What to Expect at the UDA College Dance Team Combine

What to Expect at the UDA College Dance Team Combine

By: Halle Fuerst

Tons of Information

When you sign up for the combine, you are signing up for the best experience available for aspiring college dancers. You’ll have seminars from UDA staff, learn combinations in different styles, get personal advice catered specifically for you and a plethora of information from all schools attending. Each school will set up an information table where you can learn not only about the dance team, but about the school itself. Your goal of the day should be to have a conversation with each school there and to take information home from each table. You never know what school could be the perfect fit for you, so take advantage of learning as much as possible while you’re there.

Dancing

Your whole day will be filled with dancing. The day will start with some technique across the floor. You will always go in groups and you will always have room to dance to your fullest. You will then learn a combination in pom, jazz and hip hop. Remember – each team does different styles, but most teams use all of these styles during performances at football or basketball games. If one isn’t your strongest, this is the perfect time to learn about it! It’s a long day, but this is the time to show what you’re made of. Remember to always go full out and PERFORM! Make the audience look your way!

Nerves

As you are starting your journey to potentially dance at the collegiate level, you can expect to be nervous as you walk into the combine. Not only will you be surrounded by other talented dancers, but there will be a lot of things that feel unfamiliar. The best part about all of this is that it’s all for FUN and EXPERIENCE! No need to be nervous – you are not auditioning and you are only there to get advice from the best of the best. Make the most out of this whole situation by meeting as many people as possible and above all, have fun!

All Eyes On You

Although there will be many dancers in the same room, coaches and team members from all over have traveled there to check out the talent that could be the future of their team. They are looking for dancers who STAND OUT! Don’t hold back while you’re dancing, and make them remember you! While all of this sounds intimidating, it’s important to remember that all of these coaches and dancers were in the exact same position as you at one point. They are rooting for you to succeed! Be confident, charismatic and control your own destiny.

Personal Critiques and Advice

Perhaps the most beneficial aspect about coming to the college combine is the personal attention that you receive from the UDA staff. Each dancer will take home a paper with critiques and advice about each portion of the day – technique, pom, jazz and hip-hop. It will all be advice that you can take home and work on until your audition, including advice about appearance (TIP: remember this is a COLLEGE team – think game day sidelines. Lipstick and eyelashes are highly recommended!) The UDA staff wants you to leave feeling prepared to walk into a college dance team audition. How could you pass this up?!