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What are the Responsibilities of the Pink Panthers?

When you become a member of the EIU Pink Panther Dance Team, you become part of a valuable and rich tradition that began over 40 years ago. The main focus and purpose of the EIU Pink Panther Dance Team is to support the athletes at Eastern Illinois University, specifically football and men's and women's basketball. The team's role and responsibility is to pump up and engage the game day audience with sidelines, timeouts, and half time performances.

Our energy is contagious and is highly appreciated by the athletes we support. The role of an EIU Pink Panther requires a higher and more serious sense of responsibility and respect. You not only represent yourself, but also your team, the athletes, the Athletic Department, Eastern Illinois University, and the State of Illinois. As a visible ambassador for EIU, you will need to conduct yourself in a manner that reflects a positive and respectful young individual proud to serve their state, school, athletic teams, coach, and the Pink Panther dance team.

It is extremely important for the Pink Panther team to function as a cohesive group. This means discipline, communication, commitment, and dedication. It is through hard work and focus on improvement that each individual team member believes that their improvements helps the team to improve. Every practice and every performance/event is mandatory. Being skilled, talented, and cooperative are only a part of the total EIU Pink Panther commitment.

Fees:

Fees to participate on the team are $450 which covers one EIU camp & UDA camp at University Wisconsin-Milwaukee & transportation. Payment is due at the time of announcement at auditions unless other arrangements have been discussed with the coach.

Fall Course Enrollment:

Pink Panther team members will enroll for MUS 0202 - Panther Marching Band for Fall Semester to earn one credit hour towards graduation.

Academics:

Team members also need to focus on their academics so their classroom achievements compliment and support their EIU academic journey. Additionally, Pink Panthers are required to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA , full time EIU student status, attend all classes, and do well in their course work by obtaining a C or better grades.

Practices & Training/Conditioning:

The Pink Panthers practice every Monday through Friday afternoon typically 4-6:15pm during football and basketball season. Additional practices are scheduled as necessary.

Pink Panthers continue their dance training and conditioning during the summer with camps in June, July, and August, during the year to avoid injury and maintain/enhance skills and technique. Several different types of music and dance genres are performed throughout the year. A healthy lifestyle is supported and encouraged in order to have a great Pink Panther Dance Team experience through weekly conditioning and nutrition awareness.

Community Involvement:

In addition to performing at all home football and basketball games, Increasingly the EIU Pink Panther Dance Team is asked to be present and attend several athletic fundraisers, community events, and campus projects.

Community service and outreach are integral part of the team for financial support and awareness of the EIU Pink Panther Dance Team program.

Serving as an ambassasor for EIU and the Pink Panther Tradition is a priveledge and responsibility where every team member is held accountable. The above conditioning and training is reflected in all that you do to represent EIU and the Pink Panther Tradition.