Club Spotlight: Dance Team

In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs. 

To suggest a club for a future Royal News article, to share ideas or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu or ava.aversa@scranton.edu.

GET INVOLVED 

Club: The University of Scranton Dance Team 

Meet: Ava Pappalardo '25, an occupational therapy major from Massapequa, Long Island is the President of the Dance Team.  

Connect: @uofsdanceteam or ava.pappalardo@scranton.edu  

 By: Ava Aversa, student correspondent 

Q: When did you join the dance team? And why? 

I joined the dance team during my freshman year in the fall of 2021. Even before coming to the University, I made it a priority to find a dance team to audition for, knowing I couldn’t imagine my college experience without dance. Dance has been such a powerful passion of mine, and I was determined to keep pursuing it through my years in college. I also joined the team with the hope of finding a close-knit, supportive group of women who I could lean on during challenging times. Luckily enough, I found exactly what I was looking for.

Q: Tell us about your experience going to Universal Dance Association (UDA) College Nationals in January 2025?  

UDA Nationals has been an unforgettable journey, from the preparation and travel to the performances. It taught me invaluable lessons in responsibility, especially as I had the honor of leading a team of 16 incredible women down the coast to Florida, where we capped it off with an amazing achievement. We placed 14th in the nation in the Open Jazz category; a remarkable feat for a student-run team. I couldn’t be more proud of every single girl on the team for their commitment, hard work and dedication. Achievements like this are never the result of one person, but a true product of collaboration and teamwork. I truly thank all teammates, family members, and school advisors for helping us get there.

Q: What is your favorite part of being on the team? 

I have many different favorites, first being the discovery of my lifelong best friends. All 18 of us have such a strong connection and friendship. The support is unwavering and truly mutual, not to mention the unconditional love we have for each other. Secondly, as club president, I have learned to navigate challenges and to celebrate so many successes. It has been an honor to watch the team grow and flourish each year as we make giant strides towards being a nationally recognized dance team. I feel so lucky to be a part of Scranton Dance Team history. 

Q: Why would you recommend someone join the team? 

It's a fantastic opportunity to develop your leadership skills, as running the team is a highly collaborative effort. Our executive board works tirelessly to ensure we meet all of our goals, stay on track throughout the season, and get everything done efficiently. Being a part of the dance team is also a great way to get involved on campus while keeping your passion for dance alive. All the girls on our team have been dancing for much of their lives and can’t imagine college without it. Plus, it’s an exciting way to show your true Scranton spirit and cheer on all of our athletic teams! If you’re looking to make meaningful connections while supporting the University, this is the club sport for you! 

Q: When and where can someone attend tryouts? 

Tryouts are typically during the first or second week of the fall semester in September. This is a three-day process held in the Byron Center here on campus. We usually announce the official dates of tryouts at the very end of the summer in the middle of August.