Come Dance for an award-winning program!
Elmhurst Bears Dance Team is for 6-8th grade athletes (those who will be 6-8th grade in the fall of 2026). The Elmhurst Bears will likely expand its program after the 2026/2027 season to include younger grades/ages.
Elmhurst Bears Dance Team partners with the award-winning York High School Dance Team. All teams practice on indoor competition floors/mats throughout the season.
Elmhurst Bears dance program gives athletes the opportunity to compete locally in Pop Warner’s National Cheer and Dance Competitions.
All Elmhurst Bears Dance Coaches are certified through Pop Warner. Together with Youth Cheer and Dance Alliance (YCADA), all coaches must take online educational courses, so they are properly trained on cheer skills and coaching. All coaches must also pass a background check.
As a proud member of Pop Warner Little Scholars, the dance program also focuses on academics requiring our athletes to excel in the classroom before permitting them to participate on the field
Practices, Games & Performances
Practices begin on August 1 -- one day per week for 2 hours to accommodate dancers who train at studios.
Exact dates will be communicated by June. Once assigned, all practice schedules will remain consistent throughout the season.
All dance teams will participate in at least 4 home games, doing half-time performances. Sideline dances will be up to individual teams/coaches. The schedule is created by Pop Warner and the first few games will be available mid-August. Our home games take place at Plunkett Field in Elmhurst.
All dance teams get to participate at the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day parade starting in 2027.
Competitions
Registration and Uniforms
Dance Team: $450 per athlete
The Registration Fee Covers
Consistent practice rental space on competition floors/mats.
Insurance
Uniform rental
Elmhurst Bears Warm up Jacket (all teams)
Homecoming t-shirt (all teams)
Elmhurst Bears practice wear, including shorts and tank (all teams)
Game day and competition bow
Pink bow to help recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (all teams)
Music and copyrights for competition
All competition fee
Parents are responsible to provide tan jazz show and tan tights for competition; TBD shoes for half-time performances.
*Uniform is required to be returned in as is condition at the end of season. All other items will be your athletes to keep
**Your athlete will be issued one Rental Competition Uniform to be returned at the end of the season.
Fundraising
The Elmhurst Bears organization has 3 big fundraisers a year. Parents and athletes are asked to participate.