Dance Team Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you practice?
The dance team practices three days a week. We practice Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons for a total of about seven hours per week. The team also participates in a strength and conditioning program two days a week in the morning.
What is the commitment for being on the dance team?
Dancers will be asked to engage in the following events:
- All practices and strength & conditioning sessions
- All performances and competitions
- Appearances
- Fundraising events
What performances do you do?
The dance team performs at halftime of all home football and basketball games. We also perform at the annual Yell Like Hell Homecoming Pep Rally.
Do you compete?
Yes! The dance team competes at the following competitions:
- ISDTA State Dance Team Championships
- American Rivers Conference Cheer & Dance Invitational
- NDA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida
What style of dance do you compete with?
We take Jazz, Pom and Hip Hop to both the state and conference competition. For Nationals, we do a Team Routine, which consists of all three styles formed into one routine.
Does everyone compete?
Yes! While we do make cuts for our competition teams, everyone will compete in at least one routine.
What technical abilities are required to be on the team?
Dancers are asked to demonstrate various skills at tryouts. Judges will look to see if a dancer has the basic foundational skills to complete the below skills:
- Turns in Second
- Double or Triple Pirouettes
- Turning Disc
- Right and Left Leaps
- Center Leap
- Right and Left Splits
- Headspring/Kip-Up
What are the academic requirements for being on the team?
Dancers must be enrolled as a full-time student, meaning they are taking 12 or more credit hours per semester. Dancers must also be in good academic standing, meaning they have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
When are tryouts?
Tryouts take place in late April and will be a two-day process. Day one will be dedicated to learning the material and practicing. Day two will be the actual tryout. We will also accept video tryouts if necessary.
How much does it cost to be on the team?
Dance team members only pay for items they keep, which usually consist of a warm-up jacket, backpack, t-shirt, tights and shoes. The cost is typically around $300 for their first year on the team. All items will then be used year-after-year, so new items are not needed for returners unless they want them. Dance team members will also be asked to pay a fee to attend Nationals. This amount is determined once Nationals registration has been accepted.
Do you offer scholarships?
At the NCAA Division III level, we cannot offer athletic scholarships. However, Simpson does a fantastic job of working with each and every student to find scholarships outside of athletics.
