our alumni

Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader

"Purdue Dance Team itself was the highlight of my college experience, but it was also an integral part of my path to becoming a Colts Cheerleader. Clearly the team pushed me in terms of dance technique and athleticism but that just scrapped the surface of what the team truly taught me. In my time with the PDT, I gained an understanding of genuine teamwork as we competed highly at three dance team union national championships. I discovered the power of being a supportive teammate as we battled the COVID-19 pandemic together and I learned how to be a genuine and diligent leader as a captain for the 2022-2023 season. All these things began to lead me toward success but, most importantly in my experience with PDT, I discovered the greater value of being a good person than just a good dancer. That moto that coach Mal continued to tell us really stuck with me. She said, “I do not care if you come out of this program a better dancer, but I care that you come out a better person”. This idea is something I attribute a lot of my success too. Surely to be a professional dancer you need to have technical abilities but that is only a very small aspect of the role. PDT played a large part in teaching me all those other aspects, like being a positive representative for the community, supporting others, and genuinely being a good person. I truly believe without my time on the Purdue Dance Team I would have never been able to live out my dream of dancing professionally with the Colts!"

Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader

"I wouldn’t be who I am without the PDT and Mallori Walker. Mal didn’t just train us to be great athletes, she taught us to be kind, gracious women. I learned that dance is important, but getting great grades and treating your teammates and community well was of higher value. I was able to continue onto both Arena Football for two years (Georgia Force) and then spent 4 seasons with the NFL (Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders). I truly believe because of my academic and dance success, I was able to grow into a professional dancer. My teams expected us to hold full time jobs and degrees, and Mal’s expectations helped to shape my time management, spiritual health and personal goals."

Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader

"PDT prepared me for my professional dance career as an Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader in so many ways. The teamwork and sisterhood were vital to my professional career. Getting to work with so many amazing dancers pushed me to be the best dancer I could be. I also learned how to successfully manage a jam packed schedule, which was imperative as a Colts cheerleader. Also, while on PDT, we were very involved in the community. I loved these appearances, as they allowed us to interact with others who loved Purdue like I did. This translated beautifully to my time as a Colts cheerleader. Some of my best memories were centered around the amazing Colts community. I feel blessed to have lived out my dreams dancing both collegiately and professionally."

Los Angeles Rams Cheerleader

"My journey in the professional dance world was only ignited by the support, growth, and inspiration provided to me from being part of the Purdue Dance Team. PDT allowed me to grow as a dancer and performer but outside of the guise of technique, I also gained a great deal of professionalism and drive. Immediately after graduating and capping off my competitive dance career with a National Championship, I embarked to join my first professional team with the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders. Within my time as a pro cheerleader in the NFL I’ve been privileged to experience so much, including a Super Bowl win, and more recently, the position of Captain. I couldn’t have done it without PDT! My 4 years of being on PDT hold some of my most cherished memories and also brought out new strength and potential in myself that otherwise may not have surfaced. I have so much pride knowing this is the program that helped shape me to the person I am today, and I am so honored to have been part of the legacy that is the Purdue Dance Team and it’s history. Boiler Up!" 

Indiana Pacemate

"Throughout my professional journey of dance, I have ALWAYS given credit to The Purdue Dance Team. Before making the team in 2006 I had mainly trained in contemporary dance but was also known for my hip hop. To my surprise, I tried out and made the team. From there, that is where I truly grew as a dancer. PDT taught me skills I had never done before. Being on the team introduced me to another world of dance that was about performing, dancing outside of your "box," clearly executing your movements so they are clear, sharp, and clean, all things that are required to be on a professional dance team! I am TRULY grateful for Mallori and PDT. After college I was an Indiana Pacemate for 7 years. It gave me so many opportunities and connections as a dancer and now I am retired but still very much in that world of dance! Thank you PDT <3" 

Indiana Pacemate

"Dancing on PDT was an absolute dream come true. Being on the team taught me the importance of hard work, teamwork, and time management. My time on PDT also taught me how to lead others well, the importance of representing myself and my teammates well, as well as, the importance of giving back to a community that unwaveringly supports you. Being on PDT gave me a sense of purpose and helped shaped the woman I have become. PDT prepared me for and gave me the confidence to continue dancing after college. 

Without my time on the PDT, I am certain I would not have been able to manage the rigors of a professional dance career. Because of PDT, I was able to spend six successful years as an Indiana Pacemate. While the schedule and commitment were rigorous, I was well equipped to handle it all because of PDT. 

I feel honored to be a part of the PDT legacy, honored to have fulfilled my dream of dancing professionally, and extremely blessed to now coach the women of PDT, who are continuing our amazing legacy."