Power Dancers

UT Dallas Power Dancers and Cheer team pose on the beach with their awards from competition.

Who We Are

The three-time national championship-winning Power Dancers are the official dance team of UT Dallas, proudly representing Comet spirit with energy and excellence.

Part of UTD Spirit Programs under Student Affairs’ Student Development unit, the Power Dancers began as a club team in the late 1990s and evolved into an officially recognized program in the early 2000s, alongside the cheerleaders and our mascot, Temoc.

The Power Dancers team is co-ed and includes up to 25 collegians. In 2024, UT Dallas began its transition to NCAA Division II, competing in the Lone Star Conference and marking a new era for Comet Athletics.

What We Do

The Power Dancers bring school spirit to life, performing at varsity athletic events, including volleyball and basketball, and making special appearances across campus throughout the year. Our dancers train in a variety of styles, including jazz, pom and hip-hop, ensuring they are well-rounded performers prepared for dance and athletic opportunities beyond college.

Power Dancers have built strong connections with local professional teams, leading to performance opportunities with the Texas Legends, Dallas Mavericks and at Dallas Cowboys games.

Beyond dance, our program fosters leadership, creativity and personal growth, giving students the chance to develop skills that extend far beyond the dance floor.

Competition

The Power Dancers have been a force in the competitive dance world since the early 2010s, consistently pushing the limits of creativity and athleticism. We compete at the National Dance Alliance (NDA) College Nationals in Daytona Beach, where we’ve made our mark on the national stage.

In 2023, we made history as Double National Champions, winning titles in the Team Performance and Spirit Rally Open categories. Our success continued in 2024, securing a back-to-back championship in Spirit Rally Open, proving our commitment to excellence.

Each year, we adapt our competition style to highlight the team’s strengths, embracing new challenges and innovative choreography. With a culture built on hard work, resilience and passion, the Power Dancers are dedicated to setting the bar higher every season. Our athletes train with intensity, embracing the competitive spirit that drives us to be among the best in the nation.

Get Recruited

Are you a 2025 graduating senior? We offer a hybrid recruitment system, meaning you can secure your spot through recruitment or attend our in-person tryouts in May. If you’re interested recruitment, you’re invited to learn about all the steps needed to start the process. 

Spring 2025 Clinics

Our spring clinics are open to high school ninth graders and up and are located at UT Dallas’ Recreation Center West.

February 9
noon-3 p.m.

March 1
10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Power Dancer Tryouts 2025-26

Camps and Practices

Both camps are mandatory.

  • UTD Pre-Camp, July 6-10
  • College Camp, July 11-13

Practice times:

  • Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 7-9:30 a.m

Practices consist of technique training, learning choreography and rehearsing for performances. Dancers also will be expected to workout throughout the week. In the spring, additional rehearsal days will be added to prepare for nationals in Daytona, Florida.

Perks & Support

UTD covers expenses for uniforms, equipment and practice wear, and travel costs for camps and competitions.

Spirit teams collaborate with UTD Athletics, providing our dancers with access to an athletic trainer for injury prevention, recovery and rehabilitation throughout the season. Trainers work diligently to ensure our spirit athletes stay healthy and return safely to the floor if injuries occur.

Priority enrollment is another perk of being a Power Dancer. After completing one full semester on the team, dancers receive early access to class registration, ensuring they get the best schedule possible.

awards & recognition

  • 2024 NDA National Champion Spirit Rally Open Winner
  • 2024 NDA Second Place DIII Team Performance 
  • 2024 ADTS First Place DIII Hip Hop
  • 2024 ADTS First Place DIII Team Performance 
  • 2023 NDA National Champion Team Performance Open Winner
  • 2023 NDA National Champion Spirit Rally Open Winner
  • 2023 ADTS 1st Place DIII Team Performance
  • 2023 ADTS 1st Place DIII Hip Hop 
  • 2023 ADTS 1st Place DIII Overall Champions 
  • 2022 NDA 2nd Place DIII Team Performance
  • 2022 NDA 2nd Place DIII Hip Hop 
  • 2022 ADTS 1st Place DII Hip Hop 
  • 2022 ADTS 2nd Place DII Team Performance
  • 2021 NDA 2nd Place DIII Team Performance 

What’s Next

Exciting things are on the horizon for Spirit Programs. In fall 2026, our new Student Union will be completed, featuring a dedicated dance and cheer space, along with a dedicated team locker room. We are incredibly fortunate to have a university that values and supports its spirit programs, recognizing the impact we make not only on campus but also in the surrounding community. This new space will enhance our training, performance and team experience, setting us up for even greater success in the years to come!