Inductees
Missouri State Sugar Bears
Think the Missouri State Sugar Bears dance team can call a timeout in the middle of a routine? Not. At. All.
“There are no second chances when it comes to performance sports,” said Emily Dryden, the current Sugar Bears head coach. “You don’t get another try to grab a rebound, a heavy hitter doesn’t step up the plate, and a second half doesn’t exist for a comeback. Every dancer has to be perfectly in sync with the others, right on time, in the exact spot, all while making it look easy: smiling, facial expressions, energy coming out of every limb.”
They have been among the best at it collegiately for years, and their success is why the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame proudly inducted Missouri State Sugar Bears with the Class of 2021.
The Sugar Bears annually have proven to be among the top-ranked teams nationally, earning top three rankings by the Universal Dance Association.
They’ve received paid bids to the University Dance Association (UDA) College National Championships in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. They have placed in the Top 10 for the past 25 years.
At the UCA/UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships in 2020, the Sugar Bears were eighth in Division I Jazz and sixth in Division I Game Day a year after placing 10th in Division I Jazz, ninth in Division I Pom and seventh in Division I Game Day.
However, that’s only part of their inspiring story, which includes a self-governing strategy, serious workouts, laser-focused routines and supporting MSU Athletics and local charities, too.
Notably, the 2021 calendar marks the Sugar Bears’ 45th anniversary. They began in 1976 when a group of women students noticed a gap in activity opportunities. They didn’t have the tumbling skills that were required of cheerleaders but had dance training and experience. Among them was Elaine Dull, who had been a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders and sensed MSU could add this type of spirit program to the game-day experience.
Encouraged by the Dean of Women, Judy Geisler, to hold an audition, the Sugar Bears danced their first football game with nine team members.
The Sugar Bears now consist of 16 members annually, all who audition in front of a panel of former Sugar Bears.
Through the years, the Sugar Bears have developed their own routines – and are among the most athletic students on campus. At least 20 Sugar Bears have gone on to professional careers, either in the National Football League, National Basketball Association or film and theater.
“Dance teams live in the unique spot where culture, art, and athleticism intersect,” Dryden explained. “Culture comes into play when choosing music, uniforms, costumes and dance styles. Art comes into play with movement, balance of formations, classical training, and overall aesthetics.
“But then you add the sport piece,” Dryden added. “The athleticism of a collegiate dancer cannot be compared to that of any other sport. The strength, flexibility and stamina it takes to perform competitive routines is unmatched. They have to be strong enough to lift each other, quick and agile when moving from one position to the next, flexible enough to kick their foot above their head, balance well enough to spin like a top, and have a vertical jump that allows enough time for their legs to split.”
The Sugar Bears practice 10 hours a week, working on everything from flexibility to game routines (three routines for a football game, a halftime basketball performance), short dances for sideline routines, chants and prepare for nationals.
Overall, the Sugar Bears schedule 50 performances year, beginning with Freshman Convocation in August and ending in March Madness. When they were part of the Pride Band, they performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Monday Night Football in Denver, Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center in Florida, the Orange Bowl parade and marching band festivals in Spain.
They’ve also helped local high school dance teams by hosting the Sugar Bears Invitational since 2003, ensuring those teams meet a MSHSAA requirement in order to compete at the state meet.
The Sugar Bears also have supported Champions Committed to Kids, kids at Mercy Hospital, clean-up efforts after the 2011 Joplin tornado, Children’s Miracle Network, Habitat for Humanity, heart walks, Harmony House and Meals-a-Million.
“We want to thank every coach, director, sponsor, and administrative staff member who has championed us over the years,” Dryden said.
