Recruitment Information

Recruitment for the 2027-2028 season will be coming soon!

We are so glad to see you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of the Eastern Michigan University Dance Team! To build our team, we use a combination of recruitment and in-person auditions. Any high school senior who wishes to participate in our recruitment process must complete the recruitment application after reviewing the team commitments listed on this page.

RECRUITMENT APPLICATION

ABOUT US

The Eastern Michigan University Dance Team is proud to be part of the EMU Spirit Programs, along with the EMU Cheer Team, Marching Band, and mascot, Swoop.

The members of the dance team serve as ambassadors for Eastern Michigan University and help promote spirit at athletic events including Football, Women's Basketball, and Men’s Basketball. In addition, team members travel to postseason football bowl games and Mid-American Conference basketball tournaments.

In 2020, the EMU Dance Team became nationally competitive, and in 2023, they earned two National Champion titles at the DTU College Classic.

COMMITMENT

NATIONALS

The EMU Dance Team competes in jazz and hip hop at the DTU College Classic National Championship in Orlando Florida in April. We typically fly down to Florida for 4-5 days.

Competing and the national level requires immense dedication and training. In addition to our regular team commitments, during nationals season we add more practices and training as we work towards our nationals goals. Expectations are high, and training for nationals takes mental toughness in addition to physical preparation.

FINANCIAL

The university covers the cost of game uniforms, practice attire, warm-ups, game shoes, game poms, and other game-related expenses.

All expenses related to camp and nationals are at the expense of the team members. Team members pay monthly dues of $200 per month from June through February to cover the cost of nationals and camp. The EMU Dance Team fundraises together throughout the year to off-set these costs.

All commitments for the 2026-2027 season will be found in the contract you will receive once you have been placed at in-person auditions!

RECRUITMENT TIMELINE

We will be sharing a timeline for our 2027-2028 season once we have closed out our roster for the 2026-2027 season!

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

PHASE 1

Submit your recruitment application.

PHASE 2

If selected, you will be asked to submit a recruitment video to our coaching staff. Video requirements will be outlined in the Phase 2 invitation.

PHASE 3

If selected, you will be invited to an in-person visit with Coaching Staff at EMU.

PHASE 4

Formal offers will be extended to selected recruits.

IMPORTANT NOTE

This process is ongoing, meaning we could extend offers to recruits at any point prior to our in-person audition in April. We will also hold an open-call audition in April for those who do not participate in our formal recruitment process, however, all spots may be filled at that point.

REQUIRED SKILLS

REQUIRED

Quad on right (any position)

Triple on left (any position)

Variations of turns in second

Grand jete (on both sides)

Straddle jump (on both sides)

Calypso (on both sides)

Tilt jump (on both sides

Toe touch

Switch leap (on both sides)

Switch straddle (on both sides)

Switch arabesque (on both sides)

Flexibility: leg hold in first and second,

developpe in first and second, penche (all on both sides)

Inside leg hold turn (right)

Outside leg hold turn (right)

Aerial (either side)

Front or back walkover

Headspring

Kip up

Front handspring

RECOMMENDED SKILLS

540

Aerial (both sides)

Front aerial

5+ turns

Switch tilt jump

Front and back walkover

Standing back handspring

Round-off back tuck

Standing back tuck

Rubber band

If you have any questions, please email Coach Westy at wwinling@emich.edu.