Jan. 16-Jan. 18 was the 2026 Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals. Hosted at Walt Disney World in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This collegiate national dance competition marks the end of the college dance team season.
The 2025 reigning champs, the Minnesota Gophers, protected their titles and brought home two more, including their fourth consecutive first-place Division 1A (D1A) Pom title. Along with third place in D1A Jazz. Leading to the Gophers’ 24th National Title, taking first by three-tenths of a point.
“It really was an incredible weekend,” Head Coach Amanda Gaines said in an interview with CBS. “To be able to take home the pom title, this one means more than any one in recent memory.”
Another historic legacy team, Ohio State, brought home three titles. Their first title was in the D1A Game Day category. Brutus Buckeye, their mascot, took first in the D1A Mascot category. Ohio State’s third title was in the D1A Jazz division, coming home with gold. For the third consecutive time. Ohio State also ended placing third in D1A Pom.
“I feel positive about everyone’s placements except LSU’s Hip Hop,” said Kennedy High School Dance Team Member, Taryn Oberthien. “They got robbed by UNVL.”
This program sets a high bar for dancers all over, especially as Kennedy Dancers look into their futures with dance. Through UDA Nationals, they get a glimpse of what a college dance team could be like. Kennedy Dancers experience collegiate-level training through UDA Camp, held during the summer. Which teaches dancers collegiate skills in a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
“I had so much fun with the new experiences at UDA Camp. I loved spending more time with my team and getting to bond with them. We did so many fun activities that I’ve never done before, which was amazing,” Freshman Kennedy Dance Team Member Charlotte Houghkirk said. “The atmosphere was amazing, and the UDA worker was so kind, fun, and helpful, and made my time there so much fun.”
The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tiger Girls brought home two silver titles. LSU’s second-place in Jazz was the highest in program history. With the other silver in D1A Hip Hop. LSU also managed to be the first in UDA history to place in the top three in D1A Hip Hop and Jazz in the same year.
The D1A Hip Hop national champion was the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) followed by LSU for second, and the University of Cincinnati for third. The University of Cincinnati also got fourth in D1A Pom and Game Day.
In D1A Pom, the University of Minnesota took first with the highest overall score of finals, followed by Texas Tech University and Ohio State University. Texas Tech also finished fourth in D1A Jazz.
“UDA College Nationals is the best time to reconnect with familiar faces from all over the country!” assistant coach of St. Thomas University Dance Team, Taylor Shupe said in an interview with Varsity TV. “The dance team world is HUGE, but this event makes it feel small – in the best way! Seeing all those familiar faces in the audience brings comfort and confidence to the athletes performing!”
For many dancers, including Kennedy dancers who have dreams of dancing at this level, witnessing the talent and dedication at UDA Nationals serves as a powerful motivation. This year marked over 35 years of UDA Nationals, with much more to come in the future.
