By: Emma Crannell
In January 2022, the LSU Tiger Girls Dance Team took the stage at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals in Orlando, Florida, not knowing that their months of hard work would not only end a 15-year national title drought but also etch their name in pop culture history and pave the way for other college dance teams to follow in their footsteps.
The UDA Nationals surged in popularity on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and X in January 2022, primarily due to the viral success of the LSU Tiger Girls' “Like a Boy” hip-hop routine. This annual competition is recognized as "the most prestigious collegiate national championship in the country and the perfect opportunity for cheerleading and dance teams to come together and celebrate each other." Collegiate dance teams spend months preparing for the January event, competing in divisions such as jazz, pom, and hip hop. The LSU Tiger Girls' "Like a Boy" routine caught the attention of celebrities like actor Channing Tatum and rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. Major news outlets, including ESPN, The New York Times, USA Today, and Sports Illustrated, covered the routine’s virality, highlighting not just the artistry of the dance, but the incredible athleticism of the women performing it. Fans around the world attempted to recreate the dance on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Even months after the event, people across the country were seen wearing LSU Tiger Girls dance team-inspired Halloween costumes. If that doesn’t demonstrate the lasting impact of this routine, I’m not sure what does.
This viral moment wasn’t just a fleeting sensation for the dance world. In 2024, fans who had been mesmerized by the LSU Tiger Girls' performance in 2022 returned to watch the teams compete once more. This time, two jazz teams stood out—the University of Minnesota and Ohio State University. As viewership surged, fans eagerly followed the social media accounts of college teams, hunting for hints about costume reveals or song selections. The competition quickly became one of the most anticipated pop culture events of the new year.
The University of Minnesota took to the UDA stage first, clad in stunning, sparkling blue costumes, delivering an electrifying routine. A section of the performance showcased the team's impressive technique, flawless lines, and precise turning skills. The meticulously choreographed dance was set to Aerosmith’s iconic “Dream On.” According to an article by Dance Magazine, “Both Aerosmith and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz showed their support for the team on social media.” Ohio State University followed with an elaborate jazz routine, delivering a theatrical performance set to the timeless song “My Way,” popularized by Frank Sinatra. The choreography was flawless, from the dynamic lifts to the playful touch of red ties, as well as the powerful leaps and facial expressions. In the end, Ohio State’s routine came out on top with a near-perfect score of 98.9206, edging out the University of Minnesota’s score of 98.4286 winning by just 0.492 points. Similarly to how social media reacted to the LSU Tiger Girls' famous routine, we saw a major surge in media coverage after OSU clinched the national title. The win sparked some controversy among fans of the competition, with many stating that the University of Minnesota’s routine not only had more heart but was also more traditionally "jazz." Some even argued that Ohio State’s routine lacked key jazz elements. Despite the public opinion dominating social media, Ohio State clinched the title. However, in Division IA Pom, Minnesota’s dance team triumphed, scoring 98.4762 to Ohio State's 97.7143.
Now, with the 2025 UDA Nationals just one day away, excitement is building once again as fans eagerly anticipate what this year's competition will bring. As the 2024 event fades into memory, social media buzz is already shifting to new teams, new routines, and new viral moments. Fans of the popular competition have noticed something intriguing: college dance team members across the country are changing their profile pictures on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to unusual images. Many speculate that these alterations are a subtle way for teams to hint at what their routines might involve. TikTok users like @alexatriesthings have been analyzing these profile picture changes and making predictions. For example, LSU has switched their photo to images of the M&M candy mascots, leading fans to wonder if they’re preparing a dance to an Eminem remix. Meanwhile, the University of Oregon has updated their profile picture to a seal, sparking speculation that they may perform to the song “A Man’s World” by SEAL.
This growing enthusiasm among social media users and dance fans has sparked a pressing question raised by Dance Magazine: "Dance is not formally recognized as a sport by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, but could this viral moment spark meaningful changes for collegiate dance teams?" As the popularity of dance continues to soar online, particularly with the viral trends surrounding the UDA Nationals, there’s an increasing conversation about whether this surge in visibility could push for greater recognition and support for college dance teams at the national level. At the same time, the looming TikTok ban raises additional questions about the future of this momentum. If social media platforms like TikTok become more restricted, could this shift in the emotional investment fans have in these events? With TikTok playing such a crucial role in building excitement and engagement around competitions like the UDA Nationals, it’s unclear whether the enthusiasm will rise or fall without the same viral reach. This uncertainty underscores how closely intertwined dance culture is with social media, and how changes in the digital landscape could shape the future of college dance teams—both in terms of visibility and recognition. My only hope, as an avid watcher of the UDA Nationals, is that the women continue engaging with their fans as much as they have via TikTok, so fans and teams can maintain their connection, and the teams can continue to receive their well deserved “virtual flowers.”
References:
Comments