The Hofstra University dance team is traveling to Orlando, Florida, this weekend for the 2017 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship. The 15-member team has hopes of defending its title in the Pom division and dominating the Jazz category. HUDT has over 20 years of competition history and has ranked in the top 10 for the past 19 years.

This consistency is in line with the team's longtime motto, "Dance as One." Traditionally, Hofstra adds a new motto for each season as well. "Whatever it Takes. Twice as Hard" was created in preparation for the 2017 championship. Head coach Kelly Olsen-Leon explained the meaning behind this season's motivational phrase:

We've worked twice as hard, our routines are twice as hard, we are twice as determined, and we also want another title, twice as much.

In addition to the team's success of winning a national championship title last year, Hofstra was also chosen to represent the United States national team in the pom division at the 2016 ICU World Championship in April, when they brought home another gold!


The Pride has stepped their choreography up to the next level this season. They'll be performing challenging skills that will set them apart in each division.

An important goal in their jazz routine is to exude a strong emotional connection to the audience. Hofstra plans on displaying this with a jazz routine that is all about the power and the fight they have to make it to the top. In the pom routine, the Pride will use unique visuals that involve many group moments along with full team skills.


To make the routines come to life, it takes hard work and plenty of quality practices. The team executes "practices as performances" and uses video recording to go back and critique itself and to clear up details after practice. HUDT wants to reveal the full package in both categories to showcase its well-rounded dancers. The Pride feel confident they are prepared to walk onto the competition floor and are determined to walk off feeling proud of their performances.

Watch LIVE this weekend on Varsity TV as Hofstra Dance competes for another national championship title!

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By: Megan Miles