The dance team Sanctify is getting a fresh start this semester.
The club will conduct dance tryouts from 2-5 p.m. Saturday in Studio B of the Money Student Recreation and Wellness center.
The mission of Sanctify is to redeem the image of hip-hop and glorify God through dance.
While the club did not perform last semester, it did not disband. Instead, it took a temporary break after one of the club’s two advisers, Byron Martin, left to work at another university. In addition, its previous captain, Jacob Kilpatrick, did not return to ACU last semester.
“All of those factors working together meant we couldn’t perform on campus,” said Sanctify member Lindsay Palmer. “However, we are still on campus. We are still here.”
Palmer, a senior psychology major from Houston, has been a part of the dance team for five semesters.
Sanctify conducted a dance workshop and a devotional last semester for existing club members. Members volunteered for temporary officer positions while they tried to find a new adviser.
Palmer said the obstacle “has definitely brought the team closer together.”
Arlene Kasselman, administrative coordinator in the Department of Art and Design, agreed to join Teri Wilkerson, choreographer in the Office of Student Productions, as the club’s second adviser.
“Everyone is encouraged to try out, even if they have no dance experience,” Wilkerson said.
Wilkerson and three guest judges will evaluate the auditions on Saturday. The tryout will include a small warm up, then a short combination will be taught and performed the same day.
“We will give them plenty of time to learn it,” Wilkerson said. “We aren’t going to make anyone do anything they’re not comfortable with.”
Palmer said Sanctify wants to glorify God through its dancing – as stated in their mission.
“God made our bodies, and they are meant to be used,” she said. “If you want to be part of a family, have peers to hold you accountable and have fun, then come tryout and see if Sanctify is a good fit for you.”
