University of Kentucky Dance Team

• Vote for senior Randi Bishop for Sideline Spirit Champ

Congratulations to the 2008-2009 University of Kentucky Varsity and JV Dance Teams. After final tryouts this past weekend, April 19th, both teams ended up with 18 talented dancers.

The University of Kentucky Dance Team, formerly known as the UK Pom Squad, changed its name in 2003 to better represent its purpose and acknowledgement of the team's talents. The team had been success over the past several years when competing at their college national championship in Las Vegas, NV. At the 2005 USA Nationals, the team took home their first ever National Championship. The 2006 Nationals saw the squad bring home second, and the 2007 and 2008 teams received 3rd. The girls have been ranked ninth (2003) and sixth (2004) by the Universal Dance Association. In the 2004 United Spirit Association collegiate dance nationals, the squad was ranked first overall in the nation, ending up third in their division.

Academics are taken seriously by the team. A recent squad had a team GPA of 3.5, even participating in a local community schools CATS pep rally they have to get the kids excited about CATS educational testing. The UK Dance Team also likes to be actively involved in Central Kentucky area doing community service events to raise money for charities and also makes appearances at events that are fundraisers as well, as to give back as much as possible to the community. They have recently participated the following two fundraising events: Dance Blue on campus, and the Barnstable-Brown event in Louisville, KY.

The University of Kentucky Dance Team has several roles at UK. Besides competition, the team performs at all home UK basketball games and home football games. During these games, they are real spirit leaders cheering on the sidelines and dancing on the floor at halftime. The squad also makes special performances at certain away events. The team travels to the SEC basketball tournament every year and takes part in pep rallies and halftime dances. In 1998, they performed at the Final Four in San Antonio. For the football teams' bowl appearances in January, 1999, and December, 1999, the Pom Squad performed at numerous events in Tampa Bay, Florida (1999 Outback Bowl) and in Nashville, Tennessee for the Music City Bowl, in 1999, 2006, and 2007.

2008 3rd Place at Dance Nationals

2007 3rd Place at Dance Nationals

2006 Runner-Up at Dance Nationals	2005 Dance National Champions
Former Dance Team members Kelly McCabe and Rachel Francis on the cover of Southeastern Football Saturdays Weekly magazine.	Coach Cathy Agent Coyle named to the Who's Who of Outstanding Directors by Dance Director's Survival Guide 2003 magazine.