About Us
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Penn State Lionettes Dance Team is to serve as an ambassador for Penn State, model a positive image, and promote spirit at athletic and charity events.
Objectives
The objectives for the Lionettes Dance Team are:
to provide team members with the opportunity to enhance their dance technique,
to provide a quality team experience in order to facilitate the development of usable, transferable life skills,
to offer team members the opportunity to experience the commitment necessary to maintain a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle, and
to offer team members the experience of serving their community so as to enhance their understanding of good citizenship.
History
The Penn State Lionettes Dance Team was founded over ten years ago as a kickline team. In 1995, the group became a club sport and current Dance Team Advisor Sue Sherburne joined the team in the spring of 1997. Since then, she and former Academic Advisor Don Ferrell have helped the team to gain campus-wide recognition at athletic and community events. Most notably, the two advisors helped the Lionettes to move from the stands of Beaver Stadium to the sidelines during the football game.
Contact Us
For more information about the Lionettes Dance Team, please contact Advisor Sue Sherburne at src122@psu.edu
News
2009-10 News
Nationals 2009
Congratulations to the 2009-2010 Penn State Lionettes Dance Team
Kailin Armeny, Katelyn Berardi, Nicole Bautz, Amanda Jo Canillo, Karley Chism, Alex Costello, Melissa Diehl, Jenna Dolce, Chelsea Dolchin, Caitlin Donnangelo, Amy Duray, Megan Ebmeyer, Monica Endy, JoAnn Esposito, Kristen Fedeli, Alyssa Guttendorf, Perri Hammershlag, Megan Highfill, Ashley Hinson, Caroline Molloy, Marisa Pollack, Natalie Sarver, Allie Scott, Nicole Symeonides, Joanie Vasiliadis, Kayla Weaver, Shannon Yuen, Erin Zoch
Members of the 2009-2010 team are asked to attend the team’s first meeting on Wednesday, April 29 at 5:00 p.m. in 113 White Building. If you are unable to attend, please email Sue at src122@psu.edu.
2008-09 News
2008 Nationals
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- With football season under their belt and basketball season already on the horizon, the Penn State Lionettes attention began to turn towards the NDA national dance competition. The girls compete every year in a two day competition down in Daytona, Florida. The Lionettes learned their routine in November which consists of a jazz, hip-hop, and pom section. This year the Lionettes were honored to have Laura Blank, a coach for the national winning Towson Dance Team, choreograph their routine. With a new routine the Lionettes were so excited to showcase their talent and hard work in April. After their preliminary performance the Lionettes learned that they had placed into finals and would be performing outside the Hilton Daytona at the band shell. After a great performance the Lionettes placed 11th. They were very proud of their efforts and spent the remaining time down in Florida soaking up the sun on the beach. They already look forward to competing again next year.
2008 Football Season
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- The Lionettes completed a very exciting football season this year. With the football team doing so well, they were able to perform in front of a great home crowd during the 3rd quarter of each home football game. They also performed at the Bryce Jordan Center two hours before kickoff. There they show a jazz dance and their crowd pleasing kick-line. Going out in front of 110,000 people is such a rush and the girls enjoy every second they are out there on the field rooting on their football team and getting the fans excited. A highlight this year would have to be the PSU vs. Illinois game. Seeing a stadium wide white out at night is a moment the girls will never forget. They now will be turning their attention to dancing at the basketball games as well as preparing for Nationals in April.
See the Photo Gallery Here
Lionettes help out at “Little Lionettes Camp
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- The Lionettes Dance Team takes part in the “Little Lionettes Camp” every summer. This past summer, the camp occurred on the weekend of July 26th. Girls from grades 6th to 12th attended this fun-filled weekend of dancing, socializing, and swimming! The girls each got paired with a roommate and slept in the East Halls on Friday and Saturday night. Tara Berardi, Caitlin Donnangelo, Katelyn Berardi, and Chelsea Dolchin were the counselors. Each counselor presided over 15 girls who they were responsible for to take attendance, do bed checks, and be available for the girls in any way that was needed. The girls were split into two groups by age and throughout the weekend, the counselors taught each group a jazz, kickline, and funk routine. The weekend also consisted of fun games such as the human knot and creating their own nametags to hang on their dorm rooms. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were also provided in the East Halls Dining Commons. The weekend was concluded with a performance. The girls’ families came to the Bryce Jordan Center to watch their children show all of their hard work and fun that they had over the course of the weekend! It is a wonderful time for young dancers to experience the type of dancing that is done by a college dance team, meet new friends, and overall have a wonderful camp experience!
