Carolina Dance Team Recruitment Process

Future Gamecocks:

Thank you for your interest in the Carolina Dance Team! Our program is a special family to be a part of and there is so much to love about the University of South Carolina. By now you are likely familiar with WHAT it means to be a member of our team, but now it’s time to find out HOW you can achieve that for yourself.

Selections for the Carolina Dance Team utilize a recruitment-based approach. This process is open to all high school seniors and older who plan to be full-time students at USC in the following academic year. The recruitment application period will be open each year from June 1 to December 1. Any dancers interested in being considered for the team will need to complete this application, provide references, and upload a video before the December 1 deadline.

We are seeking talented, well-rounded dancers who can be an asset to our team in both gameday performances and on the competition floor, but we are also equally committed to finding the right people who will fit in with our team culture. We are interested in athletes who strive for academic excellence, will represent our team and the University in a positive way, and will embrace the loving and inclusive atmosphere that we have cultivated. That said, it is important for us to get to know YOU! We look forward to doing just that as we continue to search for the perfect additions to our program.

Go Gamecocks!

Lindsay Sprague & Lindsey Hodge

Recruitment FAQs

I’m interested in being considered for the Carolina Dance Team. How do I start this process? Toggle content

The recruitment application period for the 2024-2025 team has now closed. Dancers from the class of 2025 may complete the recruitment application anytime between June 1 and December 1, 2024. This application collects a wide range of information as it relates to your academic career and dance background. It also requires dance references, a letter of recommendation and a series of videos.

It is also important to meet the team and coaching staff in person, if possible, either at our camps and clinics on campus, or at other recruiting events. These events give you the unique opportunity to make connections and showcase your individual abilities in a live setting.

Camp & Clinic Information
What are the video requirements for the recruitment application? Toggle content
A series of three videos may be included with the recruitment application. These videos should be loaded to YouTube as public or unlisted so our coaching staff may view them. Videos 1 and 2 are required and should be filmed wearing all black, form-fitting attire. Video 3 is optional.

Video 1: Introduction & Technical Skills
- Introduction: Please introduce yourself and tell us why you are interested in the University of South Carolina and being a member of the Carolina Dance Team. Why do you think you would be a good fit for our program? Let us get a feel for your personality here – be authentic!
- Technical Skills: This segment should include a minimum of the skills below. Additional skills may be included, but these additions should be no longer than 1 minute in length.
  - Pirouettes: minimum of a quad on right side; minimum of a triple on left side
  - Turns in second: two separate advanced turn combinations of your choice; may include double/triple floats, changing spots, etc.
  - Leaps: Chaîné second, two different switch leaps of choice, toe touch
  - Flexibility: two skills to demonstrate flexibility (i.e. tilt, penché, full back, etc.)
  - Acro: side aerials, plus two additional acro skills of choice (headspring, kip-up, front aerial, back handsprings/tucks, etc.)
Video 2: Jazz & Hip-Hop Combos
- 30-45 seconds of jazz or contemporary choreography that demonstrates quality of movement and technical skills
- 30-45 seconds of hip-hop choreography that showcases strong style, dynamics and performance quality
Video 3: Solo (optional)

Please include a recent solo performance or other routine of your choice.
What is the general timeline of the recruitment process? Toggle content

June 1 – December 1: Recruitment application period for high school seniors and up

December 1 – April 1: Evaluation period; all applicants will receive initial communication from coaching staff regarding next steps no later than January 15.

May 1: Carolina Dance Team Roster finalized for the following academic year
Are clinics mandatory? Toggle content

It is not a requirement to attend a camp or clinic with our team, however it is strongly recommended for several reasons. First, visiting our campus and working with our team and coaches is the best way to identify whether our program is right for you. In addition, these events are an awesome opportunity to make connections with the coaching staff and current team, as well as showcase your talent in person.
I’m not a high school senior yet… what can I be doing now to get a head start on the process? Toggle content

We encourage ALL dancers at the high school level to attend clinics and learn more about our program. Freshmen and sophomores who attend our clinics can evaluate where they stand and in what areas they might be able to improve over the next couple of years. Additionally, it is a good idea to narrow down the programs that feel like the right fit for you as early as possible. Waiting too late to do this will inevitably make your senior year even more stressful!

By junior year, it is more than appropriate to establish those connections with the coaching staff. We encourage dancers to reach out by email to express interest in the program, share information about themselves, and even send videos. Remember, we want to get to know YOU. Be yourself throughout this process and show us who you are!
Who can I contact if I still have questions? Toggle content

All questions specifically related to recruitment may be directed to Lindsey Hodge at brinklel@mailbox.sc.edu.