Written by Abbey Nugent, Founder of Studio 2 Stadium
The Reality of College Dance Team
During my time as a college dance team coach—and as someone who also danced in college and continues to work as a choreographer and teacher—I’ve seen the landscape of collegiate dance shift dramatically. What was once a simpler path has evolved into an overwhelming process for dancers and their parents alike. Additionally when I was coaching, my team often operated with limited resources, and the workload was intense. With 16-hour days becoming the norm as I balanced practices, meetings, planning, and even second and third jobs to make ends meet. Yet, despite these challenges, I realized that our program still had more support than many others across the nation. This realization became the catalyst for creating Studio 2 Stadium, a platform aimed at bridging the gap of information between dancers and college programs.
Advice for Prospective Dancers
For those of you aspiring to join a college dance team, I’d like to offer some advice drawn from my years of experience in recruitment. I understand there are countless things I could share, but I wanted to focus on three key aspects I encountered time and again. First and foremost, understand that coaches are incredibly busy individuals with limited time to spare. When reaching out via email, it’s crucial to keep your messages concise and to the point. A long, rambling email filled with questions that could easily be answered by checking the team’s website or social media is likely to be overlooked. Instead, demonstrate your initiative by doing your research beforehand and asking thoughtful, specific questions that show your genuine interest in the program.
When submitting video auditions, especially if you’re part of a group routine, make it easy for coaches to identify you. A simple “I’m the dancer in the red top on the left” can save coaches valuable time and ensure they’re evaluating the right person. Remember, you’re not just showcasing your dance skills but also your ability to communicate effectively and consider others’ time – qualities that are highly valued in team members.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of the recruitment process is your behavior towards current team members. During my time as a coach, I vividly remember an incident where one of my senior dancers reported a prospective member’s rudeness during a clinic. That dancer’s name was immediately crossed off our list, regardless of their technical skills. Your attitude and how you treat others speak volumes about your character and your potential fit within the team culture. Always approach interactions with current dancers, coaches, and staff with respect, kindness, and professionalism.
The Creation of Studio 2 Stadium
The foundation of Studio 2 Stadium was born from the realization that there was an urgent need for a centralized platform in the dance team community. As both a coach and a studio teacher, I observed the confusion, inconsistency, and lack of communication that dancers often faced when exploring university programs. I envisioned a digital network that would not only provide coaches with essential tools to reclaim some of their precious time but also create a supportive environment where they wouldn’t feel so isolated and overwhelmed.
For dancers, Studio 2 Stadium aims to be a space where you can focus more on honing your skills in the studio rather than spending countless hours researching programs online. We want to offer parents a clearer path to navigate their dancer’s journey in finding the best-fit school. Most importantly, we strive to provide dancers with a platform to showcase their talents and achievements beyond traditional social media and email – a place where you can truly feel seen and valued.
Our mission extends beyond just connecting dancers with programs. We’re committed to creating greater equality in the collegiate dance team arena. By sharing knowledge, resources, and support, we aim to elevate the entire college dance team community. Whether you’re a dancer dreaming of performing at the collegiate level or a coach looking for ways to improve your program, remember that you’re not alone on this journey.
The world of college dance teams is evolving, and with platforms like Studio 2 Stadium, we’re working to ensure that evolution benefits everyone involved. As you embark on your own dance journey, remember to stay passionate, professional, and persistent. The path may not always be easy, but with the right attitude and resources, you can turn your dance dreams into reality.
Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for college dance teams across the nation. So keep dancing, keep dreaming, and know that there’s a whole community ready to support you every step of the way.