Dance Team
The U of R Dance Team is a group of 12-20 talented and hard-working student-athletes that represent our university through passionate school spirit, entertaining performances, drive for academic excellence, and commitment to community involvement. We currently compete in the Pom and Jazz categories at USA College Nationals.
Benefits
- Dedicated and experienced dance team staff
- Customized strength and conditioning training program by our own Strength Coach
- Division III competitive dance team experience at USA College Nationals
- NCAA athletic events include U of R Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Football, some sub teams
- USA College Dance Camp
- USA College Nationals
Recruitment and Tryouts
U of R Dance Team recruited roster spots will be determined on a rolling basis, and therefore it is encouraged to complete your recruitment materials and application early. Roster spots offered through recruitment are limited, and will be contingent on the anticipated number of graduating student-athletes each year. In April of each year, a traditional tryout opportunity will be held on campus for unsigned incoming applicants and returning athletes.
Recruitment Links:
Tryout Links:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We traditionally hold a Tryout Prep Clinics in the spring. Attending our clinics is highly suggested as they allow you to get to know the culture of our team, the style of dance we most frequently use, and prepare dance athletes for college dance teams. Please visit our instagram for registration and further details.
Yes. We believe it is very important for everyone to try out each year to maintain growth and excellence. All returning athletes are required to re-audition each year, though they are exempt from the first cut.
No. All prospective dancers who were not selected by recruitment attend the same audition for the team – incoming freshmen, transfer students, and returning athletes. Many students travel in from out-of-state to try out.
We ask to see headsprings, quad+ pirouettes, and a la seconde turns. We ask that you demonstrate each skill to the best of ability, if you are safely able to do so, to assess your current level. Mastery of all skills is not an absolute requirement, but highly suggested. Additionally, we have a list of bonus skills we like to see in prospective athletes including: front aerials, side aerials, snapdowns, handsprings, back tucks, etc.
Currently, we practice 3-4 times per week. Once a dancer is selected for the team, their counselor arranges their academic schedule around our anticipated practice schedule for the year. In general, we ask that dancers anticipate approximately 15-20 hours per week for dance team activities including practices, training, events, and performances.
Being a collegiate athlete is a large time commitment with high mental, emotional, and physical demands. As a college dancer, you learn to time manage, prioritize, and maintain responsible communication with your professors and coaches. Our dancers have several support programs in place to be student-athletes successful at both school and dance.
We train, perform, and compete collegiate Game Day style pom, hip hop, and contemporary jazz.
We perform at all UofR Men’s and Women’s Basketball games,U of R Football games, NCAA and WAC basketball tournaments, select other sports. We are also present at many student-activities events on campus, marketing and outreach events for the university, and serve as university ambassadors for promotions and media.
We are “in-season” from late-August until early April.
Dance Team
If you ask the coaching staff, they will mention the support provided by the university and the unique camaraderie we experience as a Spirit Program. We receive extensive financial and affirmational support which is unique in today’s college dance team culture. It’s a great day to be a Bulldog! Come visit the University of Redlands and experience what makes our community so special. Go Bulldogs!
