Again in October, Arizona State University’s dance team dropped a sizzling post with some thrilling information: For the primary time since 2020, the Solar Devils could be returning to the Common Dance Affiliation Faculty Nationwide Championships. After constantly inserting towards the highest at UDA in jazz and pom (the group gained third in Division 1A jazz and fourth in D1A pom in 2020), ASU’s dance group pivoted after the pandemic, taking a yr off from competing earlier than switching to The College Classic (TCC) for 2022–25.
Now, the group heads again to Orlando, FL, for the 2026 UDA Nationals, which run January 16–18 on the Walt Disney World Resort. ASU Spirit Squad coordinator and dance-team coach Bianca Caryl sat down with Dance Spirit to speak about their return.
We’ve all been questioning: Why did ASU go away UDA?
When issues have been selecting up once more after COVID, it was delivered to my consideration by the college that we ought to be focusing extra on sport day, and that it might be okay for us to compete throughout a distinct time of yr. January is a demanding time with regards to video games and different occasions on campus.
By way of the National Dance Coaches Association, I do know the founders of Dance Team Union. Their occasion [The College Classic] is in April, and it appeared actually up-and-coming. I preferred its music rules and style specializations—pom actually must appear to be pom.
When and the way did issues change?
UDA’s rising recognition has modified dance-team tradition. We sort of hoped after we shifted to TCC that extra D1A groups would comply with. There have been some nice groups there, however it didn’t essentially develop in the way in which we have been hoping. And, truthfully, we have been having FOMO in January!
We’ve additionally had new administration within the athletic division. We was thought of extra as an adjunct to the athletic groups, however this new administration stated, No, you might be an integral a part of the division, and the way can we develop your development? Talks about returning formally began round final spring.
What genres will the group be competing in?
We’ll compete in jazz, and we’re switching from pom to hip hop this yr! Over the previous few years, I’ve been in a position to recruit extra by combines and occasions, so I’ve had the chance to curate an exquisite group tradition with technically superior dancers who’re additionally sturdy in hip hop.
This summer season, we labored on Chicago-style fundamentals with Toya Renee Ambrose, who directs the Chicago Bulls 312 Crew and the Luvabulls. She was additionally one among ASU’s choreographers throughout the early 2000s, so there’s a cool connection there. We wish to be sure we’ve actually mastered the model by real training. And ASU has all the time been sturdy in jazz—we’re identified for it.
How have you ever been prepping?
For the previous 5 years, the dancers haven’t been used to having a contest on prime of our hardest time of yr. Within the fall, it’s one sport after the opposite, and we additionally do occasions and volunteer. I informed them, “In case you guys wish to do that, you must perceive: There’s no winter break. You could not get to go house for the vacations.” It’s a full-blown dedication and way of life. However they’re all in, they usually’re having a good time.
What’s your strategy this time?
The final time we have been at UDA, we have been inserting excessive and pushing to stage up. The main target was on the medals we have been bringing house. However this time, we simply wish to make it to finals. We don’t have any particular expectations about placement. It’s actually nearly us being again, displaying individuals who we’re and what we will do. Nonetheless folks decide us—there’s no management over that.
That doesn’t imply we’re not aggressive—we’re very aggressive—however we’re taking the numbers and the position out of it.
What does it imply for ASU to be again at UDA?
I used to be very pleased at TCC. However coming again to UDA is important as a result of it means we’re again on the scene. My dancers really feel a validation in displaying that, for the individuals who didn’t know that we’ve continued to be a really aggressive group, we’re nonetheless right here.
UDA has introduced gentle to the truth that dancers are athletes. It’s undoubtedly a distinct tradition that we’re strolling into this yr with the athleticism and the extent of problem. However we don’t wish to attempt to be anybody else. We have to be ASU. We do choreography that’s totally different. We’re edgy and funky. That’s not going to alter.
