Davis turns dream into reality with Pacemates
Allie Davis always knew she wanted to be a professional dancer. It was the goal she had been training for since she was a little girl.
“I started dancing when I was four or five years old,” said Davis, who trained and competed with Triple Threat in Vincennes.
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What was once a dream became a reality for the Washington High School graduate and Indiana University student when last year she became a member of the Pacemates, the professional dance team for the Indiana Pacers and the longest running dance team in the NBA.
Davis, who also did cheer while balancing competitive dance during her junior and senior years of high school, said the road to that dream had a few bumps along the way.
“I tried out for the Red Steppers my freshman year at IU and I didn’t make the team,” she said. “I got down on myself. It was so weird not having dance practice.”
Davis regrouped after that disappointment and took a break from the rigorous schedule she had maintained for so long. Minoring in dance meant she could take dance classes as part of her coursework. She also later joined InMotion, a student-led dance troop of more than 100 dancers.
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“It was different than what I was used to but I had a chance to really enjoy dance just for fun,” she said, adding she continued to dance on her own as well to keep sharpening her skills.
In July of 2025, Davis decided to take a chance to try out for the Pacemates. Over the course of two weeks, what started as 100 dancers, ended with 19, including Davis, making the cut.
Over the two-week period, Davis said the group learned routines and various choreography both in person and through video instruction. Each step of the way, more dancers were eliminated until there were 30 remaining. Those finalists had to choreograph a 30-second solo routine to their choice of music and have a photo shoot.
Now Davis, who is majoring in media advertising, balances her coursework with twice weekly dance practices and bringing the energy to Gainbridge Fieldhouse during Pacers home games and during other appearances.
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Those sacrifices she wouldn’t trade though. Her Pacemate commitment is runs through July when auditions for the team take place again.
“Don’t be afraid to go all in for your dreams,” she said. “Keep training and working on your technique and choreography. People are always willing to help out. I am very thankful for the opportunity and to my family and coaches for all they have done for me.”