Michigan Dance Team to Compete at UDA Nationals
1/15/2020 11:15:00 AM | Spirit Department
» Michigan again seeks to place in the top 10 after finishing sixth in the Jazz category last year.
» If it advances to the finals of Hip-Hop or Jazz, Michigan will compete again throughout the day on Sunday (Jan. 19). The time of the competitions will be determined based on ranking.
» U-M will be competing in the game day category for the first time in program history.
THIS WEEK
Fri-Sun., Jan. 17-19 -- UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (Orlando, Fla.)
Friday, Jan. 17 -- Game Day semifinals (Arena South), 12:30 p.m.; finals, 2 p.m. (if qualified)
Saturday, Jan. 18 -- Jazz semifinals (HP Field House), 3:53 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 18 -- Hip-Hop semifinals (HP Field House), 8:14 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 19 -- Jazz Finals (Arena South), 8:50 a.m. (if qualified)
Sunday, Jan. 19 -- Hip-Hop finals (Arena South), 1:30 p.m. (if qualified)
• Game Day Information: Order of Competition | Live Stream
• Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The University of Michigan dance team will compete this weekend (Fri-Sun., Jan. 17-19) in the 2020 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The Wolverines placed sixth in the Jazz category last season, and will attempt this season to make the finals for the 16th consecutive year.
On Friday (Jan. 17), U-M will partake in the Game Day competition for the first time, with semifinals beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Game Day finals will be held between 2-4 p.m.
Jazz semis will take place on Saturday (Jan. 18) at 3:53 p.m., followed by Hip-Hop semis at 8:14 p.m.
If Michigan qualifies in one or both of Saturday's competitions, they will compete on Sunday (Jan. 19). The Jazz finals will be held from 8:50-11 a.m., and the Hip-Hop finals will be contested from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
The program held a Friends and Family performance last Sunday (Jan. 12) at Cliff Keen Arena to preview both its jazz and hip-hop nationals routines. Following the performance, head coach Valerie Stead Potsos and senior tri-captain Sophia Simopoulous offered their thoughts.
Head coach Valerie Stead Potsos ...
"Moving into the Game Day category is something we are very excited about because we want to show people what being in the Big House is all about. We think the Big House provides one of the best overall gameday experiences in the entire country, so we want people to see what it is like on Saturdays in the fall. We have also worked on our mental toughness as a team, and that is something that can set us apart. That drive is something that has been different in previous years. There is just something a little bit more cohesive about this group."
Senior tri-captain Sophia Simopolous ...
"We are constantly preparing ourselves mentally and physically. The physical aspect is probably the biggest part because, although our routines are only two minutes, you wouldn't expect to be out of breath and tired after all the dances. We are lucky to work with strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers and dietitians to build up our strength and stamina. It is a long journey to get to the point that we are at now. We want to do the best we can because we have so much faith in each other, and I think this is the tightest bond we've ever had on the team together."
Tweet of the Week
@UDANews, here we come!#GoBlue? pic.twitter.com/T3duYK8KyO
— Michigan Dance Team (@UMichDance) January 14, 2020
