The screen was dark, and the crowd was watching — waiting for the reigning 2017 division IA jazz champions to glide onto the UDA College Nationals stage.

When the announcer called their name, a group of sparkling figures appeared, holding hands, marching forward, ready to perform with purpose.

They found their places and waited. The music started and the routine spoke for itself.

“Row the boat” was the theme of the routine, inspired by the University of Minnesota football coach P.J. Fleck and his famous mantra inspiring perseverance and a never give up mentality. Fleck began using this phrase as his life and coaching mantra after losing his infant son in 2011.

To row the boat (and keep moving forward in life), no matter the situation, you have to keep your oars in the water and move forward. The dramatic music and movement of the choreography used in the team's jazz routine captured the spirit of the theme perfectly.

“We’re looking for more performance tomorrow. We want the team to take people on a journey with them,” the coaches told us after their semifinal performance on Saturday. And if you're a Minnesota insider, when you hear the music you know the piece features voiceovers from coach Fleck, which adds an even more personal touch to the routine.

If you missed the Golden Gopher dance team's day one performance, watch them take the stage in Pom and Jazz Finals LIVE, on Sunday, January 14, in HP Field House!

[Watch] The University of Minnesota's Semi-Final Performance:

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