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HISTORY
The Panther Dance Team at UWM is a registered student organization at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). Formerly called the Pom Pon Girls, the dance team has been active on campus since 1963. The team performs at soccer and basketball games and selected community appearances. |
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MISSION A dancer's top priority is academics. All members must be enrolled at the main campus at UWM and in good academic standings. Participating in dance team activities should not compromise a member's educational goals. The primary mission of the dance team is to support the athletic teams, assist the cheerleading squad in motivating the crowd, entertain the audience at games and other school functions, as well as promote overall school spirit. The dance team also represents the university in dance competitions and exhibitions. A secondary mission of the team is to foster a sense of community spirit and cooperation through appropriate appearances throughout the Milwaukee community. Part of the dance team's responsibilities will be to perform and/or make appearances at community events. Once the team accepts a community appearance, the function becomes as important as an athletic event and should be treated as such. |
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RESPONSIBILITES This is an abbreviated version of the dance team manual. Students selected to the dance team will receive a complete manual outlining all the responsibilities in greater detail. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask the coach. Community Appearances Appearances for University functions and events in the Milwaukee community vary in number and length from year to year. They may include local charities, school events, or alumni receptions. Conditioning and Health It is every member's responsibility to stay in shape. Working out in addition to practice is necessary in order for squad members to remain in excellent physical condition and to prevent injury. Every squad member is expected to work out aerobically and anaerobically at least three to five hours a week in addition to practices. This includes stretching and flexibility exercises. Conduct Squad members will be representing the university at all times, and will be recognized in and out of uniform. You will be expected to conduct yourself accordingly, as you are held to a higher standard than the general student populace. It is part of your role as a team member to maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward your peers, professors, and other university staff members. Practices In the fall we practice 4 nights a week: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:00-10:45pm, Wednesdays 7:15-10:00pm, and Sunday 5:30-8:00pm. Then in the spring practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00-10:45pm and Wednesdays 7:15-10:00pm (times can vary year to year depending on space). Practices will include conditioning, stretching, and working on routines. Games Dance team members are responsible for promoting spirit and motivating the crowds at athletic events. Members are expected to arrive early and in full uniform to athletic events. Squad members are expected to be respectful and proud of school traditions, including fight song, the pep band, cheerleaders, and mascot. Attendance at games is mandatory.
Summer Camp Attendance at UDA camp is mandatory for all members. It lasts 4 days and is usually held in the beginning of August. In addition, the team has its own pre-camp a couple days preceding camp to practice and prepare for camp. National Competition Every year the team represents our university at the Universal Dance Association college nationals held in Orlando, Florida. The competition is held around the middle of January. About two weeks before the competition the team practices about 7-8 hours each day. The team fundraises throughout the year to help alleviate the costs of competing. |
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