UDA College Dance Team Championship Recap 

January 21, 2025 /

    This weekend, the Universal Dance Association (UDA) concluded its 2025 College Dance Team National Championship. Dance teams compete in three style categories: Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Pom. Although there are only three styles, jazz is an “umbrella” style that includes lyrical and contemporary dance in addition to traditional jazz. This year, previous champions like the University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, LSU, UNLV, and more returned to fight for their spot at the top. 

DIA Division First Place Results:  

Jazz: Ohio State University 

Hip Hop: University of Nevada, Las Vegas 

Pom: University of Minnesota  

    These results left many dancers and fans as ecstatic as they were conflicted. LSU’s Tiger Girl Dance Team had an iconic performance to “Smooth Criminal” in 2024 but failed to capture the number one spot with this year’s performance. Additionally, the rivalry between Ohio State and Minnesota intensified this year in the jazz category. In the semi-finals, Minnesota was in the lead, but Ohio snagged first place after each team’s final performance. UCF also made program history by placing third in Hip Hop finals. 

By: Elizabeth Swallow

Photo Credit: Photo by Rouse Productions of Minnesota Dance Team 2025 Jazz Piece