Trojan Dance Team

The Wauwatosa West Trojan Dance Team or “TDT” has a decade long tradition of winning state and national awards and is a welcome and an iconic part of every Friday night home football game. 

TDT brings spirit and energy throughout the game and provides an enthusiastic and high energy halftime dance performance.

“First we go and do the tunnel which is super fun. I really like when we do the national anthem, we’re all together. We all link arms and we’re right in front of the football team. Then we sit as a team and we watch the game, and we have a lot of fun. Nothing is negative and nothing scary anymore.” Said Sophomore Ava Schwantes.

The games are very important to them, and they want to do well because they are performing in front of their peers and representing their brand.

Peterson talks about the unforgettable feeling when TDT goes back into the stands to feel the support of the student section.

“You are wearing that TDT sweatshirt and they’re like, you did really good. They probably don’t know me, but they know what I am advertising. They know what I’m representing. And that’s what really to know like a reputation that was built as a team,” said Sophomore Abby Peterson.

TDT wants to make their school proud, along with their coach and each other. Their team is a family, and has an unbreakable bond. Before performing, everyone gets a sense of love and happiness. They have a connection that is stronger than they have ever experienced.

“Before we go on, we get in our huddle, and those people that are next to me are people that I love more than anything and that I do a lot for. When we’re in our huddle right before we go on, nothing else matters. I think it’s just happiness. You’re around people that you love and care about so much,” said Peterson.

They are also having a very different experience from their competitions. The difference between football games and competitions is the support they receive from football games. Their nervousness and excitement comes from a different place at competitions. Peterson talks about how when TDT is at competitions, they are performing in front of 1000 people they don’t know. But at school, she’s stressed, because they want to make West proud.

“I’m doing it with my team. I need to do good because we do it for each other. Like every time we do it for each other. We have a reputation to uphold. That’s what it’s about, dancing with your team and doing it for our coach and our student section,” said Schwantes.