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You may have seen the Gold Duster Dance team perform during basketball games, during both the men and women’s games. However, the team has a underrated, long-standing track record of success and national achievement under their belts. On multiple occasions, the Gold Dusters shined a national spotlight back home here in Charlotte.
The team currently consists of 18 dancers, including 8 freshman and 3 sophomores.
“Being a Gold Duster is something I’m extremely proud of because of the commitment I make to myself and my team is very rewarding,” said junior Laura Bebo, a member of the team; Bebo has performed with the team for two years.
For over a decade, the Gold Dusters consistently competed in the National Cheerleader’s Association (NCA) and National Dance Association (NDA)’s Championship competition in Dance Division I.
Between 1994 and 2001, they consistently walked away from the event at 4th place or better. In that time period, they won first place twice, most recently in April 2001. Last year, they claimed 3rd place.
This past April, they claimed fifth place against eighteen other nationally ranked, Division I schools, with a score of 8.752 under Coach Jennifer Floyd. The finals in the championship require the dancers to perform a maximum 2:15 time, involving jazz, pom, and hip-hop styles in their routine.
“On a national level, we compete and get honored by NDA,” said Bebo. “That is the only national recognition we get. At nationals, UNC Charlotte has a reputation of being one of the top teams. When we go, we are one of the teams to beat. We come ready to win the national title.”
They are currently coached by Danielle Terrell. Under Terrell, the women practice three nights a week, multiple workouts, and two games a week.
Terrell is a recent addition to the Gold Duster team, as the team had a coaching staff change at the beginning of the year.
Despite their long list of successes at a national level, readily available information on the team is difficult to find. A Google search provides an interested party with side references for a bigger piece on another subject or small news blurbs about these achievements. They aren’t even technically considered athletics at all, though they work closely with the athletics department and still “feel the love,” according to Bebo. “As far as recognition from UNC Charlotte, we don’t get much,” said Bebo. “As dancers, we understand that we aren’t technically a sport.”
However, despite the lack of a title, the girls must work very hard on the team, and they just started practicing their competitive routine.
“The time commitment of being on the dance team is probably the hardest part, because as a college student, you know how tight money can be. I work every night that I am not dancing. Luckily, I have found a place that will work with my schedule to continue doing the things I love,” said Bebo.
However, it’s still worth it. “Being on the dance team keeps me involved. I feel like I am a part of something greater; Niner Nation. Being able to represent my university every week on the court is exciting. I don’t make baskets or score any points, but being able to go on the court and dance for a sold out arena can raise the hair on the back of your neck,” Bebo said. “The real appreciation comes from the students. UNCC Fans are definitely the best to cheer along with. As the Gold Duster program continues to grow, we hope the love and support for us does as well.”
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