Spirit & Performing Arts
Let Your Creativity Flourish at Iona
Iona’s Spirit & Performing Arts programs give students a platform to showcase their creativity, cultivate their passion for the arts and bolster school spirit.
Our performing arts program encourages students from all academic disciplines to get involved and sing, dance, act and play an instrument in one of our spirit and performing arts opportunities. Participating in one of our performance groups is a great opportunity to take a break from your educational responsibilities, explore your artistic interests and connect with your fellow students.
If you have a love for performing and wish to share your talents with the world, Iona’s Spirit & Performing Arts program is the place for you!
Round Out Your Student Experience with Performing Arts
In this video, Kelly Beyrer, director of Performing Arts, speaks to the bonds students form through pursuing their interests in performing arts. With new spaces on our Bronxville Campus, Iona continues to expand opportunities so that every student has a chance to get involved while pursuing their academic studies.
Unlock Your Performing Potential
Express Yourself
At Iona, you are free to be you. Joining one of our Spirit & Performing Arts organizations allows you to refine your skills, share your talents with the campus community and cultivate meaningful friendships during your college experience.
Enhance Your College Experience
Exploring your interests and participating in extracurricular activities is an important part of your time at college. By becoming an active member of one of our Spirit & Performing Arts groups, you will hone your craft and meet new people. Bonding with your classmates who share similar interests is an excellent way to cultivate lasting friendships that endure beyond your time at Iona.
Perform On and Off Campus
As an active member of our Spirit & Performing Arts groups, you have the exciting opportunity to perform at Iona events like Homecoming, Commencement and athletic events and compete in intercollegiate competitions, all while raising school spirit and making lasting memories.
With our idyllic location only 20 miles from New York City, Iona’s New Rochelle campus is just a train ride away from one of the premier performing arts capitals in the world, providing students with the opportunity to show off their talents at iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall or exciting events like the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
With Iona being such a close community, I can be involved in so much! Being involved on the Iona dance team really elevated my experience here.
-Ariana Rodriguez '24, Education major
Read More about Ariana
Iona’s Spirit & Performance Arts Groups
Iona Dance Team
Join the Iona University Dance Team to boost Gael spirit at sporting events and Homecoming, engage the community by performing at service and fundraising events and compete at the prestigious Universal Dance Association (UDA) College Nationals.
Iona Bailando Con Sazón
Bailando Con Sazón is the University's Latin dance club that aims to represents the Latinx culture through music and dance on campus.
Iona Student Dance Club
The Iona University Dance Club is a student-led community where dancers of all levels come together to share their love of movement.
Iona Step Team
The Iona University Step Team is a student-led performance group that brings rhythm, precision, and school spirit to life through the art of step.
Iona University Gold Line
The Iona University Gold Line is a HBCU-style dance team that promotes Gael Spirit on campus. Performing at events such Iona basketball games, Homecoming and the Black Student Union's Culture Show, the Gold Line brings the fire and the groove to Iona University Spirit & Performing Arts.
Iona Cheerleading
Join a dynamic and high-performing team dedicated to excellence, school spirit, and Gael pride. As a member of the Iona University Cheerleading team, you will develop your cheer, dance, and tumbling skills while energizing campus life, supporting Iona’s athletic programs, and upholding cherished traditions.
Our members are powerful, passionate, and purpose-driven leaders who unite the Iona community through spirit, determination, and sportsmanship. In addition to cheering at campus events and games, the team proudly represents Iona on the national stage at the Universal Cheer Association (UCA) College Nationals in Orlando, Florida—showcasing talent, commitment, and true Gael pride.
Iona Pep Band
Founded in 2015, the Iona Pep Band brings together student musicians from a wide range of musical backgrounds to create the energetic soundtrack of Gael Nation. Open to all students who play an instrument and read music, the ensemble plays a vital role in elevating school spirit and enhancing the game-day experience.
The Pep Band performs at all men’s and women’s home basketball games and appears at major campus events including Homecoming and Maroon Madness. Each March, members travel with the basketball teams to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament, representing Iona with pride and enthusiasm. In 2025, the Pep Band was selected to perform at the Intercollegiate Pep Band All-Stars Showcase at Disney World—further highlighting their talent, dedication, and growing national presence.
