By The Keystone Newspaper Performances are ongoing.
By Kori Kistler
The KU Dance Team had its first performance of the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 12, as the KU football team had its first home game against Clarion.
Photo Credit: Ally Marasco
The dancers began preparing for their season debut on Aug. 23 and practiced four days a week until game day. During these practices, choreographers Alex LeBlanc and Kylie Rios prepared the KU Dance Team for band dances, halftime dance and sideline chants.
Alongside the KU Marching Unit and Cheer Team, the dancers paraded throughout South campus and performed in front of Dixon Marketplace. From there, the organizations marched to the Rec Center where they performed a similar routine in front of the Alumni Tailgate on the patio.
Photo Credit: Ally Marasco
Following this, the band and Dance Team lined up on the football field for their coordinated pregame show, which included songs such as “Eat Em Up,” “Go Bears, Go,” and “Jai Ho.” At the conclusion of the first quarter, the Dance Team performed its routine to “Fuego” by Pitbull, and at halftime, the girls danced to “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott.
Photo Credit: Ally Marasco
For a section of the team, including Cadi Fannock, Haley Taylor, Jordan Seward, Josephine Perez, Katelyn Norbeck, Kenya Breakenridge, Kori Kistler, Maille McNicholas, Mikayla Sames, Molly Jablonowski, Morgan Perno and Paige McLean, it was their first time performing at a KU football game.
Photo Credit: Ally Marasco
The KU Dance Team’s next performance will be Saturday, Sept. 19, where they will cheer on the KU Men’s Soccer team. As always, the team will make an appearance at all home football games this semester.
To stay updated with the KU Dance Team, follow them on Instagram at @kudanceteam.