The prodigy blog

Entry #1: What are recruiters looking for?

When dancers step into a college recruiting event, they’re often focused on perfecting their technique, hitting every mark, and impressing with their skills. But what are college dance team recruiters really looking for? To get some insights, we spoke with a few recruiters who attended our Nashville event to understand what catches their attention and makes a lasting impression.

Character & Coachability

One of the first things our interviewees mentioned was a dancer’s character and coachability. They’re looking for dancers who will be able to grow with their perspective teams, are open to receiving coaching feedback, have versatility, and are a team player. Dancers who come in with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn leave a strong impression. Coaches are able to help you learn the skill you’ll need, but a positive attitude and work ethic are not something that can be taught.

Strong Technique with Versatility

While personality is key, recruiters also look closely at technical skills. They’re looking for strong dance fundamentals: clean lines, body awareness and control. These are qualities that will help you with every style. Recruiters emphasized that versatility and adaptability is also a big plus. Dancers who are able to go from jazz to pom, hip-hop to lyrical. Dancers who showcase a variety of styles can often find themselves in higher demand, as many college teams have a broad repertoire that covers multiple genres.

Team Spirit & Energy

There’s also an important element that’s harder to describe: energy. Dancers shouldn’t just perform their moves perfectly, they should be performing with their entire being. Having that sort of energy can help inspire an entire team. Many recruiters look for dancers who bring both individual presence and team-minded energy.

Confidence without Ego

Recruiters also shared that confidence, without arrogance, is a winning trait. You want to look like you are meant to be performing, but you don’t want to let arrogance impact your teammates. It’s important to find a balance: be confident in your skills but humble in your approach. Recruiters often appreciate dancers who come across as friendly and approachable during meet-and-greet moments.

Reliability & Commitment

Finally, recruiters emphasized the importance of reliability.  Many programs have high expectations for practice, performances, and even community service. When dancers express a genuine passion for the demands of a college dance team, it stands out.  It’s vital that you’re ready to dedicate your time and energy to a team!

In the end, dance team recruiters look at the complete package: skill, adaptability, and a positive, team-oriented spirit. Dancers who come with technique and heart—and who are ready to show who they are as people—are those who often make a lasting impact.