Chapman University Dance Team takes home national title for 15th time in a row
After months of practice, the team was awarded 1st place for the national title in their college jazz section.
Since its formation in 2008, the Chapman University Dance Team has gone on to win 15 National Champion titles consecutively at the USA Collegiate Championship Nationals. This past month marked the 15th title win, which according to the captains, was not an easy process for the team.
The team had practices twice a week during the previous fall semester and all throughout the interterm period for a few hours.
Senior dance major Maya Palmer, who is currently the director of finance and outreach for the dance team, explained why the practices close to the show were crucial for their team.
“Two weeks before the show, we practiced from 10 p.m. to midnight, three days a week to prepare,” Palmer told The Panther. “The rehearsals were super physical but also a great time to bond and get close with the team before nationals.”
On the day of the competition, the 18-member dance team met up at the Sandi Simon Dance Center to warm up and run through the routine one final time. They then made their way to the Anaheim Convention Center, where nationals were being held, and competed in the College Jazz Division II/Division III category. The other categories at the competition included solo, lyrical and hip-hop.
Before the team performed, they had to be clear that they were following a certain set of rules for tricks and partnering sequences. These rules help level the field to make the competition more fair and equal among the teams. Once that final step was completed, they were able to hit the stage.
“Our routine was to ‘Proud Mary’ by Tina Turner,” Palmer said. “It was a super fun jazz routine that showcased the dancer's technical, physical and performance capabilities.”
Once it was time for the awards ceremony, the dance team sat on the stage, waiting for the results among around 10 other teams. It was then announced that the team had won their title and category, marking their 15th consecutive win at the championships.
Senior dance performance major and team co-captain Bel Housner explained how the team reacted to winning the title again and how they celebrated.
“The team reacted so amazingly when we won this year, and it was so much fun being able to celebrate all of our hard work,” Housner said. “We had a celebration dinner afterwards which was really fun.”
Fellow senior dance performance major Kevin Ivins, the other captain of the team, shared his immediate feelings when the team secured their win and the importance it has to them.
“I was ecstatic, and especially seeing the seniors filled with excitement and joy warmed my heart. We had worked so incredibly hard for this moment all year, and it was everything that we had dreamed for.”
Although their competitions are over for the rest of the year, the Chapman University Dance Team hopes to continue their winning streak and to keep growing as a team.
