Alum, Students Part of Viral UMN Dance Team Performance

The University of Minnesota Dance Team extended its dynasty by capturing its 22nd national championship at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals in January.

The team, led by head coach Amanda Gaines, ’09 BSB, took home the title in the D1A Pom division, but it was their runner-up performance in D1A Jazz that set the internet on fire, with videos racking up millions of views online.

Set to Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” the routine featured a dizzying display of athleticism, including a move involving spins into an aerial flip followed by more turns—all in perfect sync. The iconic rock band even gave the team a shoutout on social media.

“The coolest thing is the whole world, my dad’s coworker, random people on the street—all know about [the performance],” reflects dance team member Morgan “Pinch” Peterson, a senior in the Undergraduate Program. “I think people realized just how hard it is and it's really cool that everybody's getting to see that we are athletes too."

The self-choreographed routine was a love letter to the team’s performance to the song 20 years ago, which helped cement the program as a powerhouse in the dance world. Mia Tassani, a first-year Carlson School undergraduate student and dance team member, says she’s excited to further the squad’s legacy.

“It’s just been so surreal and I’ve learned a lot about myself and the team,” Tassani says. “I’ve definitely pushed myself harder than I’ve ever pushed myself and I’m just really excited for what’s to come.”