About the Team
What is Unbound Dance Team?
We are a student organization, sponsored by the SGA, at the University of Maryland. We specialize in all styles of dance, including contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, heels, modern, musical theatre, and more! We perform in showcases both on campus and off as well as UMD basketball half time shows. We share talents in technique, choreographing, and performing, but most of all, a passion for dance.
When was Unbound Dance Team founded?
Our team was founded in 2004. Founder and former President, Juli Lawless, missed practicing and performing with her high school dance team, so she organized a group of girls who shared the same love of dance.
When does Unbound Dance Team practice?
We practice every week on Monday and Wednesday nights at Eppley Recreation Center. The full team rehearsals are from 8:15-10:15 pm with additional opportunities to dance before/after. Additional rehearsals are sometimes held in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
What are the requirements to be on Unbound Dance Team?
To be a member of Unbound Dance team, it is required to participate in the large group jazz piece and large group contemporary piece each semester. Both pieces will perform in the semester showcase, and the jazz piece will perform at the UMD Basketball Halftime Show Performance. In addition, team members are expected to attend practices each week along with fundraising events we hold each semester!
What are the additional opportunities Unbound Dance Team offers?
Unbound Dance team has many additional opportunities to dance and choreograph before/after required practices. Any team member may propose to choreograph their own piece and team members can join these small group pieces which will be performed at our semester showcase. In addition, the large group contemporary piece is often a collaborative effort where team members can volunteer to be apart of the choreographic process. Besides on-campus dance opportunities, Unbound Dance Team makes an effort to provide additional team opportunities to dance at local studios in D.C. and surrounding areas.
Where does Unbound Dance Team perform?
We perform in many showcases and events both on and off campus. In the fall, we perform during our own Semester Showcase and a UMD Basketball Halftime Show Performance. In the spring we perform in our Semester Showcase and any additional events. These various additional performances include philanthropy events, TerpThon, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC, a fundraising event at the Navy Stadium, and Relay for Life.
What else does Unbound Dance Team do?
We take pride in being a close-knit and tightly bonded team. We organize numerous events outside of practices and showcases, such as bonding nights, fundraisers, parties, banquets, photoshoots, dinners, and other fun activities. We believe in fostering not only our love for dance, but strong friendships that will last a lifetime!
Audition Information
Who qualifies to audition for Unbound Dance Team?
Any undergraduate student at the University of Maryland is eligible to audition for our team.
When are auditions held?
We hold auditions at the beginning of each Fall and Spring Semester. These auditions are usually announced prior to the start of the semester. Be sure to check our Instagram and Events page on our website for the exact date, time and location.
What should I wear to auditions?
Most dancers dress as if they were attending a jazz or contemporary class. Wear clothing you are comfortable to dance in, but not too baggy as to get in the way of your movement. There is no specific shoe requirement, but most dancers wear jazz shoes, turners, socks, or go barefoot.
What do auditions consist of?
Dancers will be led through a guided warm-up followed by across-the-floor. During across-the-floor, we will ask for various skills such as leaps, jumps, and turns in addition to artistic movement. We will then teach a short jazz combination that will be later performed in small groups and evaluated by our executive board. Following the small group jazz combination, dancers will be asked a few questions about themselves so we can get to know those auditioning better!
What skills should I be practicing before auditions?
In the audition, you may be asked for any of the following skills: Front Leaps (Right and Left), Side Leaps (Right and Left), Calypso (Right and Left), Fouetté Turns, Double/Triple Pirouettes, Toe Touch, and any additional special tricks. Most team members can also pick up choreography quickly, have a nice quality of movement and general flexibility, and are versatile dancers. Although those auditioning are not required to have all of these skills, we look for potential and willingness to learn!
How do I get more information about auditions?
Audition information will be sent out via email, so be sure to fill out the Contact Form on our website or visit us at the First Look Fair this September to demonstrate your interest in auditioning! Please refer back to our website and check out our Instagram for audition updates and/or changes.