The Cougarettes of Brigham Young University have long been associated with the pageantry and tradition of BYU intercollegiate athletics. First established in 1946, the Cougarettes boast an alumni of thousands, who have helped to make the Cougarettes what they are today. In the year 2000, they joined forces with the cheer squad, promoting spirit and dancing during home games.

The Cougarettes are categorized as a precision dance team, but in fact the scope and breadth of their focus is deeper and much more varied. The Cougarettes are fluid in jazz, funk, lyrical, character, high kick, and military. Dancers are required to have knowledge and practical abilities in ballet, modern, and jazz technique. They must also maintain their growth and progression in each of these areas while they are members of the Cougarette performing team.

The Cougarettes are the 2010 National Collegiate Dance Team Champions. They were also awarded the title of Grand Champions, with the highest score overall. They also won the award for Best Choreography. They have been named as one of the top 25 Collegiate Dance Teams in the Nation in “Dance Spirit” magazine. The Cougarettes were National Collegiate Dance Team Champions in 2007, 2006, 2005, 2001, 1999, 1998, 1997, after winning the NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Team Championships. Eight titles as well as three top four finishes have made the Cougarettes truly a team to watch. They are credited with raising the level of competitive collegiate dance teams to a new and respected level. They were also USA (United Spirit Association) National Champions in 2005 and 2006.

The Cougarettes are recognized as having a high level of technical excellence and advanced level of difficulty from the dancers and within the choreography that they present. Becoming a member of the Cougarette dance team is very competitive as anywhere from 100 to 150 hopeful applicants audition each year. Interested dancers come from across the country to audition for a spot on the team of 16 dancers. The Cougarettes must be in peak physical form and possess a wholesome appearance with an incredible sense of stage presence. Energy, excitement, and professionalism are all synonymous with the BYU Cougarettes. Former and present Cougarettes have held the title of Miss Drill and Dance Team USA and royalty and many have gone on to teach highly successful and competitive dance teams of their own. Former Cougarettes have also been hired as performers for Walt Disney Co. (National and International), Universal Studios, Opryland, various cruise lines, Broadway and touring productions, Professional Dance Companies, as well as National Basketball Association (NBA) dancers. The Cougarettes were performers at various live sites and venues throughout the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

The mission of the Cougarettes is to provide the very best high quality halftimes and dance performances all while maintaining the standards, spiritual focus, and atmosphere of Brigham Young University and the LDS Church.

• Covey Center for the Arts
  425 West Center Street Provo, Utah 84601 -4337 (801) 852-7007
  February 17, 18, 19, 2011 Thursday Friday Saturday 2/17/2011 18, 19th
• BYU Cougarettes Dance Team