wikiHow: The different levels dance teams and their dynamics

Topic:

From middle school to pro — dance teams are a thing.

5. Quote:

“Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr.

6. Thoughts from Me:

Dancers who join teams have various different backgrounds. Are you curious to know the full dance team path? You’re in luck! In this week’s edition of MTP, I am going to be giving an overview of the levels of dance team along with the dynamics.

Bearden Middle School Dance Team

Middle School: Typically grade 5 or 6 through 8 make up a middle school dance team. For most, this is their first time on a team. They may have had dance training from a studio and are now becoming a part of their school’s dance team; or this might be their first time dancing depending on the skill level and requirements of the team. Also, depending on the size of the team, there may be a varsity and junior varsity squad. Middle School dance teams perform at school sporting events and compete at Varsity Spirit camps and competitions, whether it be UDA or NDA.

Eisenhower High School

High School: Typically grade 9 through 12. Depending on the size and skill level of the dancers, most have a junior varsity and varsity squad. High school is where the skill level picks up a touch. They perform at school sporting events and compete at Varsity Spirit competitions and camps, whether it be UDA or NDA. Training to make a college team becomes priority during high school years. At this age you’re able to attend prep clinics for college teams. Many high school teams are feeder schools into college programs. For example, Eisenhower High School feeds into the Michigan State dance team program.

Dance Mania All-Stars

All-Star: Not to get confusing, but not many people understand the concept of All-Star teams. All-Star teams are originated from a studio or special elite program not related to a school in order to compete at dance team nationals. These teams train at a studio or gym and have dancers from various communities combine into one program. All-Star teams attend Varsity Spirit camps and competitions, but are in a different category than the high school and middle school teams. Age ranges can also be stretched lower and higher on all-star teams.

BYU Dance Team

Florida Gators Dazzlers

Ohio State Dance Team

College: College dance teams within themselves come in many different levels. Dance team at the collegiate level gets really intense, especially with nationals. Unless you’re a part of that world, you have no idea what it’s like. Deciding on what college dance team program to try out for and be a part of can be comprised of many different factors/options — a big conference school with a great fan base, a dance team who is known for winning national championships, a well-known / highly skilled and stylized team, a dance team for a smaller school to still be involved, etc. There’s a difference between the teams who attend UDA and NDA nationals as well. The teams who compete at each are all very talented, but if we were to see BYU — who attends NDA and wins — attend UDA and compete against Memphis, LSU, UNLV etc., how do you think they would do? Dance teams are classified as Open, D1, and D1A depending on the size of the University. Some see this level as their ‘last hoorah’ of dance team and don’t see themselves continuing on beyond this stage.

Allen American Ice Angels

College Park Skyhawks

Semi-Pro: The NBA G League, Arena Football League, Minor League Hockey teams, and the Arena Soccer League are just a few leagues/teams who have semi-pro dancers. Sometimes this level consists of dancers who are still working to get to the next level; or dancers who want to be on a well-renowned semi-pro team (e.g., the Allen American Ice Angels); or dancers who want to be a part of an organization/team in close proximity to where they live.

Boston Celtics Dancers

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Professional Dance / Cheer: NBA and NFL. Professional dancers and cheerleaders have wildly different backgrounds. Some who have taken the complete dance team route, some who have only been studio trained, some who have a cheerleading background (stunt, tumbling, and minimal dance experience), and some from the entertainment industry. This could be their first time on a team and never even thought about high school/college dance team. There are no competitions for this level of dancer, unless you count the audition process, (you versus the other people auditioning). For some teams, your ‘look’ is taken into account. Every team has their own style and level of ability. Organizations at this level are looking for the full package.

Some say college is the ultimate level of dance team and some say professional. It’s all about experience and perspective. What’s your opinion?

7. Interview:

Meet Vicky N. — Las Vegas Raiderette

What has your path looked like in the dance team world?

My path in the dance team world started when I was in middle school. From there I auditioned for my high school dance team and it was being on that team that really inspired me to want to dance at the collegiate level. The choreographer my team had in high school also taught globally. After falling in love with her style of dance, I realized I wanted to audition for the nationally ranked University of Memphis Dance Team.

Which has been the most challenging level and how did you keep going?

I’m grateful for the opportunity that I had to dance in Memphis on the University’s Pom Squad. It truly shaped me into the dancer I am today. It gave me the confidence to audition professionally and end up where I am now.

What has being a part of so many different teams meant to you in your life?

Each team had a completely different dynamic and challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. Whether it came to style of dance, speaking publicly at community events, or engaging with thousands of fans, it all collectively made me a stronger dancer and person; and for that I will always be so grateful to the dance/cheerleading world.

8. Things to Keep in Mind / Moving Forward:

Whatever your path to becoming a part of the dance team community — be proud of your background and inspire others with your journey.

MTP News of the Week:

Inside Dance takes you behind the scenes and gets personal with Teegan Zeh, Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader, Geena Rojas, Seattle Seahawks Dancer, and Brendan Ryan, Los Angeles Rams Cheerleader, to talk training, how their collegiate dance team paved the way and the steps they took to audition for their respective NFL team.

Click the link below to read the full article!

Two retired Cleveland Cavalette dancers reunite during NBA All-Star festivities

Dawn Speece, left, and Diane Adair Fornasier (wearing the top from the original Cavalettes uniform) were Cleveland Cavalette dancers more than 40 years ago.