Tucson Sugar Skulls Dance Team Debuts New Look and Routines

The rebranded dance squad is raising the bar with sharper skills, more professional identity, and energetic performances.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:18am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting a Sugar Skulls Dance Team performance, with sharp, overlapping planes capturing the energy and movement of the dancers.The Sugar Skulls Dance Team's new professional identity and technical skills are reflected in a cubist-inspired illustration of their high-energy performances.Tucson Today

The Tucson Sugar Skulls Dance Team, formerly known as the Sugar Dolls, has undergone a rebrand this past offseason under new team president Edmund Marquez. The goal was to elevate the dance squad to match the intensity and professionalism of the indoor football team they support. The team now performs three new routines at every home game, showcasing their technical skills and dedication.

Why it matters

The rebrand and professionalization of the Sugar Skulls Dance Team reflects a broader trend of indoor and minor league sports franchises investing more resources into their entertainment and fan engagement offerings. As the Tucson Sugar Skulls football team aims to build a stronger fanbase, the dance team's elevated performance and identity is seen as a key part of that strategy.

The details

Under the leadership of longtime director and choreographer Kristi Lopez, the Sugar Skulls Dance Team has implemented new practices, costumes, and routines to create a more professional image. Dancers are now paid better, have access to a consistent practice space, and perform intricate, challenging routines each week. Many of the dancers bring serious dance backgrounds, including a master's degree holder and a former University of Arizona Pom Line member.

  • The Sugar Skulls Dance Team debuted its new look and routines at the team's home opener two weeks ago.
  • The rebrand and professionalization of the dance team occurred this past offseason.

The players

Edmund Marquez

The new team president of the Tucson Sugar Skulls who oversaw the rebrand of the dance team.

Kristi Lopez

The longtime director and choreographer of the Sugar Skulls Dance Team, who has elevated the squad's technical skills and professionalism.

Kenzie

A dancer on the Sugar Skulls Dance Team who holds a master's degree in dance from the University of Arizona.

Isobel

The team captain of the Sugar Skulls Dance Team, who is a former member of the University of Arizona Pom Line.

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What they’re saying

“We do new routines every single week. They are hard. They are challenging.”

— Kenzie, Dancer

“The Sugar Skulls Dance Team, I do believe, is more professional because it is modeled after these NFL teams.”

— Kristi Lopez, Director and Choreographer

“We're really stepping up, reflecting how NFL cheerleaders are, so I was really looking forward to that rebrand.”

— Isobel, Team Captain

“She's accomplished more than I could even imagine.”

— Kenzie, Dancer

“Today the girls and myself feel very valued as a group.”

— Kristi Lopez, Director and Choreographer

What’s next

The Sugar Skulls Dance Team will continue to perform new routines at each of the team's remaining home games this season, aiming to energize the crowd and support the football team.

The takeaway

The rebranding and professionalization of the Tucson Sugar Skulls Dance Team showcases the growing importance of entertainment and fan engagement in minor league and indoor sports. By elevating the dance squad's skills, identity, and resources, the franchise is investing in creating a more dynamic and memorable game-day experience for its supporters.