Waukee Dance Team Receives First Place at Regionals

Waukee Dance Team thrived in the “Spirit of America” Universal Dance Association (UDA) Regional competition, the biggest regional competition in the nation, on January 9. Waukee’s Varsity Dance Team received first place in Hip Hop and POM and received the “Most Crowd Appeal Award” at the event hosted by the Mall of America in Minnesota.

This is the first time Waukee has ever received a Hip Hop title or “Most Crowd Appeal” varsity regional title. This was the second time the team has captured the Regional Pom title.

Waukee Junior Varsity Dance Team received first place in Hip Hop and Jazz. They finished third in Pom.

Dance Team coach Allison Kirk is ecstatic the team has had so much success. “We competed against some of the nation’s very best teams. It was an honor to compete in the midst of such greatness!” Kirk said.

Success hasn’t come easy for this group. They have spent the year helping each other and focusing on needs as a team.

“This is a group of young women who put TEAM above SELF. This is a direct reflection of why they are doing so well. They work out together, motivate each other and pursue each other. They recognize each other’s strengths and build on each other’s weaknesses. As we work in practice, girls are off to the side during water breaks practicing skills in their weaker areas. I spend just as much time after practices helping small groups of individuals reach goals as I do in regular practices. We model after successful collegiate dance teams in practice structure, work ethic, and relationships. It’s an honor to coach these ladies.” Kirk said.

The Waukee Varsity Dance Team will end their season at the National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida on January 30.