By Sarah Singh, Cronkite PR Lab
The Arizona State University Dance Team made its return to the “Superbowl of Dance” (The United Dance Association Nationals) after a five-year hiatus. The opportunity to perform on the UDA stage is a dream come true for any collegiate dancer, especially for this year’s ASU Dance Team.
“You should have seen the reaction, tears all around,” said senior captain Sofia Cascone. “It’s not about the placements or the trophies. It’s really just about getting to perform on the UDA stage.”
Head Coach Bianca Caryl, who has led the program for nine seasons, said their return to UDA was the major step up that the team needed to affirm their position as one of the top dance teams in the country.
“When we found out we were able to go to UDA this year, it felt incredible,” she said.
Since the ASU Dance Team’s last performance on the UDA stage in 2020, UDA has taken off on social media and has become such a noteworthy event for even non-dancers.
The ASU Dance program experienced a shift in competitions during COVID-19, temporarily relocating to The College Classic, where they earned three national titles in both the gameday and jazz categories.
Two student leaders, Mia Basila and Liv King, were advocates for the team to return to UDA, and with the help of Sun Devil Athletics Director Graham Rossini and Deputy Athletic Director Lisa Young, that goal became a reality.
“They took a specific interest in the spirit squad and the dance team,” said Caryl. “It felt great to feel seen and valued, not just as support for other teams, but as a competitive program."
The road back to the UDA stage was anything but easy. For months, the team spent most of their time in the studio, practicing daily, reviewing film after practice, and pouring all their energy into one shared dream, making the UDA finals.
“We knew we had to step up in a major way,” said Caryl.
The team began preparations in July. They brought in choreographers to help elevate their technical standards and start preparations earlier than ever before, trying to avoid overtraining or burnout.
On top of competition prep, dancers remained ambassadors for all things Sun Devil Athletics, from attending football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, and more.
“We were all so committed. It made you want to be at practice. The energy was so good, and we all wanted to be there working towards the same goal,” said Cascone.
During peak season, it is typical for the team to practice seven days a week. Marching band rehearsals run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, with additional weekend practices and competitions sessions on top of that.
“It’s something unusual most sports wouldn't do, and people don't realize the intensity of it,” said Caryl.
Caryl, a former educator for the Tempe Union School District, emphasizes to her athletes the importance of their academic priorities.
“We talk about it openly,” she said. “School always comes first. They’ve become really good at time management and taking care of their bodies through hydration, nutrition, and mental health.”
The team debuted a jazz routine and a hip-hop routine at UDA. Their jazz routine was choreographed by Los Angeles-based Hannah Gallagher, set to a French song titled Faux Semblance, which translates to “false realities.” This concept is something this team knows a little too much about.
“We all post our highlight reels,” said Caryl. “Behind the scenes, real life is harder, grittier, not as picture-perfect. These dancers are juggling school, relationships, pressure, fatigue.”
The choreography aimed to tell a story that most people, especially in the age of social media, know all too well.
Ultimately, the ASU Dance advanced to the semifinals in Division 1A Jazz and, after a five-year hiatus, placed 10th in Division 1A Hip-Hop.
“Our goal all season was just to make finals. When we heard our name, the dancers' reaction was pure joy, and as a coach, that moment made me so proud,” said Caryl.
Despite their successful return to UDA, the team sees this as just the beginning of a new era for the program and hopes to place even higher next year.
“We’re proud, but we’re ready to push even further.”