See the Photo Gallery Here
Lionettes Return from Team Camp
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- The Lionettes have returned from a very successful NDA camp in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! Not only did they recieve a full-paid bid to Nationals in the Spring, but the team won 2nd place in the Team Dance Competition, recieved the Best Overall Team Award, and were honored with the Most Collegiate Team Award. Many individual awards were given out to members of the team as well! These include the “Top Gun Leaps” award to Erin Zoch, the “Top Gun Hip Hop” award to Meagan Ebmeyer, and All-American awards to Erin Zoch, Christina Leibert, Sydney Klein, and Ashley Hinson. Needless to say, the Lionettes have set themselves up for an amazing year.
2008-09 Penn State Lionnette Dance Team Announced
April 28, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-
Kailin Armeny (32) Nicole Bautz (10) Katleyn Berardi (18) Karley Chism (1) Amanda Jo Cannillo (27) Alex Costello (8) Jenny DiNardo (16) Chelsea Dolchin (26) Caitlin Donnangelo (17) Amy Duray (42) Megan Ebmeyer (12) Monica Endy (20) JoAnn Esposito (14) Kristen Fedeli (39) Alyssa Guttendorf (2) Ashley Herbick (3) Megan Highfill (36) Ashley Hinson (25) Kayla Kollman (21) Sydney Klein (29) Christina Liebert (15) Caroline Molloy (19) Marisa Pollock (37) Natalie Sarver (34) Allie Scott (22) Erin Zoch (11) **The first team meeting for the new team will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 5:00 p.m. in 113 White Building. If you are not able to attend the meeting, please email Sue Sherburne (src122@psu.edu) no later than Tuesday, April 29 at 5:00.
2007-08 News
Lionettes Dance Team Raises over $25,000 for THON
Feb., 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-
The Penn State Lionettes Dance Team raised $25,623.53 for the annual Penn State Dance Marathon this year. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world and raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund which benefits children with cancer. This year’s overall total reached $6.6 million. The Lionettes’ contribution was the highest total they have ever reached, and it earned them the position as the 8th highest fundraiser out of 176 independent organizations.
The Lionettes were represented by four seniors who stood on their feet for 46 hours. Mandy Poole, Alyssa Rumbaugh, Jolene Lusterman and Julie Berardi stayed strong throughout the weekend and were visited constantly by members of the team as well as friends and family who offered continuous support.
The Lionettes’ were lucky enough to have three-year-old Ashley Fazekas as their THON child for the second year in a row. Ashley and her family were present the whole weekend, keeping up the spirits of the four dancers and offering words of encouragement. “Seeing Ashley’s smiling face really helped pick me up when I was feeling exhausted,” said Jolene Lusterman. “The Fazekas were so appreciative and we all felt so lucky to have experienced the weekend together.” John and Elaine Fazekas were also present during family hour, a time during the last four hours of THON where families share their stories and struggles.
The Lionettes performed in the Athlete Pep rally on Saturday evening. They danced to “Time of Your Life” from the movie Dirty Dancing, and partnered up with the men’s ice hockey team. The pep rally was planned by the Lionettes’ very own senior Kelly Silvis who served as the Student Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) Entertainment Captain for the second year in a row. Also earning captain positions were senior Jessica Hartman and Sophomore Nicole Bautz for Merchandise, as well as sophomore Caitlin Donnangelo for Rules and Regulations. Jessica Hartman and Jolene Lusterman served as THON chairs for the Lionettes and kept the team up-to-date on THON news and events. Other team members joined THON committees such as morale, rules and regulations, operations and more in order to be even more involved.
