola in 2005.

“What I really enjoy is seeing the team members’ faces when they accomplish something they have been working toward. Whether it is accomplishing a technical dance move or placing at nationals, seeing them accomplish something is definitely the thing I enjoy the most about coaching,” Vaccaro said.

Vaccaro said her most talented dancer is Alexa Triplett, a chemistry senior. Triplett, who is the team’s only senior and its captain, has been dancing since she was 3 years old.

“The team has great dancers, but we can’t have eight to 10 different solos going on at the same time, if you get what I mean. I enjoy being captain because, like any other leadership role, it helps develop me into a better leader in the future if I maintain another leadership position down the road,” Triplett said.

In addition to performing at men’s and women’s basketball games and volleyball games, the dance team will be marching in the Krewes of Thoth and Tucks and participating in the National Dance Alliance in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Richard Dempsey can be reached at [email protected]