The Sugar Bears aren’t just about dancing—they’re about balancing a crazy schedule of performances and practices, all while keeping academics as a priority.
For the Sugar Bears, dance is a passion, but education always comes first. The team’s motto centers around being student athletes. “We’re here to get an education and a degree, where dance is kind of like that second thing,” Fourth-year dancer Haley Mortimer said. “You still want to dance and have love for it, but it’s not as hardcore as it would be if we weren’t students.”
The Sugar Bears’ commitment to excellence was on full display this season as they performed at mens and womens basketball games. Although the men’s basketball team fell just short of making it to March Madness, the Sugar Bears helped keep the crowd energized and engaged, performing to the beat of every game.
“It was stressful, but it was fun,” said dancer Jordyn Cordova. “We’ve been doing basketball since October, and it was definitely one to remember.”
The season was full of ups and downs, but the Sugar Bears were there every step of the way, cheering on the team while showcasing their own incredible talent. They weren’t just performing—they were representing Â鶹´«Ă˝.
But being a Sugar Bear is about more than just dancing at basketball games. After the basketball season wrapped up, the team switched gears to focus on the future. They hosted an open gym for dancers to come in, showcase their skills and prepare for the upcoming tryouts.
The final official tryout clinic was the last chance for dancers to get ready before the official tryouts. This gave potential members a chance to get a feel for the team’s atmosphere and expectations.
“We encourage anyone who’s passionate about dancing to try out.” dancer Nevaeh Garcia said.
As the team begins to shift gears towards the next season, there’s a sense of excitement. The Sugar Bears are looking ahead with a focus on continuing to represent Â鶹´«Ă˝ with pride, and demonstrating the core values of commitment, teamwork, and balance. They’re not just a dance team—they’re a family.
The Sugar Bears embody the spirit of Â鶹´«Ă˝â€”determined, dedicated, and ready to make an impact. They’ve shown that being a student-athlete doesn’t mean you have to choose between your studies and your passions. The Sugar Bears prove that with hard work, dedication and a love for what they do, you can excel in both.
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