Program Overview

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The University of Maine Dance Team is a part of the Black Bear Marching Band, and provides pregame,
halftime and stands entertainment during home football games. As a member of the Black Bear Marching Band, you will belong to one of the most visible organizations at the University of Maine, performing for thousands of fans throughout the season.

During the spring semester, team members provide pregame, halftime and stand entertainment during home men’s and women’s basketball games.

Those selected for the competition team will have the opportunity to compete at the NDA Collegiate National Championship in April 2026.

TIME COMMITMENT

The time commitment required to be on the team is extensive, but well worth it! The following approximates the kind of commitment you can expect through the different seasons, but keep in mind this is only an approximation.

Please note: The dates and events below are not a complete list of events for the team. Below is an example of what one season would look like.

SPRING/SUMMER (MAY-AUGUST)

  •  Practice
    • There are no scheduled practices, but it is highly recommended that all team members continue to dance throughout the summer.
  • NDA Summer Camp
    • August 3rd-5th, 2025 – Held at Bryant University. A 2-day overnight camp where we work with NDA instructors learning choreography and work on technique/skills.
  • Band Camp
    • August 23rd-August 30th – Held at the University of Maine, one week prior to school beginning. We learn 90% of all routines for the season during this one-week camp. This is a very strenuous week, and members must be ready to handle this level of activity.

FALL (SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER)

  • Practice
    • Tuesday: 4:30-6:00pm
    • Thursday: 3:30-4:50pm
    • Friday: 4:00-5:20pm
    • NOTE: Additional Saturday practices WILL be scheduled 1-2 times a month for team members
      who are selected for our competition team.
  • Performance
    • All home football games and special events (parades, marching band shows, additional campus events, etc.)

WINTER (JANUARY-MARCH)

  • Practice
    • Tuesday: 4:30-6:00pm & Thursday: 3:30-4:50pm (game day dancers only)
    • Friday: 4:00-6:00pm (competition dancers only)
    • NOTE: Additional Saturday practices WILL be scheduled 1-2 times a month for team members who are selected for our competition team.
  • Performance
    • Basketball Games: January/February: 1-3/week; March: 1-5 performances total
      • Potential travel opportunities may arise if either basketball team make the America East
        Playoff and if either team make the NCAA Tournament.
    • Nationals Send Off for Parents & Friends (March/April) (competition dancers only)