2025-26 Southeast Missouri Sundancers
About Us
The SEMO Sundancers are the premier Division I dance team for the Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks. The team performs at all home football and men’s and women’s basketball games while representing the university through community appearances, youth clinics and special events.
The Sundancers are a performance-driven and competitive program focused on excellence both on and off the field/court. The team emphasizes strong technique, performance quality, athleticism and leadership development while fostering a culture rooted in accountability, respect and a true sense of belonging.
The program is actively preparing for its return to the national competitive stage this season, continuing a tradition of growth and high achievement.
Participation in the Sundancers College Dance Team Prep Clinic is a great first step toward dancing at the Division I level. Clinics provide dancers with choreography, technical instruction, audition preparation and the opportunity to connect with current team members and the Head Coach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you practice?
The team practices Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00–9:00 p.m., with required Wednesday morning strength and conditioning sessions led by our strength and conditioning coach.
What are the expectations for being on this team?
All expectations are mandatory and include:
• Attendance at all practices
• Completion of assigned fitness requirements
• Attendance at all home football and basketball games
• Attendance at break games
• Attendance at Ohio Valley Conference Tournament games
• Attendance at assigned or requested appearances
• Participation in all competitive events
Commitment, discipline, and time management are essential to success on this team.
How many girls are on the team?
The team roster typically consists of 12–18 dancers.
Are practices mandatory?
Yes. All practices are mandatory.
Where do you perform?
The Sundancers perform at all home football and men’s and women’s basketball games. Beyond game day, the team represents Southeast Missouri State University at select campus events, athletic functions, community appearances and special engagements throughout the academic year, serving as ambassadors for the university and its athletic programs.
Do you compete?
The Sundancers last competed at DTU College Nationals in 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they were crowned Hip Hop Division I National Champions. The program is preparing to return to the national stage this season. In addition, the team attends ProAction Dance Convention each summer in Las Vegas, Nevada, where two to four representatives are selected to participate in advanced choreography and performance training alongside professional dancers from the NBA, NFL, NHL and leading collegiate programs nationwide.
Do you accept video auditions?
The Sundancers utilize a multi-step audition process. Dancers must attend one of the designated audition clinics to learn required material before submitting a preliminary video audition. Finalists are selected from the video round and invited to an in-person final audition. Attendance at finals is mandatory for all invited candidates. Detailed timelines and audition materials are released each season.
What should I wear to auditions?
Candidates should wear a team-colored dance top (red, black, white, or gray), preferably a fitted crop top or sports bra style. Rhinestones are permitted but not required. A black dance brief is preferred; however, dancers may modify with dance pants or a fitted tank if desired. All candidates must present “gameday ready,” including full hair and makeup. Hair should be worn down and styled. Jewelry is limited to one pair of stud earrings and a wedding or engagement band, if applicable. No additional jewelry is permitted. All visible piercings must be removed, and tattoos must be covered.
What elements are required at auditions?
Audition material will include pom, jazz, and hip hop combinations, as well as required technical skills performed either in a choreographed sequence or individually.
Who is eligible to audition?
Incoming and current collegiate freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to audition. Transfer students, including those transferring from community colleges, are also welcome to audition.
What qualities are you looking for in a Sundancer?
We look for strong technical dancers who are coachable, disciplined and committed to growth. Performance quality, work ethic and the ability to represent the university with professionalism are essential. Team members are expected to demonstrate leadership, accountability and a positive attitude both on and off the field/court.
Do I get to travel to away games?
The Sundancers are invited to select away games based on university scheduling and athletic department approval.
Are there summer commitments?
Yes. Summer obligations include mandatory collegiate camp, appearances and scheduled workshops.
Is the program fully funded?
The Sundancers program receives institutional support through Southeast Missouri State University Athletics; however, it is not fully funded. Financial expectations vary by season based on team needs, travel, and training opportunities. Dues and/or fundraising requirements may apply. The program works to keep costs manageable. Financial concerns should not prevent a qualified dancer from auditioning, and individual circumstances may be discussed with the Head Coach.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. Team members are eligible for semester-based scholarships through Southeast Missouri State University Athletics. Award amounts vary by season and roster size.
What are the academic requirements?
Team members must complete at least 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher.
Additional questions and concerns may be directed to Coach Katherine Hart at kahart@semo.edu
A Cape Girardeau native, Katherine Hart brings extensive dance and leadership experience to the SEMO Sundancers. A former senior captain of the Cape Central Tiger Dancers, she continued her dance career at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) with “Mississippi: The Dance Company,” before spending five seasons as a professional cheerleader with the New Orleans Saints “Saintsations.” During her time with the organization, she served as Team Captain from 2019–2020 and was also a two-time Line Leader.
After returning to Cape Girardeau in 2022, Hart assumed the role of Head Coach in 2023 and has since focused on elevating the program both on and off the field/court. Under her leadership, the Sundancers emphasize technical excellence, performance quality and leadership development, while fostering a culture rooted in accountability, respect and a true sense of belonging.
Hart is committed to building a competitive, high-achieving spirit team, while continuing to expand youth clinics and community outreach, strengthening the legacy of the SEMO Sundancers and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
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