The Colorado Mesa University Dance Team is a division II varsity team that performs in jazz, pom, and hip-hop styles of dance. This program is a gameday program with an emphasis on preparation for students who want to dance on professional teams in the future. The Dance Team builds networking connections, provides upper-division credits, offers professional opportunities, and encourages individual and team critical thinking skills.
Athletics Events
The purpose of our program is to serve as leaders of school spirit, promote school pride, and create an exciting game day experience and home advantage while unifying students, faculty, alumni, and fans in support of Colorado Mesa University and athletic teams.
Camps, Clinics, and Fundraiser's
The Dance Team offers a variety of camps, clinics, and fundraisers throughout the year for prospective dancers and community members to attend! To view more information on the current events available click the get involved button below.
Travel Opportunities
The Dance Team offers travel opportunities for athletic events and state dance/cheer events. The Dance Team offers select members of the team the opportunity to attend Pro Action Dance Pro and College Intensive in Las Vegas, NV every summer.
Meet the 2023-2024 Team Roster:
Melody Watson, Senior, Exercise Science
Anna Cameron, Senior, Fitness and Health Promotion
Taja Koch, Senior, Mass Communication
Amy Macias, Senior, Hospitality Management
Lanae Coffey, Junior, Marketing
Dani Kremidas, Junior, Radiology
Elizabeth Harlan, Sophomore, Exercise Science
Emma Hamilton, Sophomore, Psychology and Dance
Sydney Stiles, Freshman, Pre-Nursing
Gracie DeJulio, Freshman, Pre-Nursing
Meet the Coaches
Shelbie Johnson, Head Coach
Coach Shelbie Johnson is a Colorado native who grew up in Parker, CO, competing at her dance studio and on her high school pom team. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles with a BA in Dance and Communications. After graduation, Shelbie worked as a Talent Agent specifically for dancers as well as worked on numerous professional dance jobs including cruise ships. Shelbie was a member of the Los Angeles Laker Girls for two years where she traveled internationally and was chosen to represent the team at the NBA All-Star Game.
Shelbie went on to coach a high school team in California and was the head coach for the dance team at California State University, Bakersfield. She moved to Grand Junction in 2021 with her husband, Jonathan, and two young boys, Easton and Tanner.
Shelbie started coaching the CMU Dance Team in 2023. The program has transitioned to be a gameday program with an emphasis on preparation for those team members who wish to dance on professional teams (NBA, NFL, etc) in the future. She looks forward to continuing to connect the Dance Team community in the Western Slope.
AnnaMarie O'Loughlin, Assistant Coach
AnnaMarie is from Aurora, CO where she grew up dancing at Millers Dance Studio competing in various competitions and conventions over 15 years. She attended Cherokee Trail High School and was on their dance team for two years. During her time at Cherokee Trail High School, her team placed second in the Game-Day category at the Universal Dance Association National Competition.
AnnaMarie decided to continue her education at Colorado Mesa University. While attending CMU, AnnaMarie was on the Dance Team for four years and was captain for two years as well as ran social media for the team. She was very involved on campus, working with CMU Marketing, Alumni Association, and The Criterion. AnnaMarie graduated with a BA in Mass Communications in 2023. After graduating she decided to stay and couldn't be happier to continue showing her Maverick Spirit through coaching.
Contact
For more information, contact Shelbie Johnson at [email protected].