Iona Irish Dance
Iona Irish Dance is a dynamic and fast-growing program celebrating five years of formal recognition and its largest ensemble to date. Dancers perform at major campus events—including basketball games, Homecoming, the Iona Irish Cultural Celebration, and the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade—and represent Iona at intercollegiate competitions.
In 2024, the Iona Competition Team earned the Championship Title at the College Irish Dance Association Intercollegiate Irish Dance Festival, marking a historic first for the team founded in 2021.
The program offers two pathways: an inclusive Ensemble open to all students, and a select Competition Team that travels to CIDA-sanctioned events. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a beginner, Iona Irish Dance provides a welcoming community, exceptional performance opportunities, and a vibrant way to continue your Irish dance journey.
Iona Pipe Band
Founded in 1966, the Iona University Pipe Band is a powerful symbol of Gael pride and Celtic tradition. The band performs at major campus events—such as Homecoming and Commencement—and represents Iona across the tri-state area, including the iconic NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
With award-winning performances in 2019 and 2025, the Pipe Band continues to uphold its legacy of excellence. Open to both experienced musicians and beginners eager to learn, the program offers unmatched camaraderie, musicianship, and the chance to be part of one of Iona’s most cherished traditions.
Iona Players
The Iona Players is the university’s student theatre organization, offering opportunities for performers and technicians to create, collaborate, and grow. The group produces major stage productions—from classics like Cabaret to contemporary hits like Rent—all under professional direction and performed in venues across campus.
Since 2022, the Players have participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, earning multiple regional awards and recognition, including top musical theatre performer distinctions.
In addition to mainstage shows, the Players host cabarets, improv nights, one-acts, and student-directed projects throughout the year, ensuring continuous performance and creative opportunities. Whether you’re onstage or backstage, the Iona Players provide a welcoming, inspiring community for all who love theatre.
Iona Singers
The Iona Singers is the university’s show choir, performing at major campus events like Homecoming, Commencement, and March Madness, as well as in several concerts each year. Since 2022, the group has also performed as an opening act for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a highlight of their growing tradition. Open to students of all majors and musical backgrounds, the Singers offer a welcoming space to develop your voice, expand your musical expression, and share your talents with the Iona community.
Iona NightinGaels
Founded in 2023, the Iona NightinGaels are the university’s select a cappella group known for their rich harmonies and contemporary sound. As an elite ensemble within the Iona Singers program, they perform a wide variety of genres and bring dynamic energy to every stage. They have already worked with a cappella icon Deke Sharon and will perform at Walt Disney World in 2026. The NightinGaels offer talented vocalists an exciting, high-level musical experience rooted in artistry, collaboration, and community.
Killian the Gael
As a longstanding figure of Iona’s school spirit, Killian the Gael shows his support at campus celebrations, Iona games, community events and the MAAC & NCAA Basketball Tournaments.
Sing the National Anthem at an Iona Gaels Game
Iona students are invited to sing the national anthem at home basketball games.
To learn more about what we look for in applicants, the application process and performance attire, review the frequently asked questions prior to applying.
Audition Process
Students interested in dance, music, theatre and spirit opportunities through Iona’s performing arts program should review the audition process for further information. Please note that auditions are for grant consideration purposes only and do not affect your standing in the performing arts program of your choice.
Academic Programs in the Arts
Those interested in pursuing the arts in an academic context should consider adding a minor from our Arts & Languages Department.
Iona's arts programs include:
Connect with Iona Performing Arts on Social Media
Iona’s performing arts program provides students with exciting extracurricular opportunities, where they can travel, enter intercollegiate competitions and have a blast connecting with their fellow classmates.
Explore our performance art groups’ social media to see what our students have been up to:
Contact Us
Learn more about these opportunities and more by emailing us at performingarts@iona.edu.
Request Information
To learn more about performing arts at Iona, request information today.
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
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Our scenic campuses, located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, truly do offer the best of both worlds.
Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.
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If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 40%. Additionally, 99% of our first-year students receive institutional scholarships or grant aid.
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