2026 NBA Indiana Pacemates Dance Team Auditions: Dates & Requirements
Image credit: Indiana Pacemates
For dancers hoping to perform on an NBA court while representing their community, the 2026-27 Indiana Pacemates auditions offer an exciting opportunity. The official dance team of the Indiana Pacers is looking for talented performers who can bring confidence, versatility, and energy to every game and appearance throughout the season.
Held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, this year’s auditions begin on June 9, 2026, and include several rounds designed to test dance ability, professionalism, and stage presence.
Important Audition Dates
Audition Submission Deadline
Online audition submissions will be accepted through midnight on Friday, June 5, 2026. Pre-registration is encouraged, although walk-up registrations will also be accepted beginning at 6:00 PM on audition night.
Preliminary Auditions – Tuesday, June 9
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- Registration/Check-in: 6:00 PM
- Audition Begins: 6:30 PM
During preliminaries, candidates will learn and perform choreography in several styles including jazz, pom, and hip-hop. Judges may also ask dancers to demonstrate technical skills such as turns, leaps, flexibility, and freestyle performance.
Finalists will be selected at the conclusion of the evening and invited to continue into training camp.
For more information click the link.
Mandatory Training Camp Schedule
Candidates selected as finalists must attend every training camp event to remain eligible for the team.
Wednesday, June 10 (Training Camp Night #1)
- Candidate interviews and photo shoots
- Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Thursday, June 11 (Training Camp Night #2)
- Location: Studio 7 Talent Center in Fishers, Indiana
- Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Finalists will also perform a 30-second solo showcasing their own choreography and strengths.
Friday, June 12 (Training Camp Night #3)
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Sunday, June 14 (Audition Showcase Technical Rehearsal)
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Monday, June 15 (Indiana Pacemates Audition Showcase)
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- Live public performance at 7:00 PM
The final team announcement will take place after the showcase concludes.
Minimum Requirements to Audition
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old on or before June 9, 2026
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be legally eligible to work in the United States
- Have reliable transportation
- Be comfortable working in fast-paced, loud environments
- Maintain a flexible schedule for rehearsals, games, and appearances
The organization also emphasizes professionalism, good character, and dependability throughout the audition process.
To Register for the Audition click here: 2026–27 Indiana Pacemates Audition Registration
What the Commitment Looks Like
Being an Indiana Pacemate is not a full-time job, and many dancers balance the role alongside school or careers. However, the time commitment is still significant. Team members are expected to:
- Attend rehearsals twice a week
- Perform at all home games, including playoffs
- Participate in community, corporate, and charitable appearances throughout the season
Traditionally, the team includes between 14 and 18 dancers each year.
Audition Prep Classes
Image credit: Indiana Pacemates
To help dancers prepare, the Pacemates are hosting audition prep classes on:
- Thursday, May 28
- Tuesday, June 2
Both classes will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Attendees will learn professional-style choreography and participate in a Q&A session with the Pacemates coach. Participants must be at least 17 years old to attend prep classes.
Those interested can sign up here: Indiana Pacemates Audition Prep Classes
Final Thoughts
The Indiana Pacemates auditions are about more than dance technique alone. The organization looks for performers who can represent the team professionally on the court and in the community. For dancers willing to commit to the demanding schedule and high-performance environment, the experience can be both rewarding and career-changing. Whether you are auditioning for the first time or returning with more experience, preparation, confidence, and consistency can make a major difference once you step onto the court.
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