Dance Team

WHAT TYPE OF DANCE TEAM IS THE CARDETTE ORGANIZATION?

The Cardettes are an internationally acclaimed precision dance team, who serve as the talented ambassadors of TVCC, Texas, and the United States. 

DO CARDETTES HAVE REGULARLY SCHEDULED PRACTICES?

Cardette classes are scheduled between 1-4pm on Mondays-Thursdays, and 8-11am on Fridays. Cardettes do receive transferable college credit for our practice times. Cardettes do not have additional practices other than class time unless a special need occurs, which is very rare.

HOW MANY OFFICERS ARE SELECTED?

Cardettes have either 3 or 5 sophomore officers, who are voted on by their peers in early May.

ARE THERE FRESHMAN CARDETTE OFFICERS?

There are not freshman officers, but one Freshman Representative is selected early in the fall semester. This member serves as the voice of her class to the Directors and Officers.

WHAT ARE THE RULES BETWEEN SOPHOMORES AND FRESHMEN?

The Cardettes do not believe hazing of any type. The sophomore Cardettes do earn some perks after completing a year of hard work, but we believe that treating the freshmen as "less than" is unacceptable. The Cardettes only have two years together, and we believe that every memorable moment should be one of love, inclusion, and mutual respect.

DO THE CARDETTES PARTICIPATE IN ANY COMPETITIONS?

The Cardettes do have a competition team- the Cardette Showgirls! Cardette Showgirls are selected for the competition mat in December, based on their execution of advanced skills, performance projection, and dance ability throughout the fall semester. Showgirls compete annually at the American Dance/Drill Team Collegiate Championship in Denton, Texas in March, and the Dance Team Union College Classic in Orlando, Florida in April. The TVCC Cardette Showgirls were the Inaugural DTU College Classic Champions in 2017!

 

History

WHEN WERE THE TVCC CARDETTES ESTABLISHED?  

1960

WHO DESIGNED THE CARDETTE UNIFORM?

The crisp white uniform and the trademarked red hat were established in 1983 by Director Jean Baker and Choreographer Debbie Baker. The uniform has not changed since, other than the addition of sleeves to the top, and a sliver hat band for the officers.

ARE THERE ANY TRADITIONS, AND DO THEY CHANGE?

The Cardettes are rich in tradition. The signature entrance onto the football field, "Deep In the Heart", has been in existence since the mid 1980s. Cardettes are known all over the world for their “thank you” and their red lips and nails. Cardettes have big/little sisters, escorts, and unique traditions passed down from year to year. There are so many special and secret traditions is Cardettes- come join our team to experience them for yourself!

 

Finances

DO THE CARDETTES OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?

Yes! Every freshman Cardette starts off at a minimum of $1,800 per semester. Sophomores begin at a baseline of $2,000. Once the scholarship is awarded, the Cardette must earn a 2.3+ GPA each semester to maintain their scholarship eligibility. As the Cardette continues through her two years, more scholarship awards become available- based on excellent GPA, being selected as a Freshman Representative or Cardette Officer, competing as a Cardette Showgirl, and more! Every Cardette who is the relative or dance student of a Cardette Alumni receives a Legacy Scholarship.

WHAT IS AN AVERAGE CARDETTE COST FOR AN INCOMING FRESHMAN?

TVCC provides each Cardette with a full Cardette uniform and basic equipment. Each member is responsible for purchasing all personal items, such as make-up, performance boots and jazz shoes, tights, and trunks.  Typically, the cost for a Cardette freshman is around $350. A majority of the items purchased for a Cardettes first year will carry over into her sophomore year.

IS THERE ANY TIME FOR A CARDETTE TO HAVE A JOB?

Since Cardettes have regularly scheduled practice times, there is time for members to have an evening job. Cardette schedules are given well in advance, so that work schedules may be planned accordingly. It is also encouraged that Cardettes apply for work study positions on campus- many current Cardettes enjoy working for TVCC!

 

Trinity Valley Community College

WHEN SHOULD CARDETTE HOPEFULS APPLY TO THE SCHOOL?

Hopefuls are encouraged to apply to TVCC as early as the end of their junior year of high school. If a hopeful comes to auditions and makes the team, but has not yet applied to the college, she will need to apply to the school immediately afterwards.

