What do you think of when you think of a college athlete?

Most likely your mind went straight to football, basketball or baseball. You’re thinking of athletes who put in countless hours of blood, sweat, and tears; athletes with the mindset of doing whatever it takes to be the best.

 

But what do you think of when you think of a college dance team?

Chances are you are no longer thinking of an athlete; the thought of spending countless hours practicing, working out, and training hasn’t even crossed your mind.

 

We ask that you leave any preconceived notions of the Hofstra University Dance Team so that we can show it through our eyes. When you see us on the sidelines cheering on other sports, that is all you see us as, but that is only a small portion of what we do. Not being able to realize that we are so much more than a team that cheers on other sports diminishes us to just a pretty face, a uniform, and poms. Today we hope to show you that who we are goes well beyond you might see on the sidelines.

 

The Hofstra University Dance Team has a long history of accomplishments and can only continue our success as a program with your support. Our competitive journey began in 1995 as the Hofstra University Kickline team, competing at our very first national championship coming in 11th place. This was a proud moment in history since it set the path for our rise to the top. From that point on, reaching higher goals is all we knew. We consistently made our way into the top ten up until 2004 where we then fought our way into the top 3. By setting fear aside, we pushed ourselves to limits we did not know we were capable of. The drive and perseverance we shared amongst each other is what allowed us to conquer 7 NATIONAL TITLES. In 2006 is where we won our very first national championship in the Hip Hop category, then again in 2012, and again in 2013.

 

Our coaches then decided to switch from the style of Hip Hop to Pom. Since then we have made Hofstra Dance Team history, leading us 4 consecutive national titles. We are one of the only college dance team programs that have accomplished this feat. One reason we love Pom so much is because we get the chance to perform in a uniform with “Hofstra” proudly written across our chests. Competing at Nationals is a place we love to represent our university because it gives us the opportunity to show the rest of the world the strength of the pride.

 

Within our history, we have accomplished things we did not know were possible! In 2016 our team was asked to compete at ICU Worlds where we would be representing the United States of America. It’s that continued commitment to our sport allowed us to return home as World Champions.  Our achievements do not stop there; In 2017 we were once again chosen to represent the USA in a second world championship where we traveled to Colombia. Again, we came home victorious. This is a team that undoubtedly loves what they do. We have the ability to maintain our streak of success, breaking records, and continue to build this program but only with your support.

 

All our success comes from what is done behind the scenes. In person practices are where we learn how to be a team. We build trust in one another, and create connections that allow us to dance as one. Not having the ability to do this takes away our growth and knowledge needed to progress as a team. When we first started virtual practices we were motivated and willing to do whatever we could to continue our season. But after 10 long months of virtual practices, our motivation has been tested and the fight we once had within us is being lost. We fear that without in person practices, our abilities to continue to grow ourselves and the program may be compromised. We would do anything asked of us if it meant the opportunity of practicing in person again.

 

Dance is OUR sport. Taking away the thing we love to do most has negatively impacted us during a time when so much is out of our control. In person practices would give us a sense of hope that not everything is lost.

 

We applaud our university for creating a plan that would allow students to return and learn safely in a classroom. If students can come to school everyday and gather in a classroom safely, we know there is a way where we can come and gather in a dance room safely. Virtual practices do not support our program the way that we need. Face to face instruction is the only way we can accomplish our goals. We hope that we were able to share some understanding of what it means to be a part of a collegiate level dance team. We have always and will continue to show up and support the university whenever needed and now we are asking that Hofstra would show that same support as we fight to finally come together and dance. We are asking you to give us the chance to safely practice in person and the opportunity to further the Hofstra legacy.