UIC Athletics

Are you ready to ignite your passion? 

Join UIC's Dancing Flames, as we welcome a myriad of performers to provide Chicago's ultimate Game Day experience!

Building upon the rich history and tradition of UIC's dance and cheer, our program is being reimagined and elevated for 2024-25, offering a new and exciting professional blend of dance, sideline cheer and collaborative floor routines (replacing traditional stunt-based cheer routines that are no longer offered at UIC). One team, one goal — to bring high energy performances to all UIC athletics events!

Our nationally competitive program is the result of decades of hard work and a legacy of achievement by countless student-athletes, creating a foundation of technical excellence that remains accessible to cheerleaders, gymnasts and gameday performers of all backgrounds. With world-class coaching, exclusive scholarships, early class registration and dedicated strength and conditioning support, we offer more than just spirit – we offer opportunities.

It's a new era of UIC Spirit and now is the time … let’s make history together!

Click here to learn more. 

By Roland F. Rose

FIRE UP FLAMES!
We stand behind you,
We love the red and blue
We'll cheer you on to victory
We'll be there o' so true!

FIRE UP FLAMES!
You'll be a winner.
They'll find it hot
When you turn up the heat!
So march on today to victory
'Cause we cannot be beat!

Be a part of the best band in the Missouri Valley Conference! All students, regardless of major, are invited to learn more about the program, auditions and what it is required of a member of the UIC Pep Band.

The UIC Pep Band is made up of 75 selected brass and saxophone musicians who rotate as part of the 30-member group present at each basketball game. The UIC Pep Band performs at all men’s and women’s home basketball games, and travels to MVC and NCAA tournaments as a 29-member group. The band plays a vast selection of music, from traditional “pep band” to funk, soul, classic rock, and the popular music of today.

Contact band director Nicholas Carlson at (312) 996–5307 or carlsonn@uic.edu for information on how to audition.