By Karina Perez, January 27, 2026
The Broncettes, founded in 2009, is the official dance team of Cal Poly Pomona, showcasing diverse styles such as jazz, contemporary, and hip hop.
“Our work ethic and our drive to do what we love is what makes us stand out,” said Broncette’s President Cassie Waltsen, who is also a general chemistry student with a minor in criminology. “We all come from various life and dance backgrounds, so it’s a good thing that we can come together and we can celebrate what we love to do, which is dancing.”
The Broncettes perform year-round for various on-campus events such as soccer, basketball and volleyball games. The 12-member team will also make an appearance for the Green and Gold Block Party Jan. 31 and Bronco Bound March 21.
“Since we’re on the front lines of watching the players, especially at soccer games and basketball games, I think our inner school spirit also comes out,”said Broncettes Secretary Jade Kim, who is also an animal science pre-vet student.
However, their main focus is the annual spring showcase April. 17, where dancers will present different ranges of choreography. This is also a great way where the team can raise money for uniforms and any other funds they may need. It will be their 10th annual showcase this year.
“All the dances that you see are choreographed by the broncettes,” said Kim. “We’re very diligent about our choreography, practicing, and teaching.”
The annual showcase has also been a great platform for other CPP dance clubs to perform such as Inner Essence, created and founded in 2017.
In addition to performing, the Broncettes teach classes ranging from contemporary to stretch and strength classes, where all CPP students are welcome. The team also has a video series of “Technique Tuesdays” where different members of the team demonstrate freestyles, leg extensions, and pirouettes all via their Instagram. This was created for members to still refine their technical skills during the summertime.
The team will host auditions for next year’s team May 1. According to Walsten, dancers will be taught a combination and perform in front of a panel of judges after breaking into smaller groups. Team members will be contacted via email if accepted.
“We just ask that everyone has some basic knowledge of dance,” Walsten said. “As long as you’re able to perform and express yourself, that’s all that matters.”
Practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-10 p.m. Executive board members also use practice to give out announcements and rehearse dances and routines. New routines will be taught around performance weeks.
“We’ll do different across-the-floor combinations to work on our technique, turns, legs, and jumps,” said Alexandria Stastny, assistant treasurer of the Broncettes, who is also a biotechnology student, on what day-to-day practices consist of.
Outside of practices, team bonding activities for the broncettes consist of post game dinners, friendsgiving, and christmas movie watch parties. The broncettes also share a ritual where the team will huddle up in a circle, as a final send off for every practice and game performance, and “giddy” away paying homage to Billy the Bronco.
Because the Broncettes is a student-led team, any support for their uniforms, which includes shoes, poms and dresses, comes from the group.
The team has hosted fundraising events in the past such as garage sales where the CPP community can purchase clothing, accessories and home decor. The team will also partner with Panda Express, Feb. 6, where students may input a code at online checkout to support the team. All proceeds will go towards the showcase which includes renting of the theatre, costumes, and next season’s dance team of the Broncettes.