2008 NDA Camp
This summer, the Penn State Lionettes went to a three day camp in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina hosted by NDA, the Nationals Dance Association. There, the girls received first place overall in the D1a division in the Team Dance competition, a single dance that is composed of Jazz, Hip Hop and Pom. With the first place award, the girls received a full paid bid to Nationals, in Daytona, Florida.
The girls also won the most Collegiate award, which is voted on by the other students from the other dance teams. This award means a lot to the girls because it has to do with their image, and the way they treat other schools.
Along with these two great awards, there were many girls who went out for All American and Top Gun solo awards. Julie Berardi, Tara Berardi, Sydney Klein, Mandy Poole and Erin Zoch all received an All American award. The Top Gun turning award went to Sydney Klein.
The girls had a great summer at camp and really worked as a team with nine new freshmen on the team. They felt accomplished and happy with their performance at camp and were ready for a great Penn State Football season!
Lionnettes at 2008 Nationals
With football season under their belt and basketball season already on the horizon, the Penn State Lionettes attention began to turn towards the NDA national dance competition. The girls compete every year in a two day competition down in Daytona, Florida. The Lionettes learned their routine in November which consists of a jazz, hip-hop, and pom section. This year the Lionettes were honored to have Laura Blank, a coach for the national winning Towson Dance Team, choreograph their routine. With a new routine the Lionettes were so excited to showcase their talent and hard work in April. After their preliminary performance the Lionettes learned that they had placed into finals and would be performing outside the Hilton Daytona at the band shell. After a great performance the Lionettes placed 11th. They were very proud of their efforts and spent the remaining time down in Florida soaking up the sun on the beach. They already look forward to competing again next year.
Senior Dance Team Members Travel to Temple
Nov. 10, 2007 By: Tara Berardi
This fall, the senior members of the Dance team had the privilege of traveling to the Penn State vs. Temple game the weekend of November 10th.
The seven seniors and advisor Sue Sherburne rode the bus with the traveling cheerleaders Friday and performed at a bar in Philadelphia that night.
“Performing for all of the Penn State alumni was such a fun experience. It’s great that anywhere you travel there are always people shouting WE ARE,” said team member Jolene Lusterman.
After dancing a routine choreographed by senior, Kelly Silvis, the girls joined the cheerleaders in getting the crowd excited for the game.
“It was fun chatting with the alumni at the bar and hearing their stories about Penn State from years ago,” said Julie Berardi.
After an eventful evening and a good night’s sleep at the hotel, the cheerleaders and dance team headed to the Penn State Pep Rally early Saturday morning, near Lincoln Financial Field. The dance team performed again for the lively crowd and then joined the cheerleaders and Blue Sapphire for some traditional Blue Band music.
After the pep rally, the team made their way over to the famous home of the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The most exciting part was being in a professional stadium. The Eagles Cheerleaders’ dressing room was incredible and the technology in the stadium was great,” said Mandy Poole.
The game ended with the Nittany Lions defeating the Owls 31-0 and the abundance of Penn State fans in the audience reflected that win.
After, a stop at an alumni cheerleader’s tailgate for some social time and excellent food, the dance team boarded the bus to make their way back to Happy Valley.
2007 Homecoming The Lionnettes helped Penn State celebrate another Homecoming season. Here was one team member’s account of her experience at Penn State homecoming:
My name is Amanda Jo and although I am a sophomore I am new this year to the Lionettes Dance Team. As for most schools, homecoming to Penn State is a HUGE deal… we go all out. This year with the Lionettes, our entire team learned five different dances that we would perform constantly while walking in the annual homecoming parade. The parade went all throughout campus and all the way down town as well. It was crazy! I absolutely loved homecoming though because it really just brought our huge school together, along with our dance team. We all got to dance together for the whole Penn State community. It was amazing and I can’t wait to do it again next year.
