Iona University Dance Team

Iona Dance Team in sync, performing the same dance move at the MAAC.

An Iona University Dance Team member performs with pom-poms, bringing dance and Gael spirit to Iona’s athletic community.

Join the Iona University Dance Team to boost Gael spirit at athletic events, energize major campus celebrations, and compete at the prestigious UDA College Nationals. As the official dance team under Iona University Performing Arts, the group is a cornerstone of school spirit and community engagement.  

Members perform at men’s and women’s basketball games, the MAAC Tournament, Homecoming, Maroon Madness, and service-oriented events across Westchester. Since 2023, the team has represented Iona as a national competitor at UDA Nationals in Orlando, Florida. 

Highlights

Iona Dance Team member cheering and holding her right pom-pom in the air.

An Iona University dancer showcasing performance skills the Dance Team brings to national competition.

Dance Team Participation and Performances

  • UDA Nationals — Orlando, Florida
  • All home basketball games
  • MAAC Basketball Tournament
  • Gaels Gates & Pregame Receptions
  • Maroon Madness
  • Homecoming Spirit Exhibition
  • Relay for Life
  • Open House (Fall)
  • Accepted Students Day (Spring)
  • Community service events: Breast Cancer Walk, IonaTHON
  • Hospitality Supper, and more

Participate in Fundraising and Community Service

  • Breast Cancer Walk
  • IonaTHON
  • Relay for Life
  • Hospitality Supper
  • Other on campus and off campus community collaborations
     
The dance team at nationals.

Iona University Dance Team members rally support for the Gaels, combining spirited performance with their enthusiasm for Iona athletics.

Practices

The dance team practices three times a week:

  • Tuesdays: 7 – 10 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
  • Sundays: 4 - 8 p.m.

Additional practices may be required before performances.

Times are subject to change.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Dance Team members should attain the necessary athletic skills, team oriented and have school spirit. Members must be dedicated to representing the school and their team in a professional manner. Being a part of the Dance Team is a rewarding and fun experience, but also comes with commitment to ALL practices, games, performances, and monthly team bonding and community service events.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Contact

Head Coach: Emily Schwartz

Email: performingarts@iona.edu

Iona Dance Team smiling and posing for a group photo outside.

Iona University’s Dance Team brings dancers together to build Gael spirit through athletic performances, campus celebrations and community engagement.

The Iona Dance Team posing for a group photo at an event in the Mulcahy Gymnasium.

From Homecoming to Maroon Madness, the Iona University Dance Team helps energize campus traditions through dance and school spirit.

Dance team members huddling together for a group photo after the Iona Men's Basketball Game in the Mulcahy Gymnasium.

Teamwork supports every performance as Iona dancers represent the Gaels at men’s and women’s basketball games and the MAAC Tournament.

Dance Team Members taking a group photo in front of the Gaels logo inside the Mulcahy Gymnasium.

Alongside its campus performances, the Iona University Dance Team represents the university at UDA College Nationals in Orlando, Florida.

All student clubs & organizations are open and welcome to all Iona students.

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Aurora Alday 
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Major: Nursing 
Year: Sophomore

Sophia Luna

Sophia Luna 
Hometown: Nesconset, NY 
Major: Psychology 
Year: Freshman

Alisiana Santana

Alisiana Santana 
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island 
Major: Criminal Justice 
Year: Freshman

Juliana Crisafulli

Juliana Crisafulli 
Hometown: Albany, New York 
Major: Marketing 
Year: Sophomore

Daniella DeMarco

Daniella DeMarco 
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY 
Major: Speech and Language Pathology 
Year: Freshman

Isabella Cianciaruso

Isabella Cianciaruso 
Hometown: Staten Island, New York 
Major: Criminal Justice 
Year: Junior

Ava Fusco

Ava Fusco 
Hometown: Staten Island, NY 
Major: Biology: Pre-Med 
Year: Sophomore

Ava Pepe

Ava Pepe 
Hometown: Oceanside, NY 
Major: Marketing 
Year: Sophomore

Windermy Rosario

Windermy Rosario 
Hometown: Bronx, NY 
Major: Business Administration 
Year: Sophomore

Gianna Civitano

Gianna Civitano 
Hometown: Staten Island, New York 
Major: Health & Wellness 
Year: Sophomore

Mia Castellano

Mia Castellano 
Hometown: Staten Island, NY 
Major: Childhood Education 
Year: Freshman

Meaghan Shea

Meaghan Shea 
Hometown: Staten Island, New York 
Major: Psychology 
Year: Freshman

Ava Smith

Ava Smith 
Hometown: Barnegat, NJ 
Major: Psychology 
Year: Freshman

Isabella Cianci

Isabella Cianci 
Hometown: Long Island, New York 
Major: Childhood Education 
Year: Freshman

Mia Campos

Mia Campos 
Hometown: Queens, New York 
Major: Psychology 
Year: Junior

Gianna Sidoti

Gianna Sidoti 
Hometown: Seaford, New York 
Major: Childhood Education 
Year: Freshman

Gianna Puleo

Gianna Puleo 
Hometown: Staten Island, New York 
Major: Early Childhood Education 
Year: Junior

Sabrina Spagnuolo

Sabrina Spagnuolo 
Hometown: Staten Island, New York 
Major: Criminal Justice 
Year: Freshman

Kaylin Greeley

Kaylin Greeley 
Hometown: Scotia, NY 
Major: Nursing 
Year: Freshman

Alexandra Calabrese

Alexandra Calabrese 
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York 
Major: Speech Language Pathology 
Year: Senior

Iva Franeta

Iva Franeta 
Hometown: Whitestone, NY 
Major: Early Childhood Education 
Year: Junior

Sophia Lopez

Sophia Lopez 
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY 
Major: Media & Communications 
Year: Sophomore

Alexa Reich

Alexa Reich 
Hometown: Staten Island, New York 
Major: Psychology 
Year: Freshman

Rebecca Manzolillo

Rebecca Manzolillo 
Hometown: Farmingville, NY 
Major: Psychology 
Year: Junior

Cameron Caie

Cameron Caie 
Hometown: Port Chester, NY 
Major: Media and Strategic Communications 
Year: Sophomore

Julianna Meditz

Julianna Meditz 
Hometown: Glendale, New York 
Major: Speech Language Pathology 
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View all Performing Arts Clubs Groups

All student clubs & organizations are open and welcome to all Iona students.