The SDSU dance team made program history by placing fourth in the nation for their pom routine, eighth for game day, and 12th for their jazz routine at the United Dance Association National competition on Jan. 17 in Orlando.
The team placed higher than every team in the Summit League conference in pom.
“As a senior, it has brought me nothing but joy to see the continued growth and success that this program has acquired over the last four years,” senior Shaylen Andal said. “UDA is the face of collegiate dance, so being able to go and make a name for ourselves this early in our time at this level is an incredible accomplishment.”
The team began preparing for the season last June. Team members learned their choreography for the national competition in October and spent winter break practicing eight hours each day.
“The main thing that made this year so successful was the motivation and drive of the 28 dancers on the team,” head coach Christie Pekoske said. “Each girl committed and sacrificed so much of themselves for the betterment of the team.”
The trip was significant for the team, since the SDSU athletic department and university offered some funding to help with operational expenses. This funding helped alleviate some financial stressors compared to previous years, when the team did not receive funding and had to finance their own uniforms, practice gear and travel expenses.
“It helped immensely,” Haylea Stockwell said. “I take loans out already for school and I would work two jobs a week during the summer to come up with money for dance, but now I can use some of that money and put it into school funding.”
The team still fundraised throughout the season by running concessions at different sporting events to continue to help with expenses. In addition to competing at the national level, the team dances at home football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball games throughout fall and spring.
“We’re extremely proud of the hard work the dance team puts forth to not only support the Jackrabbits at home events, but their willingness and dedication to compete on the national stage,” Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing, Maggan Froseth said. “They represent SDSU so well.”
After a successful season, the dance team is already planning for what’s next.
“We are hosting a prep clinic for all high school and college dancers interested in dancing at the college level,” Pekoske said.