Dance

THE ORANGE PRIDE DANCE TEAM

The Orange Pride Dance Team is an exciting and competitive collegiate dance team that performs at Sam Houston State University athletic events, pep rallies, university and community events, as well as at a number of special events. The members of the team are well respected on campus and strive to support the SHSU athletic program and general school spirit.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

How many members are on the team, and what do they do?

The size of the team has increased over the past few years and now typically maintains around thirty members who attend regularly scheduled practices every week. 

Orange Pride begins their year by attending NDA College Camp to compete and bond as a team.  Throughout the school year the team performs at halftime and on the sidelines of football games and both men and women's basketball games. There are also numerous university and special events at which the team performs, including Fire Fest, various pep rallies, the Homecoming Parade, recruiting events, and more. The Orange Pride Dance Team takes an active role in promoting student involvement at athletic events and increasing school spirit by participating in activities that foster pride in the institution and a sense of excitement on campus.  Finally in April members of the team represent SHSU by competing in NDA's College Nationals.

How much does it cost to be on the team?

The team is supported both financially and administratively by the university, which makes participation with the squad very affordable. The university, through student service fees, pays for a number of expenses that the typical high school and/or junior college may not be able to afford. For example: all uniforms, poms, duffel bags, summer camp expenses, choreography fees, and travel expenses are paid for by the university. Dancers pay for team tennis shoes, makeup, and other accessories which average about $125. 
 
If the team is selected to attend any type of competition or event, the university assists the team in paying for the travel expenses, hotel fees, and uniforms. In the past years the team has decided to personally purchase matching sweatshirts and other paraphernalia to wear to the National Championship, along with various memorabilia type items.

How much time is required?

Applicants should definitely take a good look at their class and work schedule before making the decision to try-out for the team. Fulfilling all responsibilities is definitely not easy, but we know that it can be done. Listed below is a rough estimate of the number of hours expected of team members throughout the year. This information is based on past years experiences and is subject to change.

Summer

• Attend summer camp for five days at the end of July.
• Return to school five days before classes begin to practice and participate with Welcome Week.

Fall Semester

• Practice every morning to prepare for football
• Attend and perform at football games and pep rallies (approximately 6 hours per week).
• Attend number of additional evening and weekend practices for Nationals Choreography, Fundraisers, or Appearances
• Remain at school to practice Nationals the three days following Final Exams 

Spring Semester

• Practice every morning to prepare for football
• Practice 3 nights a week to prepare for basketball games, special performances, and Nationals (approximately 9 hours per week). 
• Attend and perform one to four basketball games a week (approximately 6-12 hours a week).
• Practice for Nationals and possibly attend the Basketball Tournament over Spring Break
• Attend Nationals in April for one week

Are scholarships offered?

Yes, a $500 scholarship is available during the Spring Semester for 1st year members.  Returning members are eligible to receive increased scholarships in both the Fall and Spring.  In order for any member to receive a scholarship he/she must maintain at least a 2.5 SHSU grade point average.  Dancers selected as Captains receive an additional scholarship amounts as long as they maintain eligibility with grades. 

Do they attend in any competitions?

Although the first priority of Orange Pride is to support the school, we do strive to compete each year at the National Dance Association (NDA) College National Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida.

As the National Champions of 1998, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 Orange Pride has an established history of excellence at competitions and has been featured on ESPN, ESPN 2, Fox Sports.

What are practices like?

Normal Orange Pride practices are held every morning for two hours.  A typical Orange Pride practice begins with a group warm up/stretch. The following hour is usually spent working on flexibility and technique in center and across the floor.  From that point the team will learn and perfect halftime routines, prepare for any upcoming games and appearances, or work on Nationals.  The team frequently concludes practice with a cardiovascular/interval workout.

Who do I contact for more information?

Coach Sarah Garcia

Email:  SJK002@shsu.edu

Office:  Lowman Student Center, Student Activities Office - Suite 328K

Pictures and Videos

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