By Tessa Nacke & Lauren Hyland
The Universal Dance Alliance (UDA) Collegiate Championship is a premier dance competition that showcases the exceptional talent and skill of collegiate dance teams from across the nation. Held annually, this championship provides a platform for dancers to exhibit their creativity, precision and artistry in various dance styles, including jazz, hip-hop, pom and more. Teams from different colleges and universities come together to compete in a spirited and energetic environment.
Dancers and non-dancers alike can all appreciate the pure talent and athleticism of this competition, often referred to as ‘The Dance Superbowl.’ The event not only celebrates the technical prowess of the dancers but also emphasizes teamwork, choreography and overall performance quality. With dazzling routines, vibrant costumes and synchronized movements, the UDA Collegiate Championship is a dynamic display of highest excellence within the collegiate dance community. It serves as a source of inspiration for both participants and spectators, fostering a love for dance and encouraging the pursuit of excellence in collegiate dance programs nationwide.
Teams from all around the country practice diligently to earn a placement at this prestigious competition. There are multiple categories, separated by sports division (D1, D1A, Open) and style of dance (Hip Hop, Pom, Jazz, Gameday).
Jazz
With styles originating from African dance, ballet and contemporary, jazz is a widespread category that can be anything from an emotional lyrical dance to a high energy heels dance. This year, The Ohio State University (Ohio State) took first place in D1A Jazz, the highest college level division of dance. University of Minnesota (Minnesota) took second place, while Louisiana State University (LSU) took third.
Ohio State Jazz
Ohio State is a powerhouse. This team has a reputation of excellence, and this dance lives up to that legacy. Dancing to the song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, OSU sported a simplistic costume that at first glance seemed incomplete: black pants, a white top and a black sleeveless blazer complete with a red tie. As the song went on, the audience (myself included) was moved to tears, demonstrating the sheer emotion that moves any viewer to immediate chills.
I loved this dance. This dance proved to the world that technique and emotion will always beat tricks and acrobatics. This point is especially relevant in today’s day and age, where true dancing and creative choreography has been covered by show-stopping moves and tricks.
Minnesota Jazz
Another team with a rich history, Minnesota wowed the dance world with many impressive turn sequences and technique. Dancing to the song “Dream On” by Aerosmith, Minnesota paid homage to the 2004 championship-winning team. In addition, it was self-choreographed, which makes it even more impressive.
This dance left me speechless. Their turn section featured an aerial (no-handed cartwheel) into a complicated set of spot-changing turns. Raucous cheers could be heard even on the video broadcast. They had a beautiful blue costume that accented their gorgeous lines well.
LSU Jazz
Known for their hip hop routines, LSU shocked the judges with an explosive and sassy jazz dance to the song “Are You That Somebody” by Aaliyh. Sporting an LSU purple dress with a slicked back bun, LSU did not come to play. They had a mixture of formations and lifts that provided such good visuals for the audience.
This dance was a crowd pleaser, and probably the most LSU way to do jazz because of its hip hop elements sprinkled throughout the dance.
Pom
Pom is a dance style classified for the usage of pom-poms. Relying on extremely sharp movements and team visuals, pom is a high energy dance that requires an immense amount of preparation. Pom is a dance embellished by the use of pom-poms in order to create an enthusiastic, lively atmosphere. In the D1A category, Minnesota took first place, Ohio State took second and an unexpected Penn State took third.
Minnesota Pom
Competing with intensity and commitment, the University of Minnesota Pom team was able to manifest their passion and skill in a routine to a remix track of music. In short black skirts and black longsleeves with white pom poms by their side, the team took advantage of their always incredible turns. The performance included many synchronized turns, an expertise Minnesota dance is known for. Their synchronicity continued throughout their performance as they moved across the stage into different formations.
It seems that Minnesota took advantage of their top tier skill, focusing on movements that exemplified it. This resulted in many repeated actions, taking away from the overall emotion of the piece. However, Minnesota was still able to take home first place in the Pom UDA Championship for the second year in a row.
Ohio State Pom
Fundamental to the spirit displayed at Ohio State, Ohio State continued that energy in the UDA D1A Pom competition. Ohio State demonstrated their precise skill to a remix of energetic music. Sparkling on stage with black bedazzled leotards complete with long sleeves, a black skirt, an O embellished in the front and white pom poms, the team was dressed to dazzle. The dance began with impressive synchronized movement exhibiting powerful turns and acrobatic skill. The dance continued to be well synchronized. Towards the end of the performance, the team revealed a quick change from black to white skirts, one after another riling up the unexpecting audience. This element of surprise added a component to their routine not many other teams had. Overall, the routine did an amazing job at exciting the audience.
Penn State Pom
Pennsl yvania State University (Penn State) surprised the nation this year with, in my opinion, an amazing routine. Sporting a Penn State colored dress and white poms, Penn State had a perfect mix of show-stopping tricks and fun dance moments. They had a little “Barbie” section in their music which I thought was a nice touch.
Hip Hop
Hip hop, deriving its name from the hip hop music that often accompanies it, is a very popular and crowd-pleasing dance style. Its stylized syncopation and popping and locking have evolved into the hyped atmosphere it creates today. In D1A Hip Hop, LSU took first, University of Las Vegas (UNLV) took second and University of Memphis (Memphis) took third.
LSU Hip Hop
Inspired by Michael Jackson, the LSU Tigers danced to the song “Smooth Criminal” while they embodied Jackson’s movements and shared his music video look of a white suit and white fedora. Many of the performed moves were iconic, sharp Jackson dances, with the natural spin of the LSU specific style. The performance was riddled with synchronicity and sprinkled with acrobatics.
Due to the fact that LSU dance was imitating someone so iconic, it was hard to find unique emotion in their piece. However, a noticeable passion for dance radiated through each keen step and grab of the fedora. I loved the syncopation present throughout the whole routine, and I think this win was well deserved. LSU came out on top, winning the D1A Hip Hop Championship.
UNLV Hip Hop
UNLV’s hip hop dances are always innovative, and this year was no different. Featuring a tan power suit with a feathery red sleeve, UNLV came onto the dance floor with precision and flavor.
Although I was not a fan of this dance, it is not hard to love what UNLV continues to bring to the stage year after year. Their standout moments and their visuals provided a showstopping experience for the viewer.
Memphis Hip Hop
Memphis is another school well known for its prestigious hip hop program. This fact was proven once again, as Memphis demonstrated the true spirit of Memphis, Tennessee in this dance.
There is only one way to accurately describe this dance — swaggy. Yes, it might seem cringe, but this level of finesse exemplified by Memphis is next level. They make every difficult trick seem effortless, which enhances their dancing.
Conclusion
Overall, this year’s UDA College Nationals was a success. It left dancers and non-dancers inspired and wanting more (which is evident from the amount of Tiktok trends circulating). The quality of movement and level of competitiveness increases the bar, and it is exciting to see what the dance industry has in store for viewers next year.
