From Studio to Stadium: A Guide to the Collegiate Dance Team Transition
Transitioning from studio dance to a collegiate dance team involves a strategic approach that begins with early engagement in college clinics, a focus on continuous skill development beyond just technique, and a deep understanding of a team's culture and academic fit. It's a journey that prioritizes mindset, work ethic, and finding a supportive environment over solely relying on competitive accolades.
TL;DR
•Start Early with Clinics: Engaging in college dance clinics as early as freshman year can provide invaluable experience, skill development, and connections.
•Beyond Technique: Collegiate dance auditions often look for performance value, work ethic, and teamwork, not just advanced tricks.
•The Year-Long Tryout: Auditions don't end after the initial submission; collegiate teams assess commitment and teamwork throughout the year.
•Find Your Fit: Prioritize a college and dance team that aligns with your academic goals, personal vibe, and offers a supportive, family-like environment.
•Mindset Matters: Cultivate confidence and self-belief, recognizing that individual strengths and a strong work ethic are as crucial as advanced skills.
Navigating the Collegiate Dance Journey: Insights from Ashlyn
Welcome back to DanceVibes Studio! Today, we're diving deep into a topic many high school dancers ponder: the leap from the familiar studio environment to the dynamic world of collegiate dance. I recently sat down with Ashlyn, a talented dancer from The Space Dance Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan, who is making this exciting transition to Aquinas College. Her journey offers invaluable insights for anyone considering continuing their dance career at the collegiate level.
What’s a common misconception about dancers?
One common misconception about dancers, especially competitive ones, is that we're all perfectly organized. Ashlyn humorously debunks this, sharing,
that people often assume dancers are meticulously organized. However, the reality, as she and I both know, is far from it. "I've had a lot of people think just because I'm a dancer that everything has a place and I never lose anything 'cause I'm always prepared at comp," Ashlyn explains, highlighting the immense stress behind being ready for competitions. This contrasts sharply with the often-perceived image of flawless, put-together dancers.
In collegiate dance, the focus shifts even further from individual organization to collective teamwork and a sustained commitment. While studio dance might emphasize individual routines and competition results, collegiate teams often prioritize unity, work ethic, and how well dancers integrate into a cohesive unit. The environment fosters a sense of family, as Ashlyn experienced, which can be a refreshing change from potentially cliquey studio settings.
How do college dance clinics help you prepare for tryouts?
Ashlyn's journey into collegiate dance began remarkably early. While many dancers start exploring college options in their junior or senior year, Ashlyn began attending clinics as a freshman. This proactive approach proved to be a significant advantage. "My freshman year I started doing clinics, and the first one I went to was actually Aquinas," she recalls. "The second I started dancing with their girls, I knew that I wanted to continue with a team."
Actionable Advice: Don't wait until the last minute! Engaging in college dance clinics early offers multiple benefits:
•Skill Improvement: Clinics provide opportunities to refine technique and learn new choreography. Ashlyn specifically credits clinics for helping her improve her turns and jumps, areas she initially struggled with.
•Exposure to Collegiate Styles: You'll get a taste of the specific styles and expectations of collegiate dance, which can differ from studio training.
•Networking: Meeting other dancers and coaches can build valuable connections. Ashlyn even competed against dancers she met at clinics later in her career.
•Getting on the Radar: Attending clinics puts you on the coaches' radar, establishing early contact and showing your genuine interest in their program. Ashlyn noted, "I was on the radar for each clinic that I did, and like I stayed in contact with them from there on to senior year."
What does the collegiate tryout process actually look like?
The college dance team tryouts process can be multifaceted and extend beyond a single audition day. For Ashlyn, it involved video submissions and an ongoing evaluation. "When I got to senior year, they do video submissions, so I submitted a video of myself from last year, plus some extra snippets," she explains. This initial submission is often followed by further auditions and observations to determine placement within routines.
What truly sets collegiate tryouts apart from studio or convention auditions is the emphasis on sustained commitment and team fit. Ashlyn highlights that coaches look "more at like your performance value and also just kind of like... your team, like your work ethic and your teamwork." The tryout, she emphasizes, "doesn't stop after auditions. It continues on the entire year so you're there." This means demonstrating dedication through summer workouts and consistent effort, proving you're a valuable and committed team member.
Ashlyn also shared her initial apprehension about pom, a style often integral to collegiate dance. "The first time I did pom was actually that first clinic," she recounts. "I had never experienced it... I was like, 'I don't know if I'm ever gonna do this again,' 'cause it's fast, it's difficult." However, with practice and exposure, she grew to appreciate its unique blend of sharpness and dance elements, especially for performances at events like basketball games.
How do you find the right college dance team for you?
