West Chester University's 30-member dance team performed at a Philadelphia Flyers game on Oct. 3 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, marking the squad's second straight year on a professional sports stage.

Co-captain Elise Conrad organized the return trip after reaching out to the Flyers representative who arranged the team's debut appearance the previous season, the WCU Quad reported. The representative invited the team back almost immediately. Conrad then coordinated logistics with the Flyers organization, dancers and family members.

The team spent three weeks preparing during its regular Monday and Wednesday practices, which run from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Conrad and co-captain Ava Pavljuk planned the dances, chants, tumbling passes and sidelines before bringing the material to the full group. The 15-minute performance included three routines, five sidelines and three tumbling passes.

"Getting the chance to perform at a professional sporting event felt surreal and very special," Conrad told the Quad.

The larger arena required adjustments. Conrad said the production and crowd were unlike the university's athletic events, and the team felt nervous at first but settled in once the music started.

The Flyers appearance came during a year of program changes. Since Conrad and Pavljuk took over as co-captains, they have pushed for upgrades, including hiring the team's first coach. Holly McMenamin, a former team member who served as captain for two years, joined the staff this season. The program also introduced new uniforms, choreography from national choreographers and team lifts.

Four WCU dance team alumni currently perform as Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders, according to Conrad. Several current members hope to pursue professional dance careers in the NFL, NBA or entertainment industry after graduation.

The team has several appearances still ahead. It is scheduled to perform at a Philadelphia 76ers game and the annual Buddy Walk at Lincoln Financial Field. The squad will also compete in the Division II category at UDA College Nationals, set for Jan. 15-17 at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, according to Varsity TV.

Conrad told the Quad the team is preparing for nationals for the rest of the season, with dancers working on routines, technique and teamwork.