UCSD Dance Breaks Team Record & Celebrates National Dance Week

This season, the UC San Diego Dance Team placed second overall in the D1 Jazz Category at United Spirit Association’s Dance Nationals in Anaheim, California. Drawing teams from across the Western hemisphere and beyond, collegiate and high school teams compete in various styles, vying for a coveted spot in the top three. The team prepared two routines in the D1 Pom and Jazz categories, choreographed by Head Coach Kate Schneiderman and Assistant Coach Alli Esposito.

Leading up to the weekend of February 17, the team practiced consistently throughout the week, taking on extra hours and winter break practices. With rigorous academic responsibilities, the team balanced the demands of both schoolwork and competition. Despite the stress caused by exams, jobs, and other on-campus obligations, these 18 scholar-athletes accepted the challenge head-on, excelling both in and outside of the classroom. 

The weekend of the competition, the team committed to putting out their best performances yet. Despite the 10:30 pm performances on Day One of the competition, the team put out two outstanding routines they walked away feeling proud of. But the work wasn’t done yet, as they would have to compete again the following day, with hopes to do even better.  With it being their last time competing these routines, the team focused all efforts not on making the routines perfect, but on ensuring their passion would translate to the audience. It was these emotion-driven performances that would lead to the team’s success. 

Going into the awards ceremony the team had high hopes that their personal goal of making it into the top three would come true. Just the following day they were given a projection of third place for their jazz routine. They sat on the stage, eagerly waiting for their names to be called in the top three, the team paused as another university was given the third-place trophy. When the announcer got to second place, and UC San Diego was announced, the team exploded into cheers of excitement. They had accomplished their goal and surpassed their placement from the first day of the competition. An unforgettable moment was created as the team celebrated on stage, hugging one another as they held their medals and trophies. 

This weekend marked a historic win for the UCSD Dance Team. With it being their third year in Division 1, the team had set the goal of placing higher than previous years. In the two years of competing under Division 1, the team had been awarded fourth place, a placement they were confident they could break coming into this competition. Not only did the second place victory meet the team’s goal of placing in the top three, but it made program history as their highest placement in Division 1 ever!

“Blessed and grateful are the two words I would describe this year’s win of 2nd place at USA Nationals, making history for the UCSD Dance Team," said Freshman Amelia Yum. This team has put in so much work, dedication, and effort, and has surpassed many obstacles going into USA this year. From re-staging and re-choreographing the week before to the feeling of confidence and power right before hitting the stage. Last year’s USA Nationals was also a challenging year as any year can be, and it was also filled with accomplishment. However, the feeling of making history and placing 2nd place for my last year at UCSD is the best possible feeling, especially with the teammates who have been beside you throughout the entire process.”

The UCSD Dance Team’s members are from all majors and dance backgrounds. Through all the trials and challenges that come with being a student, an athlete, and various other roles, these teammates go through it all together. From the tradition of team families to meeting an entire group of people who share the same love and passion for dance, being on the Dance Team means being part of a tight-knit group of driven and dedicated individuals.

National Dance Week serves as a reminder of the team’s love for dance. To conclude the season, the UCSD Dance Team plans on performing and cheering at various home sporting events such as volleyball and softball games, performing in Sigma Kappa’s Best Dance Crew competition (SKBDC), and hosting their annual team showcase to conclude the year on April 25th. 

“Joining the dance team has definitely changed my college experience for the better!” said Amanda Kho. “Coming in as a freshman it can be scary to be in a new place with thousands of new people, but coming onto campus knowing that I had teammates by my side, meant the world to me. Being part of the team made me feel a sense of community and identity as a student, and to love being active on campus. I have been able to grow in ways that I never thought I could; as a student, as a dancer, and as a person too! I have made my closest friends through the dance team and look up to our leadership as role models.”

Later this month, the UCSD Dance Team is looking forward to hosting auditions for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Auditions will be held at RIMAC Auxiliary Gym on April 28th from 8 AM to 3 PM. They are open to all waitlisted, accepted, and current UCSD students. The in-person process includes three rounds consisting of technique, pom, and jazz combinations, and a concluding interview session for finalists. For those unable to attend in person, video auditions with a similar format are available as a remote option. More information about the audition process is outlined on the audition registration page.