Dixie State University alumna to perform on USA International Dance Team

Dixie State University alumna to perform on USA International Dance Team

shaelie knutsonShaelie Knutson, a Dixie State University alumna who was crowned Miss Dixie State Homecoming Queen in 2013, has made it onto the USA International Dance Team, also known as the USA Charms. The dance team, comprised of ten members including the team’s choreographer/director and mascot, follows the USA NBA draft team on tour and performs eight to ten times at each game. On Saturday, Oct. 8 they will begin a tour to China sponsored by the Chinese Basketball Association, China Hoops and international basketball leagues. Many of the USA Charms dancers have previous professional dance experience with the NBA, NFL and sports entertainment industry nationally and globally. In addition to performing during games, the USA Charms make daily public and media appearances. Knutson came to Dixie with a dance scholarship and danced on the Dixie State Dance Company under the direction of Dr. Li Lei for five semesters. “I owe my discipline, talent and passion to DSU and especially Dr. Lei,” Knutson said. “When we came together to dance, we worked as hard as we could and used every single minute to be become our best selves.” To follow Knutson’s journey, visit the team’s Instagram account @usa_charms. If interested in sponsoring future tours, contact usainternationaldanceteam@gmail.com. For more information about Dixie State University, visit utahtech.edu.