The Hot Shots performance team was organized in 1997. This is a group of up to 24 students ages 8 – 18 from various schools in Rapid City. The group consists of two teams the “Divas” and the “Angels”. Auditions are required for each team. They perform half-time for High School and College Basketball games and the Red Dogs Football team. They have performed at the State Capitol in Pierre, Health Fairs, Kids Fairs, Bike Shows, Conferences, Nursing Homes, Heritage Festival, Central States Fair and dance events in Rapid City, Casper, WY and Colorado Springs, CO.

The Hot Shots have had nine youth dance camps as fund raisers for the team. The camps are for ages 4 and up. Those who take the camp have the opportunity to perform at either the Heritage Festival or the Central States. Prior Dance Camps have had as high as 97 participants. When they perform at the Central States Fair, the audience has standing room only.

To have the Hot Shots perform for your social or conference, please contact Debbie. There is no charge, but the team does accept donations.

Interested in becoming a Hot Shot? Potential Hot Shots start by taking “I Want to Be A Hot Shot Workshop” sponsored by Heartland Dancing. This is where new dancers gain some knowledge of basic line dance steps. When there is an opening on the team, auditions will be held at the end of the workshop.

Ashley Rook is an assistant instructor and advisor for the Divas. Ashley has 17 years experience in dance. She has participated in many Nutcrackers and performed parts from Snow, Flowers, Chinese and Spanish to the feature of Snow Queen. She has participated in state competitions in 2003, 2005 and 2006. Besides having 15 years ballet experience through Academy School of Dance and Prima School of Dancing, she has been a Cobbler Co-ed and Team Captain and School of Mines Dance Team Member and Team Captain. She is very passionate about dance and performing. She loves working with dancers and has a lot of great ideas.

Assistant Instructors for the Angels are Marilyn Neubert and Ashley Hagel. They joined the Hot Shots in 2005. They are very talented and dedicated dancers and a tremendous asset to the team.