WHAT IS SCHOOL LIKE AT TVCC?

The teachers and staff at TVCC are friendly, and truly care about the well-being of their students.  Class sizes are smaller than university classes, so the teachers know Cardettes by name. The classes are challenging enough to ensure that when a student transfers to a four year college, they are well prepared.

DOES TVCC OFFER A DANCE DEGREE? 

TVCC does not offer a degree in dance, however we do offer a dance pathway for students who plan to continue their college studies in the dance field. On this dance pathway students will take courses that qualify them for an Associate’s Degree from TVCC, as well as dance courses to prepare them for their following university dance program.

WHAT OTHER ACTIVITIES ARE OFFERED AT TVCC?

Sports groups include football, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, cheerleading, and a rodeo team. Fine arts groups include band, choir, and theatre. In addition, TVCC offers a Student Government Association, Baptist Student Ministries, The ARK, Phi Theta Kappa (honor society), just to name a few. The TVCC Student Life group also hosts several event nights as well throughout the year to keep students involved.

 

Dorms

ARE CARDETTES REQUIRED TO LIVE IN THE DORMS?

YES! The Cardettes all reside on the third floor of Cardinal Hall. Cardettes room with one other Cardette in their class. The bathroom is shared between the two, but the sinks, closets, and furniture are separate.

WHEN DOES A CARDETTE MOVE INTO THE DORMS?

Cardettes move into their dorms in mid-August. Cardettes do not have to move out during the holiday break between semesters, but at the end of the spring semester everyone is required to move completely out of their dorm room for the summer.

WHEN DOES A CARDETTE FIND OUT WHO HER ROOMATE IS?

Roommate requests will be taken at Freshman Camp in July. These requests are kept in mind as the Cardette Director makes room assignments, which are finalized at the conclusion of Cardette Camp in early August.

WHAT IS IT LIKE LIVING IN THE DORMS?

Cardinal Hall is the Cardettes' home away from home. The team loves getting to be close with all their sisters, and having a constant support system right next door. The Cardettes have their own common room in the middle of the hallway which has tables and chairs, couches and TVs. There are free washers and dryers on the floor, as well as a trash room down the hall. The Cardinal Hall Dorm Director’s office is on the first floor, so they have constant support 24 hours a day if needed.

IS INTERNET PROVIDED THROUGH THE COLLEGE?

Yes, internet is provided through your TVCC Cardinal account.

WHAT DO THE CARDETTES DO ABOUT GETTING MAIL AND PACKAGES?

Mail is sent to the dorm they live in and will be delivered by the dorm director.

WHAT DO CARDETTES DO IF THEY HAVE A CAR ON CAMPUS?

When the new Cardettes come to Freshman Orientation early in July, they will visit Campus Police to register their car and receive a vehicle sticker. There is not a fee for registration. There are designated parking areas alongside the dorm for the Cardettes' vehicles during the semester.

 

Athens, Texas

WHAT IS ATHENS BEST KNOWN FOR?

The town hosts several festivals throughout the year.  The town is known mostly for the Fiddler’s Fest, Black Eyed Pea Festival, Fletcher’s Hamburger Cook Off, Christmas Park-Land of Lights, and the Texas Freshwater Fishery. Athens is growing every year, so the future is bright for such a small town.

 WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN ATHENS?

Athens might be a small town but a very special one. Athens has different restaurants to eat at along with a local movie theater, roller skating rink, and bowling alley. The beautiful East Texas Arboretum and Texas Freshwater Fisheries are located in Athens, which are highly recommended for family outings.

WHAT RESTAURANTS ARE IN ATHENS?

There are several fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s, What-A-Burger, Chicken Express, Dairy Queen, Sonic, Taco Bell, Burger King, and Panda Express to name a few.  We also have other favorite restaurants such a as Applebee’s, Cotton Patch Café, Twisted Root, and Jalapeno Tree, and local favorites such as Bean & Burger, Ochoa’s Mexican Food, Hunan Buffet, and Rounder’s Pizza. 

WHAT HOTELS ARE IN ATHENS?

Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Hotel, and Super 8 Motel are the hotels that Cardette families typically stay in.