The Upper School’s Sundancers delivered a standout performance at the UDA National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Fla. from Jan.30 to Feb.1. They advanced through preliminary rounds and semifinals before earning a top-10 finish across three divisions.
“I’m really happy we made it this far, because that’s not what happened last year,” junior Charlotte Levinger said.
The team placed sixth in Small Division II Hip Hop, ninth in Small Division II Gameday, and fifth in Small Division II Jazz. This was the Sundancers’ second appearance at nationals and a major improvement from last year, since they advanced to finals in only one routine, Hip Hop, finishing 10th overall.
The results represented extreme growth from the team’s experience at nationals in 2025, as the Sundancers not only competed in more divisions this year, but also placed higher overall. Levinger said she found the team’s progress was especially meaningful after last season’s outcome.
“We’ve worked all year for this moment, so it’s just a really accomplished feeling to look back on our journey,” Levinger said.
One of the team’s biggest milestones came in the Gameday division, which the Sundancers competed in for the first time. Despite being new to this style, the team advanced to the finals and earned a ninth-place finish.
“It’s also our first time competing in a Gameday piece and doing this style of dance ever, and the fact that we made it to finals is beyond me, and I am so grateful,” Levinger said. “It’s really bittersweet because the season is coming to an end.”
One of the team’s coaches, Stephanie Rocha, expressed her pride and credited the team’s success to consistent preparation and dedication throughout the season.
“This season has been extremely rewarding for our team,” Rocha said. “We are very proud of our dancers and the hard work they put in, training between 15 and 20 hours a week leading up to states and nationals. Being named regional and state champions and earning top-10 finishes at nationals was a major highlight for the team.”
For the freshmen on the team, the experience of competing at Nationals served as a meaningful introduction to high-level competition, working with a team and supporting others. For freshman Julieta Lasen, the team’s culture and work ethic was invaluable.
“Being a part of such a special and hardworking group of girls has been such a privilege, and I’ve learned so much,” Lasen said.
