Anaheim, CA- The ACU dance team competed at the Universal Spirit Association's Collegiate Championships on February 17 & 18, bringing home 3rd place in Division 2/3 Jazz competing against NCAA Division 2 and 3, as well as NAIA schools.
ACU finished third behind Chapman University and Cal Lutheran University, respectively. ACU finished only .4 points behind Cal Lutheran. This was only the dance team's third appearance in competition. In 2023 they placed 2nd in the same division and in 2022 they finished 5th.
In competition, a jazz routine incorporates stylized jazz dance movements and combinations, visuals effects, level changes, formation changes and dance technique. Emphasis should be on uniformity of the selected jazz style, proper dance technique, and timing and performance quality.
The team's routine to "Thank God I Do" by Lauren Daigle was choreographed by NAU dance team alumna, Faith Lorimer, and ASU dance team alumna, Maya Lorimer and was performed by ACU freshmen Isabella Holgiun and
Kylie Mangini, along with sophomores
Cassandra DeHaro and team captain
Mariah Hall, and seniors
Nikki Renteria, and Gypsy Patnude. DeHaro, Hall, and Patnude were all returning competitors for the Firestorm dance team.
About the results,
Mariah Hall said, "This win meant a lot because we worked hard in the months prior to the competition and it felt like all the practice hours paid off. We're pumped to come back even stronger next year with a clear goal in mind." She continued, saying, "before the competition there were nerves mixed with confidence. Stepping onto the stage for Arizona Christian University was a proud moment."
When asked about the experience, Gypsy Patnude added, "this trip was different because we went in as last year's second place team so it was a lot more nerve racking and the pressure was on. Regardless, I reminded myself that we did well last year so we could do it again."
Hall reflected on the team bonding that took place on the trip, saying, "what made this trip extra special was renting a house so the team could stay together. Snacking all weekend and spending a day at Disneyland added some extra fun and team bonding to the trip."
Fifth-year head coach
Tracy Sandon said she was most proud of the team for performing at finals significantly better than they did in the preliminary round. "We watched our routine from prelims and went over the judges' comments and then focused our attention on areas we could improve quickly. The dancers looked good on the first day of competition, but they were stunning in the final round. It's the growth that impressed me the most," said Sandon.
Congratulations Firestorm Dance team. Roll Storm!
