The Universal Dance Association Dance National’s D1A Jazz competition has sparked conversations about who the real winner should’ve been. Ohio State University won the competition, but the University of Minnesota should have won.
Ohio State’s D1A jazz performance is always a standout. This year, So You Think You Can Dance winner Ricky Ubeda choreographed the dance. The team is known for precision, amazing technique, and expressive choreography. However, their prelims performance should not have allowed them to continue to the finals. Not only did a dancer fall during the turn section, but the dancers weren’t synchronized. If any other University made these mistakes, they would not have made it to the finals. Junior Sofia Ulloa talks about how she felt after seeing Ohio State’s prelims performance.
“I was so disappointed when I saw the dancer fall in the turn section,” Ulloa said.
University of Minnesota’s prelim jazz performance, choreographed by Emmy Award-winning Tessandra Chavez, was renowned for artistry and precision. The team consistently delivers routines that are technically demanding and artistically expressive. All of the turns, tricks and lifts were perfect in the prelims. Junior Montgomery Morgan speaks her thoughts after seeing this dance.
“It’s beautiful, it’s all in sync, and I feel inspired after watching it,” Morgan said.
The D1A pom competition also has people questioning if the winner, the University of Minnesota, should’ve won. Yes, Minnesota’s dancers’ technique was near perfection, but the choreography wasn’t as entertaining as Ohio State’s. Freshman Kendry Morgan talks about why Ohio State’s pom should’ve won.
“It’s obvious that lots of hard work went into this because it’s near perfection,” Morgan said.
Ohio State’s poms turned into lassos at the end of the dance. This made the dance more eye-catching than the rest. The dancers also had amazing technique like Minnesota. Junior Elena Ginie explains why she thinks the winners of each category should be switched.
“I think the winners of the pom and Jazz finals should be switched because Ohio’s pom was more entertaining and Minnesota’s jazz was more technical,” Ginie said.
The D1A hip-hop competition winners also saddened many. Louisiana State University is known for their win in this category. Their performance this year was a disappointment because their umbrella props malfunctioned, causing them to not win. Ulloa explains why she was upset watching LSU’s hip-hop.
“Every year, LSU’s hip-hop is my favorite, but watching the Umbrella’s break on stage this year was heartbreaking,” Ulloa said.
This competition is one of the most prestigious dance competitions in the United States. Students hope that next year’s competition will match up with who they think should win.
“Yes, this year’s winners were upsetting, but I can’t wait to see the competition next year,” Ginie said.
