DU’s men’s lacrosse team wasn’t the only team showcasing its skills at Sports Authority Field this on May 16.

The DU Club Dance team performed on its biggest stage to date in front of about 13,000 fans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High during halftime of the lacrosse team’s quarterfinal win.

“It was a lot of fun, and a great opportunity, especially with lacrosse having an awesome fan base,” said Claire Basil, a senior accounting major from Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Basil has danced all four years at DU and began dancing when she was three years old. “It was an opportunity that not a lot of teams get.”

Aside from the gig in Broncos territory, the Pioneers have danced at more than 30 varsity events this year, as well as at some club sports games, like those of the rugby team. In addition to three practices a week, DU dancers also perform at least one event per week during the school year. They create all of their own choreography as well.

“There are some very talented dancers. Most have been dancing their entire life. I think with a lot of club sports, people get into them when they’re in college, but all of our dancers have previous experience,” said Basil. 

Though the team does not partake in competitions, that doesn’t mean they’re taking it easy.  

“Everyone is very dedicated,” Basil said. “It’s different from other club sports, because everything is mandatory. Practices are mandatory. Games are mandatory. It’s a big time commitment, and it’s good thing everyone gets along so well.” 

This past year, the team volunteered at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado each quarter. The team danced for patients and also did arts and crafts. 

Community involvement doesn’t stop there. The dance squad has also danced in front of local high schools for college recruiting purposes, as well as in front of primary and secondary schools around the area. 

According to Basil, the scheduling differences between DU’s quarter system and other schools’ semester systems have made it hard to compete against other schools. This, along with involvement in multiple other activities by team members makes it difficult to compete. Basil noted the team may look to take part in competitions in the next few years.