Golden Eagles Dancers Excel at National Competition

The SJC Long Island Dance team competed with full hearts at the ESPN World Wide of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World for the UDA College Dance Team National Championship, Jan 14-15. Facing off against more than 30 NCAA Division II and III schools in the semifinals, the squad qualified for the final round in both the Open Hip Hop and Open Jazz divisions, capturing sixth place in Hip Hop and finishing 13th in Jazz.

The Golden Eagles were among 11 of 22 squads to advance to the finals in the Open Hip Hop division. The University of St. Thomas won the competition, earning their fourth straight national title. They were followed by the University of Puerto Rico – Bahaman in second place and Lindenwood University in third.

In the Open Jazz semifinals, SJC went head-to-head with 33 squads — the largest of any division at the event. After the elimination of 16 teams, SJC was among the the 17 squads that advanced to the final round. Lindenwood took home the division’s gold medal, capturing its seventh national title in program history, ahead of the University of St. Thomas in second place and and the University of Minnesota Duluth in third.

“One of our biggest strengths was our determination,” head dance coach Jessica Desz said. “The fact that we made it to finals in both dances two years in a row is definitely a proud moment for us.”

Stunning extensions and lines from @SJCdanceteam in Open Jazz Finals! #UDAnationals pic.twitter.com/Ib5ff6PqG2

— UDA (@UDAnews) January 15, 2017

Final Standings 

Pictured are seniors Brielle Colello, Bryanna Stone and Larissa Hoefler with the team’s national trophies.

Open Hip Hop Division

1. University of St. Thomas
2. University of Puerto Rico – Bayamon
3. Lindenwood University
4. University of Puerto Rico – Carolina
5. West Chester University
6. St. Joseph’s College
7. Avila University
8. University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras
9. University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
10. Georgia College
11. Westfield State University
    

Open Jazz Division

1. Lindenwood University
2. University of St. Thomas
3. University of Minnesota – Duluth
4. Orange Coast College
5. Central Oklahoma
6. Minnesota State University – Mankato
7. St. Cloud State
8. Grand Canyon
9. Avila University
10. University ofWisconsin – Eau Claire
11. Bridgewater State University
12. Northwest Missouri State
13. St. Joseph’s College
14. College of St. Benedict
15. The College of New Jersey
16. University of Puerto Rico – Carolina
17. University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras