Two members of the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Sugar Mocs Dance Team were not allowed to perform because they refused to wear their new uniforms (not the uniform pictured to the left). As reported in several articles, the dancers requested to wear tights under their shorts, but their request was not granted and they were "benched" for a football game on October 16. The incident was reported locally and has been picked up nationally, even making an appearance on AOL Fanhouse.
The disciplinary action against dancers who were obviously not comfortable performing in their team's uniform brings up numerous questions that college administrators, coaches and dancers have been grappling with some time. What is permissible attire for dance teams? How far do you "push the limits" not only in terms of uniforms but also performance routines? What is appropriate disciplinary action for dancers that refuse to perform? Who, if anyone, is at fault in this situation? How can such an incident be avoided in the future?
CDTC and the College Dance Team community would love to hear your opinions on the matter. Please log your thoughts in the comments section below.
Here are links to some articles on the web about the UTC Sugar Mocs, with a pic of the uniform in question from the News Channel 9 website.
FanhouseNews Channel 9 (with video)Chattanooga PulseThe ChattanooganThe University EchoLabels: Athletic Department News, Features, Tennessee-Chattanooga
