ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Wisconsin dance team finished sixth in the nation at finals for the 2025 College Dance Team National Championship.

From Jan. 17 to Jan.19, the Walt Disney World ESPN Wide World of Sports was filled with collegiate dance and cheer teams across the country for the Universal Dance Association (UDA) national competition. The Badgers competed in two categories: D1A Jazz and D1A Pom.

The Badgers placed sixth in the semifinal round of competition, advancing to the finals and keeping their spot. Although the team has placed in the Top 12 at Nationals for the past 25 years, this is Wisconsin's first time advancing to the final round of competition since 2019. Co-Captain Hannah Heimer mentioned, "The whole experience has been a dream come true. Getting to compete at the highest level on one of the most prestigious stages is such an honor in itself, to then be recognized and rewarded for all of the work that you have put in is such an unbelievable feeling." 

Other Big Ten schools excelled as well, with the University of Minnesota winning pom and the Ohio State University winning jazz.

Adrienne Arruda choreographed the Badgers' pom routine. Aruda said in her Instagram caption "We set the tone for our season at choreography by pledging to ALL do whatever it takes to reach our goal. Instead of a lunch break- at choreo we analyzed the team culture and set Individual/team goals. We knew it was going to take approaching things differently to advance to finals in arguably the hardest division to compete in; D1A Pom. These dancers stole my heart last season (our first year working together). So I knew that going into year two I was going to do whatever it takes for this program to reach their goals." 

Wisconsin's strong and emotional jazz performance to "First Burn" from the musical Hamilton, gained a lot of traction on social media. Eddie Strachan, the choreographer, said " Stepping out of the box and pushing ourselves is an understatement." 

The Badgers placed 16th in the D1A category. 

The team consists of 24 dancers across nine states including Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, California and Arizona. Outside of performing at all home football and basketball games, the team practiced several hours a week to get its routines ready for the nationals stage. The team has a dance assistant, Taylor Buresch, and  four captains - Lucie Sullivan, Sophie Cowgill, Taylor Stueve and Hannah Heimer.

Sullivan says "Competing at UDA College Nationals 2025 was unforgettable. This team of 24 worked together like puzzle pieces to make it happen! Every hour of choreography, endurance challenge and two-a-day practice felt worth it when we reached that marley floor. As a fifth year on the team, I couldn't be more proud of the growth and accomplishments of this team. Get ready world, the Badgers are BACK."  

Spirit Squad Director and Head Dance Team Coach Josette Jaucian beamed about the squad, "I am so proud of the hard work and dedication of this year's team. We have four very strong captains and a senior class that pushed this team to reach their goals. We had not been in Finals since 2019, so it was amazing to see this team step up from the very beginning of the season and do whatever they could to make sure they were still dancing on Finals day. We are so thankful for everyone that helped the team…it's been unbelievable to see the support we've received from our families, alumni, choreographers staff and athletic department."

On,  Wisconsin!