Kali Kosek

Students watch the University of Minnesota dance team and the rest of UDA’s competitors in awe as the routines circulate social media platforms.

UDA nationals, the annual college dance team national championship held in Orlando, Florida, at the ESPN complex, was most recently held from January 17th to 19th. This competition gives athletes the opportunity to represent their school spirit, athleticism, and artistry in a competitive environment. Athletes perform their two dances, choosing between three styles: hip-hop, jazz, or pom.

Throughout these past two years in particular, UDA nationals have grown tremendously. TikTok is a big contributor to the craze around this weekend in the dance world as creators share their highlights from the competition. Alumni and fans have been sharing these beautiful, creative routines all over social media. Fans react to these routines and have been surprised by how amazing they are year after year. Viewers find themselves oftentimes shocked by the dancers and choreographers’ athleticism, skills, artistry, and pride that they put behind these routines. UDA has claimed the title of being named the “Dance Superbowl” amongst social media platforms. “It’s almost like the Super Bowl because two of the best teams go up against each other every year and you’ll never know who will win at all,” freshman Ana Santos said.

The University of Minnesota and The Ohio State University have been fighting for this top spot each year for the last 3 years. The Wagner sisters, two sisters who grew up dancing at the well-known Larkin Dance Studio, now compete head-to-head. Ellie is on The Ohio State University Dance Team, and Ava is a member of The University of Minnesota Dance Team. The pair have grown in considerable popularity as they maintain their close sister connection while also doing what they love against each other. The Wagner Sisters also appeared on NBC’s World of Dance and are known for their unique artistry as dancers. They are both big idols in the dance industry and as they once danced alongside one another, they are now on rival dance teams. Fans on social media love seeing their relationship unfold and how they deal with the adversity of their competitive circumstance. “The Wagner Sisters definitely have gained attention from Tik Tok, the sisters have grown up dancing together and now are on rival teams,” Santos said.

UDA has impacted the dance community and industry in a positive way. Due to UDA blowing up many more dancers are going through the recruitment process to dance on these famous college teams. They want to be a part of these amazing programs and showcase their talents. UDA gaining popularity has brought a sense of respect and admiration to dancers and these teams. Even though college boards often don’t treat dancers the same as other collegiate athletes, with athlete benefits, fans are truly starting to recognize these dancers as deserving athletes. “I feel like it recognizes the effort and hard work that the teams put into creating a dance,” junior Maddie Seymour said.

Overall, UDA has become more popular through social media platforms. Audience members have discovered the art of dance and the athletes who put all their time and effort into a two-minute performance.