<p>Welcome to Duke!</p>
<p>I'm currently a sophomore and I am trying to start a performance group on campus next year. In high school, I was a member of what was called Pep/Short Flags. We were a part of the Pep Squad, and we cheered alongside the cheer and songleaders at games, but we also went to competitions like USA's High School Nationals. We are kind of like colorguard, but we have a pair of short flags (hence the name) instead of one long flag. It's pretty much a sweet combination of military, drill team, colorguard, cheerleading, and dance. </p>
<p>Here's a video to give you an idea of what I'm talking about:
YouTube</a> - Carson National Champs 2004!</p>
<p>We use techno music for two-flag competitions, but when we are just performing for fun we usually choreograph to any song that has an upbeat tempo. </p>
<p>Teams also compete in a one-flag category, which is more dance-based than two-flag. Here's a video of the same team performing their one-flag routine:
YouTube</a> - Carson 1 Flag National Champs 2005!</p>
<p>I basically tried to get this started when I first got to Duke as a freshman, but ultimately I didn't have time to do this AND focus on my classes/getting acclimated to college so I decided to defer it to a later time. </p>
<p>I'm posting on here hoping to gain the interest of freshmen coming into Duke--freshmen are the best to work with because most of you guys don't have any commitments and would be more willing to take some time out of your week to be on this team than upperclassmen who mostly already have their extracurriculars figured out already.</p>
<p>THERE IS NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!! If you've been on a colorguard/drill/cheerleading team, you might find this a little bit easier to learn than those who are trying it for the first time, but if you have no experience with twirling at all, short flags is DEFINITELY learnable. </p>
<p>Our team will probably perform at various events and shows at Duke, mostly just to gain publicity for our squad so that we become visible on campus. Depending on our progress, I will try to talk to the athletics department about allowing the squad to perform a routine during halftime at a men's or women's basketball game. Future and current Cameron Crazies: think how cool it would be to watch a routine instead of just sitting in the stands waiting for the second half to begin :)</p>
<p>(For those who were on cheer in high school and want to continue it in college but don't think you can take the time to attend all the games that Duke's cheerleaders need to go to, this will be perfect for you!)</p>
<p>So please, if you think you might even be the SLIGHTEST bit interested, email me at <a href="mailto:tiffany.lu@duke.edu">tiffany.lu@duke.edu</a> and let me know! I would love to gauge the freshmen's interest in participating in a squad like this!</p>