Victoria Verrecchio '24
On the week of January 12, 2024, UDA Nationals took place in the Walt Disney World Resort. The college dance competition is considered to be a dancer’s “super bowl,” and it is watched by dancers, former dancers, and choreographers all over the country.
The competition consists of three categories: jazz, hip-hop, and pom. Every school competes with three routines, hoping to get a spot in the top three, and if they’re lucky, first place overall. During the semi-final round, two universities were nationally recognized for putting their hearts and souls on the UDA stage.
Ohio State University’s jazz number, to the song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra emotionally took experienced - and even inexperienced - dancers by storm. The song choice, choreography, prop use, and passion caught the attention of so many, and they brought a true piece of art onto the stage. The University of Minnesota’s jazz routine was neck and neck with Ohio’s. Their self-choreographed “Dream On” by Aerosmith brought dance to a whole new level. With their impressive tricks and nearly perfect technique, it was quite impossible to pick a favorite.
Performing one last time in the finals, the day after the semis, these two teams have a whole new realm of pressure on their shoulders. Getting recognition from the public had every single team member itching for perfection, and of course, a win.
Ohio State University took home the gold with a score of 98.9206, less than two points away from a perfect score of 100. University of Minnesota came at the closest second, scoring a whopping 98.4286 points. In the end, these teams should be more than proud of themselves, for they both made a huge impact on the dance world, and accomplished something only a very few people get to achieve.
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