The RedStepper Dance Team is an integral part of the IU Marching Hundred. Since 1972, the team has added an element of sparkle to the band’s performances. The team focuses on many styles of dance, including jazz, pom, and hip hop, and has a tradition of executing a beautiful kick-line during each halftime performance. Members are actively involved in IU’s football game day experience. RedSteppers dance on the field as a spirit team during football games and perform with the band during halftime. Furthermore, the RedSteppers bring spirit performances to several events including IU basketball, soccer, volleyball, and other community events.
For the 2025-2026 season, there is a change to our current audition only model. We will now have 2 pathways for becoming a RedStepper.
Pathway 1: Dancer is offered a direct spot on the 2025-2026 team
Pathway 2: Dancer is invited to in person auditions and is then selected for the 2025-2026 team
REQUIREMENTS:
- Attend one or more of our 2024/2025 clinics. Summer Clinic is June 22. Fall clinic TBD. Winter Clinic TBD.
- Submit a Recruitment video
- Apply to IU by November 1. Decisions will be released January 15, official spots on the team can be offered after this date.
In Person Audition Date:
March 9, 2025
To be considered for in person auditions on March 8, please submit your videos by February 22, 2024.
However, the earlier you send in videos, the sooner you could be given an opportunity to be recruited to the team without a required in person audition.
RedStepper Expectations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A5soGAbzY4IJQjpNVymJJgz6gHtBwJWFs_pTKg340Ak/edit?usp=sharing
2025-2026 Recruitment/Audition Form Due by February 22, 2025
Important Dates:
November 1, 2024: Deadline to Apply to IU
January 15, 2025: IU decisions sent out
February 22, 2025: Video Form Due
February 28, 2025: In Person Audition Invitations Emailed Out
March 9, 2025: In Person Auditions
Mandatory Skills for Tryouts
Turns
-Right side triple
-Right side quad or more
-2 different turn combos: 2-8 count Advanced Turn Combinations showing a variety of second turns but must include changing spot turns and floats.
Leaps
-Right switch jete
-Right or left swith tilt
-Right or left switch arabesque
-Right center leap (open second leap)
-Turning Disc
-Right firebird
-Toe Touch
Flexibility
-Right and left splits
-Right Leg Hold Extension. Hold to the front for 8, hold to the side for 8.
-Left Leg Hold Extension. Hold to the front for 8, hold to the side for 8
-Right Tilt Extension
-Left Tilt Extension
Required Acro:
-Headspring
-Kip Up
-Aerial (show both sides if you have it)
Optional Skills:
-Front Aerial
-Rubberband
-Switch Center
-Any other flexibility features