Imagine getting college credit for doing something you love and meeting friends you’ll keep for the rest of your life. These are only two of the many benefits of becoming a NIU Silverette.

“I think one of the main benefits (of becoming a Silverette) is friendship. The girls meet people they’ll stay friends with for the rest of their lives,” said NIU Silverette instructor Renae Nuxoll.

The NIU Silverette squad has varied in size from year to year. Usually the group has 40 regular performers and up to six alternates. The past year has seen one of the largest squads yet.

“I think most people like to dance, and being a part of a group gives the girls a sense of identity and boosts their self-confidence level,” Nuxoll said to explain the increase in interest. “The girls also find a group of people with similar likes.”

Recently the squad went to Dallas, Texas, to participate in its first competition ever. Nuxoll has included the possibility of more competitions in the squad’s future. “What I’m hoping is to more or less establish ourselves in competition and improve our basketball performances,” Nuxoll said.

The Silverettes practice more in the fall than in the spring, although this past spring was very busy for the squad. The squad usually practices from 4 to 5:40 p.m. in the spring, but they had to put in many extra hours to prepare for the competition.

For example, the videotaping session for the contest had to take place at 11 p.m. because of a lack of facilities during the day.

From 3 to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, they practice their routine alone and for the rest of rehearsal, until 5:40 p.m., the group practices the show with the Huskie Marching Band. They also practice from 6 to 8:40 p.m. on Thursday nights.

“(The Silverettes) have really put in a lot of hard work and I think over the years it’s been showing,” Nuxoll said.

This past year, Nuxoll decided to form committees within the group, an idea she considers to have been very successful. Her main goal for the project was to give them an opportunity to tell future employers that they had experience in public relations, fund-raising and strengthening internal and external relations.

The public relations committee’s responsibilities included getting the group’s name out into the community and setting up outside performances. The fund-raising committee raised more than $2,000 for the group by sponsoring a raffle, selling candy and getting donations from businesses near the women’s homes.

Some of the money went to help fund the competition’s expenses and the squad hopes to buy new uniforms for both basketball and football seasons.

The internal committee was responsible for doing things for the group, like throwing parties or ordering sweatshirts. The external committee helped the squad become more involved with other NIU groups and the marching band.

Auditions for the Silverette squad are Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. in room 155 in the Music Building. Workout clothing is recommended. Questions can be answered in room 163 in the Music Building or by calling 753-1042.

“I’d love to see a large crowd there. I want everyone to know how proud I am of these girls,” Nuxoll said.