Mission
Sparks Dance Company (SDC) was founded in 1989 as Penn's premiere dance company dedicated to both performing and to community service. The company, which is managed by undergraduate students, maintains a high technical level of many styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, and character. In addition to weekly technique classes, each semester culminates with a self-choreographed show. Company members also perform at other popular campus events throughout the year such as the Emily Sachs Dance Benefit, various coffeehouses, and Freshmen Performing Arts Night. In addition to all of these performance opportunities, SDC members have the chance to share their love of dance at various Philadelphia locales, such as the Salvation Army and the Ronald McDonald house, throughout the year.
Each fall, Sparks admits dancers to the company through an audition process designed to examine bth technical and performance experience. While not all members are required to perform all styles of dance, the audition process does consist of a technical section and a combination section during which dancers will be taught several short combinations of varying styles and then asked to perform them. Once admitted to SDC, dancers are expected to attend weekly techinque classes in addition to rehearsals for the semester-end show. SDC seeks members with a passion for dance and performing, a commitment to our mission, and a desire to be part of a close-knit group of Penn students.
Sparks is a member of the Performing Arts Council, the Dance Arts Council, and the Student Activities Council.