The University of Maryland Dance Team is part of the excitement and tradition of Maryland athletics. The squad performs at all home football and men's basketball game, as well as making appearances at select away games and other University of Maryland Athletic events. Alongside the Mighty Sound of Maryland the girls cheer the Terrapins on to victory. LETS GO TERPS!!!
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Maryland Dance Team. is a performance squad established to develop dance skills and technique, entertain at University of Maryland events while developing personal and social responsibilities and leadership qualities. Each year 16-20 girls are chosen to be a part of the Maryland Dance Team for the football and basketball seasons. The team incorporates dance styles of funk, jazz, cheer dance, and poms into a yearlong experience, performing with the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band.
Football Season
The team performs at all home football games as well as select away football games, dancing to the music of the Mighty Sound of Maryland and cheering on the Terps . The squad also performs during every half-time show with the Marching Band. As a part of one of Maryland's most sacred traditions, the dancers take part in Terrapin Alley, two hours prior to each home football game, and the Maryland pre-game show. Each game the dancers unveil the Maryland State Flag for all of Byrd Stadium.
Basketball Season
The Maryland Dance Team dances for the Maryland Men's Basketball team at all season home games. During basketball season the squad incorporates a much more studio-jazz and hip-hop style of dance into routines.
Beyond Football and Basketball
Members of the team are expected to make special appearances at other athletic events such as wrestling or women's basketball. Select member of the squad will be asked to appear at accepted/perspective student days, alumni events, and recruitment activities. For first-year members the season begins in early August and ends in May.
The Maryland Dance Team has recently performed at the Orange and Gator Bowls, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Disneyland, and University of Maryland Alumni and special events.
TRYOUT INFORMATION
Become a part of the Maryland Dance Team. Be an integral part of the University of Maryland tradition and spirit!
DANCE TEAM CLINICS
Come learn about the Maryland Dance Team. Our clinics are a great opportunity to come see what the Maryland Dance Team is all about and prepare for tryouts in the Spring.
Clinics will focus on both cheer and dance technique.
Spring Tryouts
The team conducts tryouts in late April or May for the next year's squad. Tryouts are open to all University of Maryland students, potential incoming freshman, and incoming transfer students. (If you are on the waiting list as an incoming freshman or transfer student, you are welcome to tryout. Please note your status on your tryout application. Placement on the team is contingent on acceptance into the University.) There will be a clinic before the tryout date.
2009-2010 DANCE TEAM TRYOUTS
May 10, 2009
Tryout
1 pm: Stretch and Mini-Clinic
3 pm: Auditions and Callbacks
Tryout Fee: $20
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
Tryouts will consist of three parts: skills and technique, cheer dance, and studio dance routines. One dance will be taught at the clinic prior to tryouts and the other will be taught the day of tryouts. Additionally you may be called in for an interview.
The Maryland Dance considers a variety of elements when choosing girls for the squad including, technique, physical shape, performance quality, appearance, attitude, commitment to the team, and ability to exemplify the image of the University of Maryland and the squad. Dancers on the team are expected to uphold the integrity of the team through their performance, behavior, academics, and attitude at all times.
Tryout Skills (not all skills will be asked of every participant)
Front Leap
Side Leap
Axle
Surprise Leap
Switch Leap
Russian/Toe-touch
Barrel Turn
Scorpion Leap
Single, Double, and Triple Pirouettes
Fouettes
Grand or Italian Fouettes
Pique Turns
Laybacks
Front, Side, and Back Kicks
Leg Holds (Front and Side)
Splits (Left and Right)
Side Splits
Dance
Cheer
*Each Participant will have the opportunity to display any special skills or tricks they can perform.
2009 DANCE TEAM CLINICS
Come learn about the Maryland Dance Team. Our clinics are a great opportunity to come see what the Maryland Dance Team is all about and prepare for tryouts.
CLINICS:
April 26th and May 2nd, 2009
1pm-3pm
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
Cost: $10
Get a feel for the UMD Dance Team! Come practice technique, learn the choreography for tryouts and have a Q&A session with current members. Wear dance shoes and comfortable workout clothing.
Please visit www.umddanceteam.com or email info@umddanceteam.com for additional information regarding upcoming clinics and tryouts.
University of Maryland Dance Team Staff
Coach: Ann Marie Kennedy
Choreography: Tim Roberts
Musical Assistance: Dr. L. Richmond Sparks and Eli Osterlow
ALUMNI DANCE TEAM
Each year the Maryland Dance Team invites the alumni back for Homecoming. The alumni have the opportunity to participate in pre-game activities and performance and dance for one quarter at the Homecoming football game. The team will have an alumni reception before the game. Please email alumni@umddanceteam.com for Alumni information.
