SAN ANTONIO (June 9, 2023) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) competitive dance team is preparing to attend the Pro Action Dance Camp from July 23-24 in Las Vegas. The Saints will be represented by seven dancers, including four first-time attendees.

The Pro Action Dance Camp is a two-day intensive camp that features training with prominent choreographers and producers in the dance world. The camp hosts National Football League (NFL) and National Basketball Association (NBA) dance teams regularly in addition to college programs from all levels. The participants will learn routines on the first day and perform them for a professional recording before the camp concludes. The camps provide new performances yearly that are 90 seconds apiece. The training pushes dancers outside of their comfort zone and provides valuable techniques that can be used in the future. 

The Saints used the routine they learned last year and incorporated it with drumline.

Head Coach Crystal Brock looks forward to traveling to the camp for the second straight year. She commented, "Pro Action Dance Camp provides an opportunity for dancers to be challenged and trained by top choreographers, coaches, directors and influencers in the country. OLLU cheer and dance is consistently making history and paving a new era. We are becoming stronger and better competitors with Pro Action Dance. I was provided ample opportunities to try new things and meet artists who I idolized when I was growing up. I would like to thank Tracey Anderson, Leticia Ryan Carr and Susan Angell for leading thew way as I was preparing for this moment as a professional. I lead by their example, and my students, and I are better for their mentorship."

Isabella Arroyo, Vivian Reyes and Iyana Robinson - who join the squad in Fall 23, and returner Yasmine Escobar, will make their debut at the event. The squad is excited to learn from some of the best in the industry. Arroyo said, "I'm looking forward to dancing alongside NFL cheerleaders and to make long-lasting memories." Escobar has her eye on some of the top talent saying, "I'm excited to see some of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. I have always been impressed by their performances, so seeing them in person will be exciting." Reyes recounted her reaction to being invited to the camp by Brock, "I was instantly excited and grateful to participate in something like this. I know that it will have a positive impact on me and the dance program." Robinson is grateful for the opportunity and said, "Traveling to this camp means the world to me. It will push me out of my comfort zone and broaden my mind tremendously."

The four newcomers will be aided by three OLLU camp returners. Maya Jay, Madicela Perez and Madison Smith will head to Las Vegas for another camp session. Perez is the captain of the squad while Smith is a co-captain. Smith was featured alongside other dancers in the promotion video that Pro Action Dance Camp produced last year. Smith said, "I was in shock when I saw myself in the promotion video. I was so happy to see that they captured this special moment for me." Perez provided advice for the rookies at the camp saying, "My advice is to push yourself not only as a dancer, but mentally and physically as well. This is an incredible opportunity for not just us as dancers, but for us to represent OLLU." Jay recalled her experience from last year, "The event was so memorable for me. I was intimated at first about the idea of dancing with professionals, but my nerves turned into excitement once I stepped foot in the camp."

Click to watch the Pro Action Dance promotion video that featured Madison Smith.