The Penn State Lionettes Dance Team was originally founded as a kickline team before becoming a club sport at the University in 1995. In 1997, Sue Sherburne became the dance team advisor, and along with former academic advisor Don Ferrell, helped the team to gain campus-wide recognition at athletics and community events. Most notably, the two advisors helped the Lionettes move from the stands of Beaver Stadium to the sidelines during football games. Sherburne also led the Lionettes to three consecutive National Championships from 2012-14 at NDA Nationals.

The Lionettes were student run and a club team until 2015 when Julie Berardi, a former Lionette and nationals choreographer for the team herself, became the first coach of the Lionettes. Berardi coached the team from 2015-21 where she oversaw the team’s move from competing at NDA Nationals to UDA Nationals in 2018.

Today, the Lionettes are continuing to hold the tradition of the famous Lionette kickline at performances while also proudly representing Penn State at UDA Nationals under the coaching of Jackie Hovis and guidance of spirit coordinator Curtis White.

Thank you for your interest in being a Penn State Lionette!

For the 2027-2028 team we will be doing a hybrid of recruitment videos and an open in-person audition. To start the process please fill out the attached form here!!! The recruitment video process will happen prior to the in-person audition and is required for our auditions this year. There will be approximately 3 different video audition rounds which are listed later in this document. Rounds may be added if needed. There will be cuts made between each round.. You must receive a letter of acceptance from the school in order to be on the team and to attend the in-person audition. You may start the video process without the letter, but it will be needed when the offers are sent out in March. The sooner you apply the sooner you get the response! Applications begin as soon as August 1st.

If you received an automatic finalist pass at one of our clinics or recruiting events you will need to fill out the form attached here! You will not need to take part in the tryout process until the in-person round!

There are many ways to support the Penn State Dance program!

Follow us on social media!

Donate to our Excellence Fund! Any amount helps! To donate to the Lionettes Excellence Fund, click here. 

Join the Booster Club or support one of their events like the annual Golf Tournament! Learn more about out booster club here!