Bethany College’s Blue & Gold Dance Team is composed of ten to twenty men and women athletes. The team performs at all home football and basketball games, as well as a competition every spring. In addition, the squad makes appearances at alumni, athletic, charitable and local activities.

The Blue & Gold Dance Team’s goal is to create and promote school support and interest in college activities, perform and support collegiate athletic programs, increase enrollment at Bethany College, sharpen dance technique, develop positive personal character, work ethic, high team standards, and quality family entertainment. We actively seek quality individuals to utilize their talents while pursuing an excellent academic education at Bethany College.

Practices and Appearances
Practices are 3-5 days per week for 1 1/2 to 3 hrs, one of which are game days.  The Blue & Gold dance team practices for game and community appearances.   Practices technique classes, conditioning, choreography for home games and competition, learning and reviewing sidelines and chants, and any additional skills that are needed.  All dance team members are expected to weight train and practice on their own in additional their weekly practice schedule to maintain optimal physical condition.  Bethany’s dance program has mirrors placed on rollers for ease of movement to aid in training in perfecting.  All athletes also have access to an athletic trainer and personal physical trainer when necessary.

The Bethany Blue & Gold Dance Team is always looking to improve their program by attending camps and competitions. While competitions are a part of our season, the squad is focused on supporting school spirit.  The dance coach may provide opportunities to attend local master classes in various dance styles/techniques and may also hire private instructors to come in and work with the team on perfecting skills and choreography.

Dance Style
The Blue & Gold Dance Team performs a variety of styles ranging from jazz to hip-hop to lyrical. Most of the team has had former dance training or has been a member of a high school or all-star dance team. However, you do not have to have previous dance experience to audition for the dance team. Please review the following required and recommended skills to see what will be auditioned during tryouts in the spring. This list may have skills with which you are not familiar.  That is definitely ok.  Please feel free to ask questions and ask the coach for recommendations on what to do!

Financial Assistance
There is no cost to be a member of the Bethany Blue & Gold Dance Team.  All uniforms, bags, shoes, camp fees, travel expenses, etc. are paid for by Bethany College.  The Bethany dance team holds one fundraiser per year to add funds to the program.

Currently, the Bethany Dance Team members may receive at least $1,000 per year in Athletic Performance Award Scholarships, with more possible based on need and talent.  For more financial aid information, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Community Events
Each spring the Blue & Gold dance team members hold a “Swedes & Lil' Swedes" dance clinic that consists of learning dance skills, building self-esteem, promoting teamwork and a healthy lifestyle.  Campers also attend a picnic with the Blue & Gold Dance Team and participate in a game day performance at one of Bethany's spring home basketball games! This camp is for elementary age students. This free event includes a T-shirt that can be purchased, entrance to a game, mentor dancer assignments and support of the Bethany Athletic program.

In addition, the Bethany Blue and Gold Dance team partners with the Girl Scouts of Central Kansas to put on a dance clinic.  At this clinic, girl scouts learn folk dances, waltzes, and various dance skills that help them achieve their dance try-it and dance badge.  This event is usually held in early Spring.  More information will be posted on the 2008 Girl Scout Clinic as information becomes available.  We are very excited to partner with such a wonderful organization to offer great opportunities for local and regional girls. 

The dance team also performs at the Kansas Spirit Spreader day clinic for high school cheer and dance teams.  The Blue & Gold dancers also participate in the Hyllningsfest Parade held every two years in Lindsborg, KS.

The Blue & Gold dance team performs in the Homecoming and Midnight Madness pep rallies.  The team also has the opportunity yearly to audition for the Bethany Homecoming Talent Show.  The team performs two Combo Routines with the Bethany Cheerleading squad at the beginning of the season during Alumni Sports Saturday/first official football game as well as an early season basketball game. 

Judging/Camps:
Bethany College Dance Team members and coach are available to judge your team’s tryouts or conduct private camps tailored to your team’s specific needs.  Contact Coach Tammy for more information.  howet@bethanylb.edu