Finding the perfect collegiate dance program isn't just about the team's reputation; it's about finding a holistic fit. Ashlyn's advice is clear: "Look into the schools that you wanna go to." She meticulously planned her degree since freshman year, then narrowed down her choices to dance teams that aligned with her academic aspirations. "Aquinas overall, like, for me, was the best fit because of, like, my, my degree, kind of just my vibe and my personality."
Key Takeaway: Don't solely chase the "best dance team." Consider:
•Academic Programs: Does the school offer your desired major and a strong academic environment?
•Team Culture: Does the team foster a supportive, inclusive atmosphere? Ashlyn was particularly drawn to Aquinas because of the genuine camaraderie she observed. "The second she started talking to me, I knew that that's not what this team was," she said, referring to a team member she met during her college tour. This positive experience contrasted sharply with her previous studio, which she described as "very cliquey and a lot of favoritism."
•Personal Vibe: Does the overall campus and team environment resonate with your personality? This holistic approach ensures you thrive both as a student and a dancer.
Why is mindset the most important tool in your dance bag?
One of the most powerful lessons from Ashlyn's journey is the critical role of dance mindset and confidence. She candidly admits to feeling intimidated by other dancers with seemingly superior skills. "I was really nervous that I wasn't ever gonna make the team, because I watched these girls who could do front aerials in their sleep at the clinics... and me being like, 'I can't do any of that,' and immediately going to I could never."
However, a pivotal shift occurred when she found a supportive environment at The Space. Her new teachers and teammates emphasized her unique strengths, fostering a belief in herself that had been lacking. "You may not have this, but you have this to offer, and that is something amazing in a dancer," they told her. This experience highlights that while technique is important, work ethic, ambition, and a positive attitude are equally, if not more, crucial.
Ashlyn's parting advice: "Have confidence in yourself. Nobody is you, and so you, anytime you're on stage, somebody different for them to see, and everyone loves to watch a fun performer. So just have confidence in yourself and have fun on stage."
Dreaming Big: The Future of the Dance Industry
Beyond her collegiate aspirations, Ashlyn and I discussed dream innovations for the dance world. While she praised the danZING app for its organizational benefits, she also envisioned a future where opportunities are more accessible. Her ultimate dream? A massive convention or competition where "every single director who needed dancers, every single... dance show had their producers there, famous dancers, musicians." This centralized event would allow dancers from all backgrounds to get noticed and booked for jobs, democratizing access to the industry beyond traditional hubs like LA.
This vision speaks to a broader desire within the dance community for more equitable opportunities, moving away from the idea that success is solely tied to wealth or geographic location. As Ashlyn pointed out, "There's a lot of dancers who don't get the opportunity to be in music videos because they don't come from wealth or they don't come from an area that gets noticed as easy."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How early should I start preparing for college dance team tryouts?
A: Ashlyn started attending clinics as early as freshman year, which gave her a significant advantage in skill development, understanding collegiate styles, and getting on coaches' radars. Starting early is highly recommended.
Q: What do college dance coaches look for besides strong technique?
A: Beyond technique, coaches prioritize performance value, work ethic, teamwork, and a positive attitude. They want to see your commitment and how well you integrate into the team dynamic.
Q: Is pom dance a requirement for most collegiate dance teams?
A: While not universally required, pom is a significant component of many collegiate dance teams. It's beneficial to gain exposure to this style through clinics and practice, even if it feels challenging initially.
Q: How important is team culture when choosing a collegiate dance program?
A: Extremely important. A supportive and inclusive team culture can significantly impact your overall experience and success. Look for teams that foster a family-like environment and prioritize dancer well-being.
Q: What if I don't have all the advanced tricks when auditioning for a college dance team?
A: Don't be discouraged. While skills are important, coaches often look for potential and a strong work ethic. Many teams provide training to help dancers develop advanced tricks. Your mindset and willingness to learn are key.
Conclusion
Ashlyn's journey is a powerful testament to the dedication, resilience, and evolving mindset required to transition from studio dance to the collegiate level. Her story underscores that success isn't just about flawless technique, but about embracing challenges, seeking supportive environments, and cultivating unwavering self-belief. As you embark on your own dance journey, remember Ashlyn's words: have confidence in yourself, because nobody is you, and that uniqueness is your greatest strength on stage.
a note from the interviewer, Prisha:
Ashlyyn has been one of danZING’s longest-standing users, giving me feedback on almost every major app update, so this conversation has been a long time coming. I loved getting to hear more about her transition into collegiate dance because it’s a path so many competitive dancers are curious about, but rarely get a real look into. If you’re a high school dancer considering collegiate dance—or just want to understand what that world actually looks like—this is definitely an episode worth listening to or reading.
It was also really interesting hearing her perspective on team culture and staying organized once dance starts moving at a completely different pace. That’s a big part of why I built danZING in the first place: to give dancers one place to keep their dance life organized when classes, rehearsals, competitions, school, and team commitments all start piling up. If that sounds like where you’re at right now, go download danZING—it’s exactly what I built it for.