The best part of my busy day at college is going to dance practice. Whether we are getting ready for a competition or a half time show, the dance team is my favorite aspect of my college career. Dancers typically start taking classes at young ages, such as three or four, and this becomes a hard aspect of your life to give up when you go to college. I was so fortunate and happy to find out my university had a dance team that I could be a part of. There is so much more to being on a dance team then just picking up the choreography fast enough. It requires hard work, dedication, and a lot of time to earn a spot in this sisterhood. I could never imagine myself getting through college without these girls and I am so thankful for the life lessons they taught me everyday.

1. Teamwork

Whether the team is preparing for an upcoming competition or just getting ready for the next halftime show, you work together as a team. The timing and coordination of 15 dancers requires trust in your teammates. Performing at basketball halftime shows or a competition with hundreds of people watching requires trust and communication with every dancer.

2. Motivation

No dancer wants to be the reason that a move cannot be put in their routine because they are the only one who cannot do it. Every double or triple turn must be in complete unison, requiring every dancer to work on skills individually for the good of the team. A college dance team pushes you to become not only the best dancer you can be, but also motivates you towards your own goals. A dance team’s strong arms are only as strong as the weakest link.

3. Life Skills

Being on a university’s competitive dance team requires strength, time management, discipline, and criticism. My dance team has allowed for me to grow not only as a dancer, but has also pushed me to become a better person. Competition judges do not hold back on the critiques at College Dance Competitions, even pointing out individual dancers. Dance Team has taught me to take the constructive criticism and fix it before the next competition. Between dance practices, performances, games, homework, other school clubs, community service, fundraising, and a social life, a dancer’s life in college can be a balancing act. I cannot get through my week without making a to do list, a skill that will help in my future.

4. Sisterhood

You become so close with your teammates, you form a family bond similar to that of a sorority. These girls see you when you want to quit, cannot handle life, and when you excel. Saying goodbye to the team after four years is a sad and depressing thought, but having lifetime long sisters makes it worth it.

5. School Spirit

Being on your college’s dance teams gives you the best seat in the house at sports games! You lowkey become the school sports fanatic in your friend group apart from your dance team. You get to stand on the sidelines or sit in the front row until your team’s performance at halftime, then it's right back to cheering for the sports team. Showing school spirit at every game, event, and performance gets you invested in your college or university. You are required to wear your school colors, but you gain this love for your school and every sport.