EMMITSBURG, Md. (November 13, 2023) – Mount St. Mary's University has announced the addition of a varsity level dance program. This new enterprise will unveil its first squad in the 2024-25 academic year.
 
Formerly competing as a club sports program, the dance team will provide pep and pride at men's and women's basketball games, providing an improved game-day atmosphere for spectators. The team will also become an important component for major university events, such as Admissions Open Houses.
 
In addition to announcing the program, the Mount has hired Tara Bowman to be its first coach.
 
Bowman brings to Emmitsburg 30 years of experience at The Dance Works in Hanover, Pennsylvania. In this capacity, she has worked with youths aged 2-19 in a variety of genres including tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and baton twirling. Athletes under Bowman's tutelage have performed in competitions across the United States, on cruise liners, and for television programs including Law & Order.
 
"I am honored to have accepted the position of Mount St. Mary's University head dance coach." Bowman said. "By passing on my passion, love of dance, work ethic, and integrity to the athletes I will work with, my goal is to inspire them to continue performing and competing while pursuing their educational goals within an inclusive environment."
 
Bowman and the Mount are placing a strong emphasis on recruitment and program expansion. The program's aim is to recruit 40 students to the Mount over the next four years, while creating a competitive and gameday program.
 
"We are thrilled to name Tara our first-ever varsity dance coach," said Director of Athletics Brad Davis. "I want to thank the search committee led by Assistant Athletic Director Natalia Woods for their hard work and working fast to identify a deep pool of talented candidates. I am excited to see Tara's leadership to recruit and develop a new varsity dance program while enhancing our gameday atmosphere starting next year."
 
Prospective student-athletes interested in joining the dance program for next fall can fill out a recruiting form by clicking here.