When I was applying to colleges, dance team was the last thing on my mind. I obviously wanted to continue dancing in college, but it was not my main focus when finding a school.

In fact, I didn't start looking into dance teams until I was already accepted to schools and I had decided to go to Fordham. I was somewhat disappointed when I found out that the team at Fordham was small and classified as a club sport instead of varsity. But entering my second year on the team and my first year as a captain of the team, I find that being a club sport has many benefits that I would not have reaped being on a varsity dance team at another school.

Dance teams at big state schools have very full schedules with practice and classes, as well as the obligation to travel with the teams to away games. While this does sound inviting to me, as I am used to a busy schedule and I really enjoy being a part of the school's athletic community, our club team status is really a blessing in disguise.

Having time to do work in college is crucial and it is much less stressful to finish work and study for exams when there is spare time to do so. We are able to manage our own schedule as a team and plan realistically as full time students. This also leaves time to have a social life with friends who are not on the team, as well as time to do other activities on campus. I am able to be a more well rounded student and member of the school because we are a club team.

Our main focus as a team is to be members of the spirit squad at home games for the football and basketball teams. Not having to worry about other responsibilities like competing and going to games during holiday breaks makes joining the team more appealing to me as a student.

Game days are an unforgettable experience and I am so glad to have been a part of them last year. There is nothing like running onto the football field or basketball court in front of a large crowd of Fordham fans and performing a dance in the bright maroon uniforms. Though I do not go to the Rose Hill Campus of Fordham, I still feel connected with the school and the spirit of athletics because I am a member of the dance team.

If you are a dancer who is looking at colleges, do not be turned off by the fact that a school has a club dance team. The benefits are plentiful and you are able to experience the school from another perspective without the strenuous schedule. Club dance teams are a great way to get involved at school, and I am so glad that I decided to join the Fordham University Dance Team.