Marquette Dance Team Information

The Marquette University dance team (MUDT) specializes in pom, jazz, hip-hop, kick dance styles that are showcased in front of thousands of fans at Marquette University men's and women's basketball games.

Members of the team will have the opportunity to be a part of the excitement of Marquette Athletics and the BIG EAST Conference. From cheering on our basketball teams with chants of WE ARE MARQUETTE in front of thousands of fans at Fiserv Forum and the Al McGuire Center, to taking part in one of the many winning MU athletic programs, you will have the chance to be a part of the Blue & Gold family. As a member of the Marquette Spirit Squad, you will become a part of a team that embodies the tradition that is Marquette University.

MUDT also makes appearances representing the University at various alumni, athletics, charitable and public relations events. In addition, you will have the chance to travel to BIG EAST Conference and NCAA basketball tournament sites and appear on television in front of a national audience!

GENERAL TEAM REQUIREMENTS

MUDT is a highly visible and enthusiastic group of student-athletes selected to support the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and serve as student ambassadors by appearing at athletic and university functions and various community events.

Members must be full-time students at Marquette University (12 semester hours) pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Each member must carry and maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and must pass 12 hours or more each semester.

Members are encouraged to schedule classes during the morning and afternoon. The Marquette Spirit Squad practices in the evenings at the Al McGuire Center. Therefore, it is recommended that members do their best to avoid scheduling evening classes to minimize conflicts with practices, games, and other spirit squad activities.

MUDT performs at all men's and women's basketball home games. A select group of team members have the opportunity to travel to the men's and women's BIG EAST Conference tournaments and NCAA tournament sites.

Members of the squad receive practice gear, warm-ups, travel gear and shoes. Uniforms and poms are also provided at no cost. Additionally, we will work alongside a strength and conditioning coach to ensure our athletes are staying healthy and strong during the entirety of the season.

MUDT is one of the top programs in the BIG EAST Conference and involves a major time commitment from all members. The team spends approximately three days per week in preparation for games and events, as well as participating in a strength and conditioning program.

Tryout Registration:

Athletes must register using this link: open through Saturday, April 11 - Marquette University Spirit Squad Clinics

Eligibility:

All admitted incoming freshmen and transfer students, as well as current Marquette University students. Current and transfer students MUST have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0

Strong commitment to Marquette University Athletics

Prior dance team experience (either high school team or studio)

Strong showmanship, gameday presence, and crowd-leading ability

Sharp motion technique and dance endurance

Consistent dance technique, maintained throughout all styles of dance performance

Ability to blend with team style

Full-time student (12+ credits/semester)

Skill Requirements:

Right, left, and center splits

Right, left, and center leaps

Right and left calypsos

Triple turns on the right, double turns on the left

Turning discs

Leg holds, both right and left

Eight turns in second into a double turn

Four eight-counts of a kick line

Skill Recommendations:

Kip-ups, head springs

Aerials or other gymnastic skills

Pop jump

Switch leap/ switch pitch

Leg turn

Quad + pirouettes

Changing spot and float turns

The skills listed above are highly encouraged for each dancer to have, however, they are just one aspect of a well-rounded dancer. If you excel in other areas, you may still be eligible to try out for the team.

2026-27 Spring Tryout Dates/Times/Location:

Tryouts will occur on Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12 and will be held at the Al McGuire Center (770 N 12th St, Milwaukee, WI). Tryouts will be closed to observers.

Saturday, April 11: Check in the lobby of the Al McGuire center at 9am. Tryouts will be held from 9:30am - 1pm, and include learning and evaluation of a sideline, across the floor, pom, jazz, and hip hop routines. Preliminary cuts will be made and communicated by 5 pm, indicating if dancers are invited to return for the second day of tryouts.

Tryout Attire: athletes should wear any color form fitting dance clothing (tank top/crop top/t-shirt, leggings/dance shorts). Dancers should bring clean athletic shoes, jazz shoes, and any additional layers for hip hop. Gameday makeup is preferred and hair should be secured out your face. No jewelry is allowed for tryouts, unless taped/secured.

Sunday, April 12 (by invitation only): Tryouts will be held from 9am-1pm, with a short interview and judging panel evaluations of all routines. The provided dance teacher/coach reference may be contacted on this day.

Tryout Attire: athletes should wear all-black form fitting dance clothing, and bring their tryout number.

Dancers will be notified of the final team decisions by Monday, April 13.

 *Please direct any questions/concerns to Coach Dani (danielle.young@marquette.edu).

Potential Tryout Interview Questions:

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

How would your previous coach describe your commitment level?

How would your previous teammates describe your leadership style?

What is one thing you feel like you will bring to the Marquette University dance team?

Explain a time you did not live up to your team's expectations or program standards, and how you handled the situation.

What is an area you would like to develop as an athlete?

Tell us about your favorite high school or studio dance moment.

CONTACT THE COACHES
If you have any specific questions about the Marquette Spirit Squad, tryouts, or team requirements, please reach out to our coaching staff:

Marquette University Athletics

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