2006-07 News
Senior members represent the Lionettes Dance Team in THON 2007
Feb. 18, 2007
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-
Members of the Lionettes Dance Team participated in Penn State’s Dance Marathon (THON) from Friday, February 16th through Sunday, February 18th. Representing the Dance Team in the 46-hour marathon were Ashley Bradford, Nicole Corrao, Gina Oliva, and Kylie Runtas.
The Dance Team’s participation in THON continues to grow each year, and the girls were proud to be involved in a variety of committees, such as Entertainment, Finance, Morale, Operations, Rules & Regulations, and Special Events. Two members also held captain positions: Kylie Runtas (Rules & Regulations Captain) and Kelly Silvis (Entertainment Captain/Pep Rally Coordinator).
This year the Dance Team had the honor of sponsoring a Four Diamonds Family. Ashley Fazekas was welcomed into the Lionettes’ family and has officially earned the title of “Our Favorite Lil’ Lionette.” Ashley, 2-years-old, served as an inspiration to the team throughout the past year, and her presence at THON gave the dancers the energy and motivation to keep dancing! The team plans to keep in touch with the Fazekas family throughout the year, especially when Ashley turns 3-years-old in April!
“I had such an incredible weekend as a dancer in THON,” said Ashley Bradford, who danced in THON. “For all 46 hours, I was surrounded by constant support, enthusiasm, and love from my teammates, my friends, my moralers, and my family, so that I could make it through the weekend for the kids. Our THON child, Ashley, was there all weekend, and just to see her happy and content despite her illness was enough to keep me on my feet and dancing. Raising over $5 million for the kids and persevering for the 46 hours of THON was an experience I will always carry with me.”
For many of the Lionettes, this was their first experience at THON. Caitlin Donnangelo, a freshman on the team, said “There is only one word to describe my first THON….amazing. I had seen THON before because my sister went to Penn State, and I was blown away then. This year, actually being a part of it and knowing I was a part of making that $5.2 million possible is the best feeling in the world. I can’t wait until next year!”
$5,240,385.17 was raised for the Four Diamonds Fund, and the Lionettes were proud to contribute more than $12,000. The Dance Team would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of THON 2007, and say congratulations to our four dancers!
Lionettes Attend Summer Camp in Myrtle Beach
Aug. 21, 2007
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-
Last week, the Penn State Lionettes Dance Team held a pre-camp in State College. The team learned jazz, funk, kickline, and pom routines, in preparation for the upcoming football season. Three days later, the team traveled to Myrtle Beach to attend the National Dance Alliance (NDA) camp. While at camp, the Lionettes learned jazz, funk, and pom routines as well as attended technique classes. The team also learned a preliminary competition routine, encompassing the areas of jazz, funk, and pom. The Lionettes competed with this routine on the final day of camp, and earned fourth place among the other Division I teams in attendance, as well as earned a bid to Nationals in Daytona, Fla. The Lionettes Dance Team were also voted the “Most Collegiate Team” by other participating dance teams. In addition to the team’s success, Julie Berardi, a junior and third-year member of the Lionettes Dance Team, was named “All-American” at camp. She also received the “Top Gun Leaps” award, for her outstanding technique and leap sequences. Congratulations, Julie!.
2007 Lionettes Place in the Top 10 at National Competition
April 8, 2006
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-
The Lionettes Dance Team recently participated in the 2007 NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship, which was held April 4-8 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Competing in Dance Division 1A at the NDA Collegiate Dance Championship, Penn State finished ninth out of 21 teams. The theme of this year’s nationals routine was “Candy,” which included a variety of songs such as “Candy Man” by Christina Aguilera, “Yummy” by Gwen Stefani, and “Delicious” by Fergie. In keeping with the theme, the team wore hot pink and white tops that resembled peppermint candy. In addition to the upbeat and energetic routine that highlighted the teams’ skill and uniformity, the costumes and overall theme made the Lionettes stand out among the leading dance teams in the nation. Jenna Pribicko, a senior captain on the team, says “Our entire team worked very hard in preparation for nationals to create a clean and technically sound routine. Our hard work paid off with a dance everyone was proud of. As a self-run team, it’s a great accomplishment for the Penn State Lionettes to place in the top 10 at this national competition.” Among the competing teams were Brigham Young University and the University of Louisville, who tied for first with a score of 9.07, Rutgers University, North Carolina State University, Clemson University, Ohio State University, Virginia Tech and Miami University. This is the third year in a row that the Lionettes Dance Team has placed in the top 10.
