5, 6, 7, 8…School Spirit in Style

Let’s give a huge congratulations to the Elon University Dance Team for WINNING the National Dance Association National Championship (NDA) in Daytona Beach, Florida, and have a closer look at what outfits the members donned last week.

Between their spunky Pom number and funky Hip Hop combination, these dancers have been pouring their blood, sweat and tears into every rehearsal. Behind the smiles on their faces lie an immense amount of pride for their hard work this season. What better way to show off their satisfaction than through fashion and the team’s costumes as Sarah, a freshman on the dance team says, “[the costumes] are like the finishing puzzle piece to a routine.”

First in their lineup was the Pom Division I Competition on April 7th. Sporting their new varsity uniforms, the team feels a strong connection and spirit towards their school featuring lots of sparkles to glam out the rest of the competition. The dancers mentioned that the costume collection brings together the performance as the final touch to all of the efforts in dance. With the right attire, it can put one in the correct mindset of a routine. The latest garb for Pom is very preppy and Nyla, a senior on the dance team agrees, “the new costumes give a collegiate appearance that you would typically see most teams wear at a university like this. The added extra sparkle gives it a nice touch.”

Left hand holding gold, and right hand holding red poms, these girls could not be so crisp with their move without feeling sharp on the outside as well. Henna, a sophomore on the dance team says, “Although I really love our hip hop uniforms, I am most excited to perform in the new pom uniforms. They are a completely different vibe from anything we’ve ever worn and that I’ve experienced. I’m excited to continue to wear them at games after.” Following this competition, you can see these ensembles live in action in the rotation of uniforms for football and basketball seasons.

On the second day of the Hip Hop Division I Competition it was time for the team to get hyped. With new hip hop outfits for nationals, selected by the coach and choreographer to coordinate with the dance, dancers felt a boost of confidence. Not only was the morale high, but their white Puma high-top sneakers also made them feel assured as well. The type of hip hop dance is street style so the white and gold tracksuits fit the aesthetic, and crew vibe perfectly. A big fan of the hip hop get-up, Sarah also says, “As crazy as it sounds, a costume can bring together an entire routine. It helps to tell the story we are trying to convey. In this case, it adds style and swag and brings us together in the style of a dance crew rather than a dance team. I really love our hip hop costume because I feel like it adds so much to the dance. It perfectly matches the vibe we are trying to give with our routine and helps us lean into the style of the routine.”

The Elon Dance Team’s edge brought them to first place and a standing ovation from the school for their moves, spirit, and style.