University Marketing & Communications: Layton Shumway | 801-863-6863 | LShumway@uvu.edu

Written by: Barbara Christiansen | 801-863-8208 | BarbaraC@uvu.edu

Utah Valley University’s Dance Team brought home the gold from the Dance Team Union College Classic in Las Vegas April 6-8. The group not only took first place but was ranked first in every category by every judge.

The event focuses on dancers creating artistry. The UVU team of 19 young women was judged on that artistry, along with execution, technique and performance including audience appeal.

“They were encouraging dance groups to be individual and unique and allow for creativity,” said Ashley Hardison, the group’s coordinator. “We thought it would be a good fit for our team.”

UVU’s team competed in both jazz and hip-hop. For the finals, first place winners in all the categories were judged together. Other teams included Brigham Young University and schools from California, Illinois, Texas and Nebraska.

“We have a really talented team,” Hardison said. “It was fun to watch them go out on the floor and do their very best. They gave a lot of time and effort and energy in everything they did. They go above and beyond, taking every moment and enjoying it.”

Hardison danced at and graduated from UVU. She coached at UVU from 2005-2009, and returned two years ago. The dance team coach is Bri Sorenson, who is also an alumnus and is in her third year of coaching.

The group’s theme this year is “Live Your Passion.” The national theme is “Everything You Have — Twice as Hard.”

Team members exemplified that national theme by concentrating on the two-minute, 15-second routine. Several told Hardison, “I am going to give it everything I have. I can do anything for two minutes and 15 seconds.”

Fourth region (Section 1)