See the Photo Gallery Here
Lionettes Earn a Paid Bid to Nationals
Dec. 1, 2006
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-
The Lionettes Dance Team recently submitted a tape of one of their jazz, funk, and pom routines, as well as technique, to the NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance staff for review. The purpose of submitting the tape was to receive a paid bid to the 2007 NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship to be held April 4-8 in Daytona Beach, Florida. A paid bid means that the team would receive five (5) free rooms for four (4) nights at no charge at the national competition. This week, the NCA/NDA staff announced that the Lionettes Dance Team earned a paid bid to the competition. In addition, the Lionettes tied for fourth place with Miami University of Ohio in Division IA, with a final score of 9.35.
Lionettes Perform During Homecoming Weekend
Oct. 20, 2006
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-
On Friday, October 20, 2006 the Lionettes Dance Team participated in the Homecoming Parade. The team performed seven dances, including funk, pom, and kickline routines. After the parade, the team performed in the Pep Rally at Old Main. Then, the Lionettes danced to Penn State fight songs at the Lion Shrine.
On Saturday, the Lionettes performed a kickline and jazz routine at the TailGreat. Then, they performed at the football game, where the Nittany Lions defeated Illinois in a 26-12 victory.
Lionettes Travel to Notre Dame
Sept. 10, 2006
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-
Last weekend, junior and senior members of the Penn State Lionettes Dance Team traveled to South Bend, IN for the Penn State vs. Notre Dame football game. On Friday, the Lionettes performed a dance routine at the House of Blues in Chicago, IL, a private party for Penn State fans and alumni. The Lionettes also joined the cheerleaders and the Nittany Lion in several Penn State chants. On Saturday, the Lionettes, cheerleaders, and the Nittany Lion traveled from Chicago to South Bend on a “Spirit Train,” full of Penn State fans. The group went from box car to box car performing a short pep rally, with pom routines and Penn State fight songs. Once the train arrived at Notre Dame, the Lionettes attended a Pep Rally, where they performed a pom and funk routine. Then, the Lionettes attended the football game, where they cheered on the team from the sidelines.
Dance Team Alumna Named 2006 Miss Pennsylvania
July 1, 2006
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-
Emily Wills, a former member of the Lionettes Dance Team, won the 2006 Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, July 1, 2006 in Nazareth, PA. During the upcoming here, she will represent the state of Pennsylvania and compete in the Miss America competition. Emily has as her platform, “Fostering America’s Promise: Every Child Matters.” Emily is the second member of the Lionettes Dance Team to receive this honor. Alumna Autumn Marisa was crowned Miss Pennsylvania in 2002.
2005-06 News
Penn State Lionettes are named ‘Most Collegiate’
Aug. 30, 2005
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-
This past August, the Penn State Lionettes held a pre-camp in State College for a few days, and then attended the National Dance Alliance (NDA) camp in Myrtle Beach. The team learned several routines at camp, as well as a preliminary competition routine. The Lionettes competed with this dance at camp, and earned second place among the other Division I teams in attendance. The Lionettes were also voted the “Most Collegiate Team” by other participating dance teams, and received the “Teamwork Award,” from the NDA staff. The awards were based on teamwork, spirit, friendliness, and the all-around talent that was displayed throughout the week. Danielle Mimnaugh, senior captain of the dance team, Gina Oliva, a junior, and Sydney Klein, a freshman, voluntarily competed for the title of “All-American”. Each team member was required to do a sequence of five leaps and a combination of turns, which were judged on technique and presentation. In addition, the girls competing were taught a short routine in a matter of fifteen minutes that was performed in front of the judges. Not only did these three girls do a wonderful job in representing the team, but they made the Lionettes extremely proud when Danielle, Gina, and Sydney were among the girls to be named “All-American” dancers at the entire camp!
