7 Shocking Facts About The Colorado State University Dance Team (CSU Golden Poms) 2025 Season
The Colorado State University Dance Team, officially known as the CSU Golden Poms, continues to be a powerhouse of spirit and precision, setting the standard for collegiate dance excellence in the Mountain West Conference and beyond. As of the current date in December 2025, the team is gearing up for the conclusion of the 2025-2026 athletic season, solidifying their role as the vibrant face of CSU Athletics and a dedicated force in the Fort Collins community.
Their demanding schedule involves supporting the Rams at football, volleyball, and basketball games, while simultaneously preparing for high-stakes national competitions and participating in rigorous academic-based dance concerts. This blend of athletic support and artistic performance makes the CSU Dance Team one of the most dynamic spirit squads in the nation, with a roster full of dedicated student-athletes.
CSU Golden Poms Dance Team: 2024-2025 Roster & Leadership Profile
The Colorado State University Dance Team operates under the umbrella of the CSU Spirit Squads, with its members often referred to as the Golden Poms or Ramettes. The team is composed of talented student-athletes who balance a full academic course load with an intense practice and performance schedule. The following is a profile of the team's leadership and a selection of the dedicated dancers from the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Spirit Squad Rosters.
- Director/Spirit Coordinator: Dawn Burton
- Position: Director of the CSU Ramettes Dance Team and Head Cheerleading Coach.
- Tenure: Joined Colorado State University in 2005, providing nearly two decades of consistent leadership and program growth.
Featured 2024-2026 Roster Members (Poms Position)
- Emma Beard: Position - Poms, Academic Year - Junior (2025-2026 Roster).
- Makayla Burns: Position - Poms, Academic Year - Senior (2025-2026 Roster).
- Victoria Chavarria: Position - Poms (2025-2026 Roster).
- Kelli Clark: Position - Poms (2025-2026 Roster).
- Devyn Dale: Position - Poms (2025-2026 Roster).
- Hailey Den: Position - Poms (2025-2026 Roster).
- Nevaeh Drysdale: Position - Poms (2025-2026 Roster).
- Avery Hilton: Position - Poms, Academic Year - Freshman (2024-2025 Roster).
- Avery Echols: Position - Poms (2025-2026 Roster).
The Golden Poms' Dual Identity: Spirit and Artistry
What sets the Colorado State University Dance Team apart is its seamless integration of athletic spirit with high-level artistic dance. Unlike some collegiate teams that focus solely on sideline routines, the CSU Golden Poms are deeply connected to the university’s broader Department of Dance, which has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century in Ammons Hall.
This dual identity means the dancers must be proficient in the energetic, crowd-pumping routines required for athletic events, as well as the technical, expressive choreography demanded by formal concerts. Their presence is a staple at Canvas Stadium for football, Moby Arena for volleyball, and both men's and women's basketball, ensuring a high-energy atmosphere for all CSU athletic teams.
1. The Ramettes Are the Golden Poms
The term "Ramettes" is a historical and sometimes interchangeable name for the dance team, but they are most commonly and officially known within the athletic department as the CSU Golden Poms. This name reflects their signature style, which often incorporates high-energy pom routines alongside jazz and hip-hop elements. Director Dawn Burton is the official director of the "CSU Ramettes dance team," linking the historical name to the modern squad.
2. A Year-Round Commitment: Tryouts for 2025-2026
The commitment to the team is intense and year-round, requiring dancers to maintain a high level of physical fitness and technical skill throughout the summer and academic year. Tryouts for the 2025-2026 Spirit Squads were announced early in 2025, demonstrating the forward-looking planning required to maintain a top-tier collegiate program. Prospective members are evaluated on technical proficiency, showmanship, and their ability to quickly learn and execute complex choreography.
National Competition and Community Impact (2024-2025)
The true measure of a collegiate dance team's skill often lies in its performance at national championships. The CSU Golden Poms regularly compete against the best collegiate dance programs in the country, including appearances at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) College National Championships. These events, typically held in January, feature the nation's elite teams competing in Pom, Jazz, and Hip Hop divisions.
3. Competing on the National Stage
While the specific 2025 placement results for the CSU Ramettes are often highly sought after by fans, their consistent presence and preparation for the UDA Nationals place them among the most competitive Division I teams. The UDA competition is a major benchmark, requiring months of practice on a single routine, often performed in the Division IA Pom or Jazz categories.
4. The Academic-Artistic Showcase: Capstone Concerts
Beyond the athletic arena, the dance team’s deep ties to the CSU Dance program are showcased in formal performances. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the team and its members were integral to the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Dance Capstone Concerts. These concerts are a significant part of the Fort Collins arts community, featuring diverse choreography and technical production by student-led teams like RAMProductions.
5. Community Outreach and Local Involvement
The role of the Spirit Squads extends far beyond the campus perimeter. The team is dedicated to community service and outreach, frequently participating in local events, charity functions, and youth clinics. This community involvement is a core pillar of the program, ensuring the dancers are not just performers but positive ambassadors for Colorado State University throughout Northern Colorado.
Future Outlook and The Legacy of Excellence
The CSU Golden Poms are not just a temporary squad but a program built on a legacy of excellence and tradition. The program’s history, which traces the evolution of dance at CSU from early 20th-century classes to the modern competitive team, is a testament to its enduring importance.
6. Maintaining a High Academic Standard
Being a CSU Golden Pom requires more than just dance talent; it demands academic discipline. The Spirit Squads are composed of student-athletes who must maintain strict academic standards to remain on the team. This commitment to scholarly success alongside athletic performance reflects the university's core values.
7. Leadership Longevity Ensures Stability
The long tenure of Director Dawn Burton, who has been with the program since 2005, is a key factor in the team’s consistent success and stability. This kind of leadership longevity provides a stable foundation for recruiting, training, and maintaining the high standards expected of the Golden Poms, ensuring the team remains a top-tier collegiate dance program for years to come.
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