The Westernettes Danceteam is the Division I collegiate dance team for Western Illinois University. During the fall, we are part of the Marching Leathernecks, where we perform at all home football games and with the marching band in parades, half-time shows, side-lines, and the Marching Band Classic. During the winter months, we are part of the WIU Pep Band and perform at all home men's and women's basketball games, which can include travelling and performing at the nationally televised Summit League Basketball Tournament in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The team's foremost purpose is to support Leatherneck Athletics, enhancing game excitement and crowd involvement. If you would like to know more information about the team please feel free to browse our website or contact us by clicking the tab.

Contact Us

To contact the Westernettes Danceteam, please see below:

Matt Thomas, Ph.D.
Associate Director of Bands
Western Illinois University
Phone: (309) 298-1505

Upcoming Events

Westernettes Danceteam Video Tryouts?

Due to the virus situation impacting all university activities, we have had to change the WIU Dance Team tryout format. We are now accepting video tryouts. Each video should be submitted separately.

Video Tryout Requirements:

Short introduction of yourself and why you would like to be a Westernette.

Routine mastered (videos below)

Teach

Counts

Music with routine

Techniques

• Double turn (or more)
• Leaps (right/left/center)

WIU Westernettes Danceline Danceline Roster 2019-2020?

Captain: Hannah Morris

Dancer: Erica Williams

Dancer: Olivia Canania

Dancer: Tyra Pope

Dancer: Roselyn Wright

Dancer: Liz McCarthy

Dancer: Mollie Kephart

Dancer: Madelyn Garrot

Dancer: Veronica Sisusa

Dancer: Mackenzie Ebert

Dancer: Shelby trego

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it take to be a Westernette?

Tryouts for the year will be held in the Spring and each member must tryout again every year. Participants will be taught certain technical skills, a sideline, and a dance to perform.

Is prior dance experience required??

Previous dance experience is not required. However, squad members must be able to perform jazz, pom, and hip-hop technique and flexibility skills. See tryout tab for more information on technique requirements.

What is the practice schedule like??

During the fall season, the danceline rehearses with the marching band, which meets on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:15-6:15. In the winter season, the team practices two days a week for 1.5 - 2 hours. Extra rehearsals may be added depending on the situation.

What additional costs are there to be a member of the squad??

Each member is responsible for purchasing their own shoes, tights, undergarments, accessories, and warm-ups. Freshman dancers usually have final payments of $200 for all of their supplies. These supplies will be reused from season to season. Dancers must also pay the tuition/fees for the marching band course in the fall (1 credit hour), which helps to pay for travel expenses throughout the season.

Who does the squad's choreography??

The captain and co-captain make up most of the dances, though outside sources may help at times.

For more questions click the "Contact Us" tab!

Game Time

What to see us perform??

The Westernettes Danceteam perform at every home football/basketball game held at Western Illinois Univeristy.

Show your WIU spirit and come see the Westernettes Danceteam!

FOOTBALL Schedule

MEN'S BASKETBALL Schedule

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Schedule