STEP 1: Complete a recruitment questionnaire, upload the required YouTube videos and a letter of recommendation to allow the coaching staff to get to know you as a person and a dancer. We will review these submissions on a biweekly basis.

STEP 2: Meet us virtually or in person. We will be participating in the ISDTA College Combine, UDA College Combine and other clinics. We are open for 1:1 phone calls and Zooms to answer any questions you may have about the team or the University of Iowa.

STEP 3: Follow us on social media. We post all up to date information regarding recruiting as well as national competitions, combines and events that we will be attending.

• Facebook: University of Iowa Dance Team
• Instagram: @iowadanceteam
• Twitter: @iowadanceteam

General Timeline for High School dancers: 

• Freshmen/Sophomore/Junior Year: 
  • Prospective dancer attends clinics and/or national events/recruiting combines.
• Senior Year:
  • Fall: 
    • Prospective dancer applies to the University of Iowa. 
    • Prospective dancer attends clinic/combine.
    • Prospective dancer attends information session (virtual or in person)
  • Winter: 
    • Prospective dancer records skills video and completes recruitment questionnaire and submits this information with letter of recommendation before February 1st.  
  • Spring: 
    • Coaching Staff offers positions to prospective dancers
    • Prospective dancers accept spot on University of Iowa Dance Team
    • University of Iowa Dance Team Roster Announcement prior to May 1st.

There is an opportunity to upload TWO videos on the recruitment questionnaire.

First video requirements: 

Attire: Sports bra and form fitting shorts (color of your choice). Your hair should be back and out of your face. 

1. Introduction (Your name, hometown, year in school, why you want to attend IOWA, why you would like to be on the dance team, why you would be an ideal candidate, and what you hope to pursue academically) 
2. SKILLS (please film this segment continuously, you may do a skill a 2nd time if need be): 
   1. As many pirouettes as you can do on the right and left side (4+ on the right, 2+ on the left). 
   2. Second Turns (at least three counts of eight, should be an advanced combination that includes changing spots, floats, or other pirouette elements) 
   3. Calypso (turning back attitude leap)
   4. Leap in second
   5. Toe touch into a hurdler into a firebird
   6. Inside leg hold pirouette (double preferred/either leg)
   7. Chaine aerial (right preferred) – optional but highly recommended
   8. Front handspring – optional but highly recommended
   9. Headspring – optional but highly recommended 
   10. Any other unique skills that you would like to showcase 
3. 1 min jazz or contemporary routine that shows technical ability and dancer’s style
4. 1 min pom routine that demonstrates dancers strength, power and athleticism. 

Second video requirements: 

The 2nd video can be a solo or other dance footage of your choice. 

*These videos do not need to be professionally edited, but do need to be PUBLIC or UNLISTED YouTube Links in order for our coaching staff to be able to view them (please test your link before including it on the questionnaire).

The coaching staff will be reviewing the questionnaires on a rolling basis and will take the necessary time to evaluate all relevant information before reaching out with next steps. You will receive a confirmation email that your questionnaire, videos and letters of recommendation have been received, and a follow-up email after review of your materials regarding your recruitment status. The staff will reach out to those dancers who best fit our program to engage in conversations about the University and the Iowa Dance Team.

Though there is no requirement to attend a clinic to be on the team, it is strongly recommended. We understand that scheduling can be challenging, but it is important to show the coaches that you are interested and committed to the University of Iowa.

Information on the application process for first-year students can be found here:

https://admissions.uiowa.edu/apply/first-year-student-application-process

Transfer Student information can be found here: 

https://admissions.uiowa.edu/apply/transfer-student-application-process

Proof of admission to the University of Iowa is required for the coaching staff to offer a roster spot to a prospective student athlete. There are certain colleges within the University of Iowa that utilize the Regent Admissions Index. This encompasses your GPA, ACT score, and the number of years of high school courses completed in the core subject areas. You should be able to speak to these on your recruitment questionnaire.

Our team is a family. We are looking for dancers that are able to communicate, build trust, and contribute to a positive team atmosphere. Our dancers are asked to interact with alumni, fans, and various community members through appearances on behalf of the University of Iowa athletic department. Strong communication skills and outgoing personalities are beneficial for this role.

We believe the more exposure the better! We strongly recommend attending a clinic as it is a great way to meet the coach while also getting to dance with both other prospective dancers and current members of the team. Another way to connect is at the Tribe 99 and/or UDA College Combines. The Iowa State Dance Team Association also hosts a College Combine for Iowa colleges and universities. The most important thing to make sure you do is communicate! Meet and stay connected to the coaching staff and continue to update us on your application process.

Yes, we will reach out to those dancers that we are interested in having as a part of our program to set up an interview with the coaching staff, current team and alumni. This will allow us to get to know you as an individual and will allow you to ask questions about the University of Iowa and our program.

We are looking for someone who knows and can speak to your character outside of dance. The letter should offer a perspective of who you are as a person and offer supporting examples. Consider asking a school teacher, a boss, or another individual that knows you very well. We do ask that your letter is written by an adult that is not related to you.