Division 1A (D1A) tends to be the most popular, as it is the highest level, which contains 22 universities. All teams compete for semi-finals, and the highest-scoring half of teams for that category advance to finals on the last day of the competition. For example, if all 22 teams compete in one category, 11 teams would move on to finals. This competition has recently gained popularity, even though it has been around for over 35 years, which can be attributed mainly to the winners of last year.

The reigning champs of 2024 were The Ohio State University (OSU) for jazz, The University of Minnesota for Pom, and Louisiana State University (LSU) for hip hop. These routines are a main factor in why this competition was so anticipated this year. The LSU Tiger Girls have been notorious for their hip-hop routines, including 2022’s performance to “Like a Boy” by Ciara and 2024’s Michael Jackson-themed performance to “Smooth Criminal”. Social media users worshipped both these routines, as these visually satisfying performances struck the general public more than dances had before. Similarly, OSU’s 2024 jazz routine to “My Way” by Frank Sinatra rconnected with viewers, and as a result, more people than just the dance community were invested in their success and upcoming performance.

Although LSU was arguably the most anticipated for the hip-hop category, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) won the national title this year, making it their 6th national championship in hip-hop. They won by over two points against San Diego State University, which is a large amount in this competitive competition. UNLV also won first place in the game day category, a category that shows off school spirit with its mascots and cheer teams, making it their 6th win in that category as well.

Within this competition, there has been a main rivalry specifically in the jazz category between OSU and Minnesota. These teams have received first and second place for the past nine years! In these nine years, OSU has become national champion five times, and Minnesota has four. More recently, they have been competing head-to-head in the pom category as well. Last year, they both debuted exceptional jazz routines that sparked controversy about who should be the winner, since both routines were so extraordinary. Despite Minnesota debuting some of the hardest choreography ever seen at UDA nationals, OSU’s ability to resonate with individuals nationwide came out on top.

This rivalry continued this year, with both teams bringing powerful performances. OSU presented an intricate, difficult routine, while Minnesota performed a heartbreaking set to Kate Bush’s “The Women’s Work,” portraying a funeral. Again, OSU became the national champions but by only 0.6032 of a point! Even though Minnesota placed second in the jazz category, they won the pom category making them champions for the third year in a row! This rivalry and the ability to outdo themselves in difficulty and choreography every year is another reason why this competition is so interesting to watch.

Our very own University of Michigan made history this year with their artistic and unique routine to “Splish! Splash! Sploo!” by The Irrepressibles. They placed third in the nation in the jazz category, which is the highest finish in program history. Michigan State University’s dance team also did an amazing job, placing eighth in the pom category. Since they are in the highest level of college dance, these are massive accomplishments for our Michigan D1A universities!

This dance “Super Bowl” seems to become more and more known and anticipated every year. Even if you are not a dancer, these routines have a way of connecting to people without any words. Though it may look easy on stage, these collegiate dancers put practices over 5 hours typically twice a day over breaks to produce the impressive dances that viewers see on stage. Next year, make sure to look out for the UDA nationals as they alter how the nation views the dance world and set the bar for dance teams for years to come.