This past weekend, the University of Arizona held its annual pomline auditions, which attracted 128 talented dancers competing for a place on the esteemed Pride of Arizona Pomline team.

 It was the last chance for Peri Silverman, a rising senior and journalism major, to audition to make the team for a fourth time. Peri is among just three dancers on the Arizona Pomline who have earned a spot on the team from their freshman to senior year. 

Colorado native Silverman has been dancing since she could walk. For the past three years, she has performed with the U of A Pomline, adding much enthusiasm and skill to basketball, football games, and national tournaments. Peri even attended the 2023 Alamo Bowl with the Arizona Pomline, where the University of Arizona football team clinched a victory over the University of Oklahoma. 

“Pomline has played a significant role in my college experience,” Silverman said. “The memories I’ve made with this team — from game days to community events — will last a lifetime.”

Over the course of three days, auditions consisted of technical assessments, choreography sessions and coaching staff interviews. In addition to skill and performance quality, dancers are evaluated on their leadership, academic standing and dedication to school spirit.

During the initial round of auditions, candidates were expected to showcase their dancing abilities through floor routines. Candidates had to learn a jazz routine in less than 12 hours and return the following day to perform it in the second round. In the final stage, the dancers had to do interviews to share their personal struggles and accomplishments. 

Out of the 125 girls who tried out this year, only 11 spots were available due to graduating seniors. The final roster now includes 24 girls.

Peri has officially made the Arizona Pomline team for the 2025-2026 season, though the full roster has yet to be officially announced. 

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.