Competitive dance will begin its season at Cleary University in the fall of 2026. It is Cleary’s 20th National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics program.
“This addition celebrates creativity, athleticism and school spirit all in one,” said Max Ballinger, director of athletics at Cleary. “We are incredibly excited to welcome this vibrant, co-ed sport to our program. Competitive dance brings a dynamic new energy to our campus.
“Adding dance allows Cleary to create new opportunities for female – as well as male – student athletes to enhance campus engagement and school spirit among all students. Our dancers not only will compete in the NAIA, but they also will serve as ambassadors on the sidelines during Cleary games, cheering for our teams.”
Competitive dance is comprised of jazz, pom, and hip hop.
Beth Strom was hired as head coach for the competitive dance team.
“She brings a wealth of experience as former head dance coach at Concordia University in Ann Arbor for 10 years,” Ballinger said.
Under her leadership, the team captured an 8th overall finish at the 2025 NAIA National Championship; the dance team was ranked in the top 10 nationally for three years; student athletes were named to the WHAC All-Conference selection team 10 times; and they were recognized as WHAC scholar athletes 20 times. In addition, Strom was named 2025 NAIA Coach of the Year. She also served as dance chair for the WHAC and received WHAC Champion of Character Coach in 2021 and 2023.
Strom started dancing at a young age, and her passion for the sport has only intensified. She began coaching at the collegiate level shortly after she obtained her master’s degree. At Concordia University, she taught dance classes, served as an adjunct professor in the theater department and coached the dance team.
Strom obtained a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary communication and business from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, and a master’s degree in college student affairs leadership from Grand Valley State University. She holds numerous dance certifications.
“I am excited to bring a new level of school spirit and competition to Cleary,” Strom said. “I look forward to becoming part of the Cleary community and building a competitive team in the WHAC and nationally at the NAIA. I am passionate about working with students and their engagement and development.”
“That is why Beth also will be a perfect fit as an admission advisor for Cleary,” Ballinger said: Strom will serve in a dual capacity at Cleary – head coach for competitive dance in the athletics department and admission advisor in the Admissions department.
Recruitment is underway for the 2026/27 Cleary co-ed competitive dance and performance teams. The university will offer scholarship opportunities. The competitive season begins in January 2027 and runs through March 2027. Prior to competition, the team will perform at university and athletic events as the school.
If you are interested in joining the Cleary dance team next year, send an email to Coach Strom at bstrom@cleary.edu. Strom will accept recruitment videos.
