Mercyhurst University Dance Team is one of three performance-based athletics groups at Mecyhurst University; actively working alongside Mercyhurst University Cheer and Athletic Bands. MUDT dances for all home football and men's basketball games, performing for media timeouts and halftimes in addition to on-campus spirit events such as Homecoming Week festivities and Laker Showdown. As the team works toward becoming actively competitive, on-campus appearances in conjunction with local appearances and performance opportunities increase each year.
Mercyhurst University Dance Team is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students from all over the country with varying dance and academic backgrounds. With a range of over 10 different majors, the team maintains high academic standards for its members; upholding a reputation of integrity and excellence and working to honor the mission of Mercyhurst University.
MUDT meets three times a week: two 2-hour practices per week as well as one 2-hour conditioning practice one time per week. Typically a team of 15-20 girls, the MUDT performs a compilation of jazz, jazz funk, pom, and hip hop styles and typically carries a repertoire of 4 football routines in combination with sideline pom routines, as well as 4-5 basketball routines. They host multiple dance clinics throughout the academic year that are open to the Mercyhurst and Erie communities as well as work on choreographed routines with guest choreographers comprising of NFL cheerleaders, NBA dance team members, and USASF judges.
Tryouts for MUDT are two hours long and run like a masterclass; comprised of across the floor and center technique as well as a short learned choreographic combination. No solo or prepped material is needed. Tryouts typically take place on the first day of academic classes each year (August) leading into a season that runs from August-April.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the MUDT, or you are just looking for more information, please follow @Hurstdanceteam on Twitter or contact head coach, Danielle Kaiser at dkaiser@mercyhurst.edu.
