The University of Olivet is proud to offer their students the opportunity to participate in numerous extracurricular activities. In fact, two thirds of all students participate in athletics, not to mention the booming number of students who are members of honor societies, Greek houses, and other clubs and organizations. Joining one of these groups on campus allows students to gain a prospective on life and learning beyond the walls of a classroom. To further diversify and expand the options students can choose from, The University of Olivet has added a dance team to the lineup.
“I’m pleased to announce the addition of a dance team to our growing athletic department,” said Athletic Director Ryan Shockey. “The success of our cheer teams has illustrated the high demand for the inclusion of a dance team, and we recognize how important it is to meet the needs of our Comet student-athletes.”
Open to all students beginning in the fall of 2017, the dancers will focus on jazz and hip-hop styles. Head Cheer Coach Tietricha Thomas will be leading the team, in addition to both the sideline cheer and competitive cheer and stunt teams. The dance team will give performances at half time of football and men’s basketball games during the fall and winter. Olivet’s team will also compete in the Universal Dancers Association for a bid to a national competition held at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
“I’m really excited to bring students who love dance to Olivet,” said Thomas. “I think it’s truly special that this program will allow dancers to continue their passion at a higher, collegiate level.” Thomas has 17 years of classical training in various styles of dance and 11 years of experience teaching dance. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Michigan University where she also minored in dance.
Male or female students may audition for the team by video submission or on the group audition date, April 22 on Olivet’s campus. Scholarships up to $3,000 are also available for award based on performance and talent.
For more information about The University of Olivet’s dance team, contact Tietricha Thomas at tthomas@uolivet.edu or 269.749.7533.