Golduster Dance team
More than just dancers, our team consists of hard working individuals in a variety of majors who come together to share their passion for dance. Founded in 1980, The Golduster Dance Team practices 5 days a week in the fall with the “All-American” Marching Band and practices twice a week during the spring semester.
The 2026-2027 Purdue Golduster Dance Team auditions consist of a first round, video submission audition and then from there, individuals will be invited to Audition Finals on campus.
Your prelim submission video should consist of the following, IN THIS ORDER…
- Name introduction, University status & PR question
- State your first & last name, then your academic status with the university followed by a short answer to the question, “Why do you want to be a member of the Golduster Dance Team?”
- For example, “My name is ___, I have been admitted to Purdue University and have accepted my admittance. I want to be a part of the Golduster Dance Team because ____.”
- Please be in camera view from the waist up (headshot format) & answer the question as if giving a 20 second “elevator pitch.”
- State your first & last name, then your academic status with the university followed by a short answer to the question, “Why do you want to be a member of the Golduster Dance Team?”
- Demo of Technique:
- Right, Left (straight on) & Center Splits (face the side)
- Leg Hold Turn of choice (inside or outside-right, left or both) *showcase any & all*
- Right Quad (or more if possible) Turn/Pirouette (straight on)
- Right & Left Split Leaps (facing right & left)
- Right Calypso Leap (facing right)
- Right Turning Disc (straight on)
- Right Switch Arabesque (straight on)
- Left Switch Arabesque (straight on)
- 4 counts of 8 Turn Combo of choice (straight on)
- Aerial of choice (right, left or front) *showcase any & all*
- Any additional trick may be showcased after above list* (ie. Headspring, Kip Up, Rubberband, etc.)
- Demo of Choreography Combo:
- Teaching video: *LINK posted on 3/2*
- Music link: *LINK posted on 3/2*
- Demo w/ music: *LINK posted on 3/2*
- 8 counts 8 of your own Jazz Choreography/Improv:
- Your time to demonstrate any personal tricks or skills that showcase your personality & your abilities the best
- Attire for video: Any form fitting & solid colored workout/dance attire, ie. leggings, biker shorts, sports bra, crop top. Just no loose or baggy clothing that could obscure your quality of movement.
Your video submission must be in the format of an unlisted YouTube video! Please be sure to film your videos where you have adequate lighting & space to fully execute all skills/routine. Your video should be filmed horizontally & not vertically. You may cut & edit between technique skills and segments, but you should NOT edit multiple takes of the combo together, it needs to be one full run. Your video submission needs to be emailed to coach Natalie at hess85@purdue.edu. Please label your video as: your first name, last initial, underscore, title of the video & the year. For example: NatalieH_PrelimAudition2026. Have the label of your video as the email subject line as well. Make sure the email address you submit your video from is one that you use & have access to, as that email is what will be used to notify finalists. Videos MUST be submitted by March 13, 2026, at 5:00pm eastern time! No late submissions will be accepted. Please reach out to coach Natalie if you have any questions!
2026 Golduster Auditions Timeline
4/18/26: In person, Final Audition Day!
2/15/26 & 3/1/26: Audition Clinics
3/2/26: Video Audition links posted to website
3/13/26: Deadline for all Video Submissions
3/20/26: Finalist notified & invited to in-person, Final Auditions on 4/18/26
4/13/26: Audition Day video sent to Finalists
The Goldusters perform all home football games and select other sporting events such as men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, soccer, and wrestling. The Goldusters also perform at various university and community events throughout the year. As part of the “All-American” Marching Band, The Goldusters have many performances on home football game days including “Thrill on the Hill,” dancing sidelines during the games, and performing with the band during the halftime show.
The Goldusters perform many styles from pom, to hip-hop and jazz. Team members work together with the student leadership team to create high-energy routines that fit a variety of music, from live music performed by the band to popular songs.