University of Minnesota Dance Team: A Tradition of Excellence and Opportunity

Joining the Spirit Squad program at the University of Minnesota means becoming part of a rich tradition and legacy that began over a century ago. Cheerleading was invented on the University of Minnesota campus in 1898, and the spirit and pride of its founder continue to this day. Within the last decade, the teams have achieved a variety of notable accomplishments. This article delves into the tryout process, eligibility requirements, and the overall experience of being a part of this elite program, including the University of Minnesota Dance Team (UMDT) and the Minnesota Premier Dance Team (MPDT).

A Legacy of Spirit and Achievement

The University of Minnesota Spirit Squad is comprised of six teams and over 100 dedicated student-athletes who devote 15-20 hours weekly to practices, games, special appearances, camps/clinics, fundraising events, and competitions. Spirit Squad athletes are also expected to maintain high academic standards and carry a full credit load. The common ground amongst all of the program athletes is their dedication and commitment to this program.

Goldy Gopher has won 4 Mascot National Championships, finished top 5 for the last 14 years, and twice named NCAA/ESPN Mascot of the year. The Hockey Cheer Team is comprised of talented figure skaters and has been recognized on ESPN, Sports Illustrated, USFS Skating Magazine, and is among the top Hockey Cheerleading teams in the country. The Co-ed Cheer Team has consistently placed among the top 10 teams in the country in one of the most competitive divisions at UCA College Cheer Nationals and finished 2nd place in Game Day in 2018. Additionally, the U of M’s All-Girl Cheer Team, over the last 10 years, has finished top 5 four times in the most competitive division at UCA College Cheer Nationals.

The University of Minnesota Dance Team (UMDT)

The University of Minnesota Dance Team consists of all female dancers who perform at home football and men’s basketball games, with an opportunity to travel for away football and basketball tournaments. The University of Minnesota Dance Team also competes nationally at UDA College National Championships, winning 18 titles since 2003. The team has also been chosen as Team USA twice in the last 10 years, earning gold medals in Jazz (2010) and Freestyle Dance (2010 and 2014), in addition to a silver medal in Hip Hop (2010) and Jazz (2014). Members of the dance team also perform at a variety of off-campus appearances and participate in Spirit Squad fundraisers. The commitment is year-round beginning each year at auditions. The University of Minnesota Dance Team is one of the most elite programs in the nation.

UMDT Recruitment Process

The University of Minnesota Dance Team utilizes a recruiting-only model for team selection, and they’re committed to making the process clear and manageable for all prospective student-athletes. Under this team selection model, no formal in-person tryouts are held. This allows the staff to gather a holistic view of potential student-athletes as a student, athlete, and person over a range of time.

To formally initiate the Recruiting Process, prospective student-athletes must submit the following items to the coaching staff:

Completed Recruitment Form
Letter of Recommendation: This letter should come from an adult who can speak to your character, work ethic, and personality.
Common Recruit Video: The Common Recruit Video does not need to be professionally edited but should be PUBLIC or UNLISTED on YouTube for easy viewing by the coaching staff.

For skill demonstration and style combinations, full body should be visible in the frame.

Female Attire: Black sports bra or tank top and black shorts.
Male Attire: All black.

Minnesota Premier Dance Team (MPDT)

Minnesota Premier Dance Team is a competitive club dance team at the University of Minnesota! They bring a fun yet competitive environment to dancers who want to continue dancing in college. As a team, they practice two to three times a week. They perform at a variety of events and competitions on/near campus including NDA College Nationals, Best of the Best, Homecoming Parade, Ballyhoo, UDA dance competition, local performances at Minnesota high schools, and more! Minnesota Premier Dance Team is an incredible team of students who want to be surrounded by dancers who are driven, passionate, and fun.

Getting Involved with MPDT

Minnesota Premier Dance Team try-outs are held once a school year in the middle of September. They typically have prep clinics at the end of the spring semester and/or in the summer for dancers interested in MPDT.

General Spirit Squad Information

As a Spirit Squad member, you represent not only the athletic teams and department you support at this University but also the entire State of Minnesota.

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Teams within the Spirit Squad

The Spirit Squad is comprised of 6 teams:

All Girl Cheer Team: Consists of all female cheerleaders who cheer for football and women’s basketball games with an opportunity to travel to away football games and basketball tournaments.
Co-ed Cheer Team: Consists of men and women who cheer for football and men’s basketball games with an opportunity to travel to away football and basketball tournaments.
Small Co-ed Cheer Team: Consists of men and women who cheer for football and women’s basketball games. The Small Co-ed Cheer Team is a team designed for skill development.

Team members of the All Girl Cheer Team and Co-ed Cheer Team also perform at a variety of off-campus appearances and they participate in all Spirit Squad fundraisers. These teams have a year-long time commitment beginning each season at tryouts and annually commit to training for the UCA National Competition (in January).

Eligibility for Tryouts/Auditions

Spring tryouts/auditions are open to individuals who have been accepted by the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for Fall Semester. All participants, including transfer students and current team members, must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and have graduated from high school. Incoming students must bring a copy of their letter of acceptance on the first day of tryouts.

Tryout/Audition Process

Throughout the week of clinics and the final tryout, you will be observed by the U of M Coaching Staff as well as a selection committee. There may be a tryout cut at any time during the clinics. At the final tryout, you will be asked to individually perform specific skills; however, there is not a point system.

Auditions are held over multiple sessions with cuts occurring at the end of every session. During each session, you will be observed by the coaches and a judging panel. If you qualify for the final audition, you will be asked to perform choreography, technical skills, and interview with the coaching staff. The final decisions are made by the coaches.

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In addition to the skills listed, you will be observed throughout the tryout clinics on your attitude, ability to learn and make changes, enthusiasm, projection, and overall performance.

Tryout/Audition Attire

Dancers should wear fitted clothing. Most choose to wear spandex shorts/briefs and a sports bra/crop top. There are no specific color requirements.

Dance Program Auditions

Auditions consist of a class in modern/contemporary, African diasporic movement, jazz, hip hop/street styles, and ballet techniques, a short student solo and an interview. Dancers need not have trained in all forms to audition. Students auditioning for the BFA and BA Dance major submit a paper copy of a writing sample the day of the audition in response to essay questions. Prospective students who audition for the BFA or BA Dance Major will be considered for Dance Program scholarships based on the audition and their application to the University of Minnesota Office of Admissions. Students are also strongly encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Prospective students are encouraged to visit the Dance Program to observe class, see a performance, and talk with the dance faculty, staff, and students. Scheduled sessions are open to all prospective students and families and are held in Studio 100 of the Barbara Barker Center for Dance. Pre-registration is not required.

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