If you’re a dancer who uses social media, you’ve almost certainly seen the countdown to the 2025 Super Bowl of Dance. For those unfamiliar, these videos refer to the UDA Nationals, a competition that marks the end of the season for varsity cheerleaders and dancers. The event has attracted the attention of dancers and non-dancers alike in recent years thanks to several viral performances. Last year’s jazz performance at Ohio State University was iconic enough to inspire multiple Halloween costumes.
In January 2022, Louisiana State University’s Tiger Girls went viral after taking first place at the UDA Nationals with their crisp, synchronized hip-hop performance of “Like A Boy.” The win was redemption for the year as LSU banned the team from competing in 2021. dance and top-notch performance quality. The video quickly racked up millions of views on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Senior Tiger Lady Isabella Avila, then a freshman, remembers how quickly things changed for her team. “It brought us a whole new fan base. Once we won, we got a lot of attention from the school and more fans came to take pictures with us.
After the Lady Tigers’ win, the school dedicated more resources to the Lady Tigers. They increased their time with a personal trainer and expanded recovery options. Now, just days away from their next appearance at UDA Nationals, Avila said all the other videos on her TikTok are fans expressing their excitement for what the Tiger Girls will do in 2025.
Freshman Tiger girl Alyx Gardner recalls watching games like a boy As a high school student. She originally planned to major in dance in college rather than join the dance team, but changed her mind after a screening of the UDA Nationals at her dance teacher’s home. “Especially its popularity in the past few years has really influenced me to consider forming a dance team.”
The Lady Tigers have since won another national championship in the hip-hop division and in 2024 finished third in the jazz division. . “The program hasn’t had a winning streak yet. When we feel like we’re losing momentum, that’s what keeps us going. We’re hoping to bring another championship to the program,” Avila said.
This year is Avila’s last UDA Nationals. Dance soul Interviewed her and newcomer Gardner to talk about the game from two perspectives.
Tiger Girl’s Life
Avila and Gardner practice three to four times a week for about four hours each time, allowing them to recover at any time. On weekends during football season, the Tiger girls play home games. They also dance at weekend basketball games once basketball season starts. The national team season runs from finals week in December to the UDA national teams, who train every day and then recover for an hour or so. Don’t forget, they are also full-time students.
teammate bond
At the beginning of each year, the Tiger Girls are paired up with “sisters,” one senior and one junior. During the national team season, when the dormitories are closed, the sisters live together on campus and train for games every day. “You just have someone to go home to and have support at the end of the day,” Gardner said. Beyond their sisterhood, the team is also very close. Avila added: “Of course, we love to dance, but what we will remember most about this year are the memories we made together.”
Avila 4th UDA Nationals
A young dancer from Beaumont Avila, Texas, has gone from learning the ropes of college dance on her own (coming from a studio where she had yet to experience the precision of spacing and movement required to join a group) to welcoming New dance. What advice does she have for dancers auditioning for college teams? “Use your resources. Reach out to dancers on different teams and do a lot of research to find the best fit. As she continues to pursue her dance dreams after graduation, she may soon take her own advice and become an N.B.A. Or a dancer in the NFL. “As I grow up, I will always be involved in dance, whether it’s having a studio or whatever. Dance will always be a part of my life.
Gardner’s first time on the mat
When asked about her upcoming debut, Gardner said: “It’s very surreal for me because I watched ‘Like A Boy’ when I was a sophomore in high school and now I get to be a part of it team and dancing with them. She said she was nervous and excited going into the game. “I gave up a lot to come from Illinois to Louisiana. I just wanted to make sure that everyone — our coaches. and teammates, our choreographers, our alumni and my family – what made her so confident about LSU? Gardner visited the campus when she met the coaches and prospects. teammates, she knew these would be her next four years. In fact, Gardner’s senior teammates greatly influenced her first semester experience. “They really taught us about the Tiger Girl culture. What it really means and what it means to be a Tiger Girl. In addition to being our leaders and role models, they are also our friends.
quick questions
Dance bag essentials: Tiger girls need to wear headphones to get in the zone. Even though their musical tastes differ greatly, they always agree on Drake.
Rehearsal ceremony? spit for good luck and For a good twist. These dancers spit on the floor and rub it with their jazz shoes!
Favorite warm-up music right now? anything related evilcertainly
Which team are they most looking forward to watching? Avila said she’s ready to watch Ohio State, Minnesota and Washington State play. Gardner will focus on Florida State, Arkansas and Michigan.
What is your favorite thing about being a Tiger Girl? It’s all about teammates. Avila and Gardner agree that the friendship they formed will last a lifetime.
