The Universal Dance Association held its last annual dance-season competition of 2025. The long-awaited High School Dance Nationals took place from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. High school students from across the nation traveled to showcase the skills they had been perfecting in various routines over the past school year.
After the College Nationals two weeks prior, high school dancers from across the country were more motivated than ever, ready to give their all on stage. While the event was nationwide, many schools from South Florida participated, including Our Lady of Lourdes, Saint Brendan, Coral Reef and Coral Gables Senior High. After previous wins, Gables’ team hoped to bring home another national title.
The competition was divided into several categories: first, it was arranged by dance style. Within each style, the competitors were separated into Division 1 and Division 2 based on school size. Next, they separated varsity and junior varsity teams. Finally, the varsity category was further divided into groups depending on the size of the team.
“In my opinion, it was a great experience that allowed us to showcase and work together. The energy we had throughout the entire competition created a positive atmosphere that showed the true spirit of dance,” sophomore Sophia Artunduaga said.
The varsity kick team competed in the semi-finals on Jan. 31. They faced numerous teams from across the country, each team with different strengths and styles, adding to the difficulty. After their performance and a nerve-wracking wait for the results, they secured a spot in the finals.
“I felt like those consecutive days together at nationals really brought us all together, especially because we’ve been working so hard for the past few months. It was time to put our last push into it and I’m proud of how we did,” junior Sofia Atay said.
As dancers from Gables showed their skills, performers from nearby schools showcased their talents on stage as well. Coral Reef secured first place in both large D1 jazz and hip-hop divisions, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy took first in large D2 hip-hop and Saint Brendan claimed first in the large D2 jazz division. The dedication of dancers from across Miami was displayed on the national stage, hoping to highlight the talent Miami’s youth has to offer.
“It was a great experience with all the girls to be able to compete for the first time. It improves friendships and really just made me want to improve as a dancer. The support from members of our team, family and friends really makes us even more excited to go out and perform to make them proud, showing them what we’ve been working on for the past three months,” freshman Alejandra Perez said.
The following day, the varsity team performed for the final time, giving their all in one last effort. They showcased the result of months spent perfecting their routine and danced to the best of their abilities. After leaving everything on the stage, Gables finished fifth place in the nation.
“Nationals was a great experience because it’s something that not a lot of people get to do. Driving up with the team and spending time with my teammates for about five days is a really cool experience because we bond over how hard we’re all working hard together. In the end, it’s all worth it because you’re able to be with people who support you. The feeling of getting off stage and knowing you did great is indescribable and it’s honestly the highlight of the experience,” sophomore Stella Gonzalez said.
On that same day, the JV team took the stage while the varsity team was preparing for their performance. The JV dancers, performing for the first time, took the stage and followed their routine to perfection. Anticipation grew as they waited for their score and ultimately, they advanced to the finals.
With one last opportunity to perfect their dance, the dancers rehearsed their routine countless times, striving for perfection. When they took the stage for the last time this season, the JV team delivered their performance, securing second place in the nation.
Wrapping up another successful dance season, the Gablettes returned home with two national awards. The dedication shown throughout the year by both teams was recognized and to celebrate, the dancers spent the following day at Disney World Orlando. Each year of competition and growth motivates the dance team even more for the next; already, the national stage cannot wait to see what next year’s competition season will bring.
