Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Purdue Dance Team?
The Purdue Dance Team is proud to represent the pride and spirit of Purdue University at all home football games, select men’s and women’s basketball games, select soccer games, and select volleyball games as well as many other University and community events. PDT also competes annually at the National Dance Alliance’s Collegiate Cheer & Dance National Championships in Daytona Beach, FL and has consistently made finals in Division 1A Dance.
Is there a big commitment when being on this team?
YES! PDT usually practices 3-4 times/week for 2-3 hours during the school year. Although both semesters are busy in their own way, the spring semester is heavily weighted on Nationals and extra practices may be added with little or short notice. Pre-camp and camp are mandatory in the summer months.
The Purdue Dance Team has a pre-tryouts clinic. If I am interested in trying out for the team, should I attend?
Definitely! Dancers interested in trying out for The Purdue Dance Team should attend this clinic. It is a great opportunity to meet the current members and to learn our style and what is expected at tryouts.
Do I need to have technical dance training in order to make the team?
Technical training in not a requirement, but it is definitely an advantage.
Is the dance team funded by the University?
No. The dance team is a self-supported team. Each member is required to raise around $1000 in sponsorships. The team also does fundraisers together to make up for the costs they incur throughout the year.
About how many girls make the team each year?
There is not a set number of girls who make the team each year, however it typically ends up being somewhere between 16-20.
What styles of dance does The Purdue Dance Team perform?
Primarily, we perform pom, hip hop and jazz. For Nationals, we are required to perform 30 consecutive seconds of pom, hip hop and jazz.
Do I need to be physically fit in order to make the team?
Fitness is an important part of being a collegiate dancer. The team attends two required cardio and weight lifting workouts per week.
I made the team, now what?
Are there any commitments over the summer?
Yes, every summer PDT attends an NDA college camp. Camp usually lasts 3 days. Before leaving for camp, the team meets for 2-3 days for pre-camp. The dates of pre-camp and camp are given during tryouts (end of July-early August).
Where does The Purdue Dance Team practice?
Currently, the team practices off campus at the YWCA in Lafayette, but this will most likely change from season to season.
At which types of sporting events does PDT perform?
PDT performs at football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer games. Also, they perform at numerous community fundraisers and events.
Can I be involved in a sorority while being on the dance team?
Yes, many of the members of the team are also involved in a sorority.
Will my grades suffer if I'm on The Purdue Dance Team?
Though being a member of PDT has to be a huge priority, school is ALWAYS #1. To remain a member of PDT, you have to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA every semester. Anything below a 2.0 results in immediate dismissal from the team.
If I make the team, do I have to try out again every year? Every member of the team, with the exception of the two captains, must try out every year.
The Purdue Dance Team is proud to represent the pride and spirit of Purdue University at all home football games, select men’s and women’s basketball games, select soccer games, and select volleyball games as well as many other University and community events. PDT also competes annually at the National Dance Alliance’s Collegiate Cheer & Dance National Championships in Daytona Beach, FL and has consistently made finals in Division 1A Dance.
Is there a big commitment when being on this team?
YES! PDT usually practices 3-4 times/week for 2-3 hours during the school year. Although both semesters are busy in their own way, the spring semester is heavily weighted on Nationals and extra practices may be added with little or short notice. Pre-camp and camp are mandatory in the summer months.
The Purdue Dance Team has a pre-tryouts clinic. If I am interested in trying out for the team, should I attend?
Definitely! Dancers interested in trying out for The Purdue Dance Team should attend this clinic. It is a great opportunity to meet the current members and to learn our style and what is expected at tryouts.
Do I need to have technical dance training in order to make the team?
Technical training in not a requirement, but it is definitely an advantage.
Is the dance team funded by the University?
No. The dance team is a self-supported team. Each member is required to raise around $1000 in sponsorships. The team also does fundraisers together to make up for the costs they incur throughout the year.
About how many girls make the team each year?
There is not a set number of girls who make the team each year, however it typically ends up being somewhere between 16-20.
What styles of dance does The Purdue Dance Team perform?
Primarily, we perform pom, hip hop and jazz. For Nationals, we are required to perform 30 consecutive seconds of pom, hip hop and jazz.
Do I need to be physically fit in order to make the team?
Fitness is an important part of being a collegiate dancer. The team attends two required cardio and weight lifting workouts per week.
I made the team, now what?
Are there any commitments over the summer?
Yes, every summer PDT attends an NDA college camp. Camp usually lasts 3 days. Before leaving for camp, the team meets for 2-3 days for pre-camp. The dates of pre-camp and camp are given during tryouts (end of July-early August).
Where does The Purdue Dance Team practice?
Currently, the team practices off campus at the YWCA in Lafayette, but this will most likely change from season to season.
At which types of sporting events does PDT perform?
PDT performs at football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer games. Also, they perform at numerous community fundraisers and events.
Can I be involved in a sorority while being on the dance team?
Yes, many of the members of the team are also involved in a sorority.
Will my grades suffer if I'm on The Purdue Dance Team?
Though being a member of PDT has to be a huge priority, school is ALWAYS #1. To remain a member of PDT, you have to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA every semester. Anything below a 2.0 results in immediate dismissal from the team.
If I make the team, do I have to try out again every year? Every member of the team, with the exception of the two captains, must try out every year.