Who is the Winthrop Dance Team?
The Winthrop University Dance Team is the spirit group that performs and helps keep spirits high at Winthrop University athletic and other events. The team is made up of 8-20 talented young ladies and gentlemen and is supported through the Winthrop Athletic department. These dancers are most visible on the volleyball court and men’s and women’s basketball games, including time-out and halftime performances. However, the Winthrop dance team supports all athletic teams by attending as many games as possible. They also perform at pep rallies and various other campus events. In addition, the Winthrop Dance Team competes at the NDA Collegiate National Dance Championships each April, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Life as a Winthrop Dance Team Member
There is no question being a member of the Winthrop Dance Team requires time and dedication. Try-outs are held in April (see “Try-Outs” for details) and all members named to the team must report before the fall semester begins to do team building, practice, and pre-season camp. We go to College Camp every August. Throughout the year the Winthrop Dance Team practices 3-4 days a week for 2-3 hours each day. Winthrop provides a personal trainer to help with fitness needs and each team member is required to work out 3-4 times a week. The team receives many appearance requests and has to honor as many as possible. Being a member of the Winthrop Dance Team is very time consuming. Teamwork and dedication to dance is a must for this spirit group to be successful.
Benefits and Privileges of being on the Winthrop Dance Team
Because the Winthrop Dance Team is supported by the athletic department, the team members see many benefits for their hard work and dedication to the University. Academics must be a priority. The team practices weekly at the Winthrop Coliseum. If any team member should be injured, treatment is given by the athletic doctors and trainers. Currently, there is no scholarship money awarded to the Winthrop Dance Team. However, all uniforms and some other expenses involved are provided through the athletic department.
For more information contact Lori Grissom-Sneed at the Dance team office (803) 323-2129, ext. 6015 or email Lori at WinthropDanceTeam@hotmail.com.
