Over the weekend, amidst the excitement of playoff football and thrilling basketball games, a different kind of competition captivated audiences: the National Championship for cheer and dance. For those unfamiliar, like myself initially, the skill, athleticism, and artistry on display are truly breathtaking. And leading the charge in collegiate dance is the phenomenal Ohio State Dance Team.
A Legacy of Excellence: Ohio State’s Dance Dominance
The Ohio State Dance Team isn’t just participating in national competitions; they are setting the standard. Their program has consistently been a powerhouse, achieving remarkable success over the past half-decade. In an astounding five out of the last six years, they have secured at least one national championship title. Last year was an exceptional highlight, with the team bringing home an unprecedented three championships! This consistent winning record underscores their dedication, rigorous training, and exceptional talent pool, making them a force to be reckoned with in the competitive world of collegiate dance.
To provide some context for those new to dance competitions, it’s structured into various categories, with jazz, pom, hip-hop, and gameday being the primary ones. Universities are further divided into divisions, primarily D1A for FBS programs and D1 for FCS programs. As a Big Ten powerhouse, Ohio State naturally competes in the highly competitive D1A division, facing off against the largest and most well-funded university dance programs in the nation.
Jazz National Champions: A Performance to Remember
This year, the Ohio State Dance Team once again demonstrated their supremacy, clinching first place in the jazz category. Their performance was nothing short of mesmerizing – a captivating routine that showcased their technical prowess and artistic expression. The scoring in dance competitions is multifaceted, taking into account various elements that contribute to a routine’s overall impact and quality. Judges evaluate the choreography for its innovation and difficulty, the dancers’ emotional connection and engagement with the audience, the precision and synchronization of movements, and ultimately, the lasting impression the performance leaves.
The Buckeyes achieved a remarkable score of 98.9206 for their jazz performance, narrowly surpassing the University of Minnesota, who scored 98.4286 for their equally stunning routine. It’s worth acknowledging the exceptional talent displayed by Minnesota as well. Their jazz performance was also incredibly beautiful and showcased the high level of skill present in collegiate dance. While many followers of this site are primarily focused on football and other mainstream sports, the dedication and artistry of these dance programs deserve appreciation. The athleticism and coordination required to perform at this level are truly extraordinary and beyond the capabilities of most individuals. And who can resist the iconic soundtrack of Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On’, which accompanied Minnesota’s routine, adding an extra layer of emotional resonance?
While both the Ohio State and Minnesota jazz routines were breathtaking, the Buckeyes ultimately emerged victorious, securing the national championship in this category. However, the competition remained fierce across other categories.
Pom Performance and Spirit Team Triumph
In the pom category, the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers took the top spot, while Ohio State secured a commendable second place. Minnesota achieved a score of 98.4762, slightly edging out the Buckeyes, who scored 97.7143. Minnesota’s pom routine was another display of precision and showmanship, featuring an impressive mid-routine costume change that further highlighted their creativity and attention to detail. The level of synchronization across all these routines is simply astounding and speaks volumes about the dedication and rigorous training these teams undergo. It’s this level of excellence that distinguishes the best of the best in collegiate dance.
Adding to the weekend’s accolades, the Ohio State spirit team, comprising the cheer and dance teams along with the beloved mascot Brutus Buckeye, also clinched a national title. This collective victory meant that Ohio State was a double champion this past weekend, further solidifying their dominance in the national collegiate spirit competitions.
The sheer strength, unwavering concentration, and remarkable unity displayed by these Ohio State teams are truly inspiring. It’s hard not to root for a program that consistently delivers championship-caliber performances year after year. The Ohio State Dance Team exemplifies excellence, dedication, and the spirit of collegiate competition, making them a source of pride for the university and a captivating spectacle for all who appreciate the art of dance.
