University of Evansville Dancers Prepare for a Stage Like No Other

University of Evansville

Evansville Silver Aces Heading to D.C. for Historic 250th Celebration

Talk about making Evansville proud. This is so cool, I wish I could be a part of it, but hearing it's from Evansville makes it even better.

Four local women from the University of Evansville Silver Aces dance team are getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., where they’ll perform in the National Independence Day Parade as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

If you’re familiar with the Silver Aces, you know this group brings the energy wherever they go. The senior dance and performance team run through UE’s Center for Innovation & Change in partnership with SWIRCA and other campus programs, has built a reputation for keeping participants active, creating friendships, and connecting with the community through dance. From Aces basketball games to local 5Ks and Tri-State events, they’ve stayed busy but this opportunity is on a whole new level. Plus, if you know anything about dancing... it's not easy, so these women are talented. 

Selected for a National Honor

Three Silver Aces members and their coach, Erin Lewis, auditioned and were selected for “America’s Golden Dream Dancers,” an elite group featuring performers from across the country. Out of dancers nationwide, only 36 were chosen for this honor.

D.C. Trip and Parade Details

The group will travel to Washington from July 2 through July 5, where they’ll perform along Constitution Avenue during the National Independence Day Parade. They’ll also take part in official America 250 events including the possibility of participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

And this isn’t just a one-time routine. The dancers are preparing a five-minute performance that will be repeated throughout the parade as it moves down Constitution Avenue, and they’ve been rehearsing both locally in Evansville and virtually with dancers from across the country.

More Evansville Representation

Silver Aces member and United Way of Southwestern Indiana President and CEO Amy Mangold will also be representing the region in a separate America’s Golden Dream Dancers performance in Barcelona jazz and musical theatre later this summer.

“More Than Just Dance”

Coach Erin Lewis says this opportunity goes far beyond choreography.

“It’s about showing that aging does not mean slowing down or stepping aside,” she said. “These women prove every day that connection, movement, joy and purpose can transform lives. And to represent our community during America’s 250th celebration is an incredible honor.”

Local Impact Continues at Home

Even those Silver Aces members not traveling to D.C. are still part of the moment. They’re learning the routine and plan to perform it locally and throughout the region as part of America 250 celebrations after the Fourth of July.

From Evansville to the nation’s capital, the Silver Aces are taking local pride to a national stage.

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