The University of Minnesota dance team proved their mastery in movement once again, as they clinched the national championship in the Pom category for the 22nd time, turning the competitive floor into a tapestry of gold-medal performances according to KARE 11. But it wasn't just their on-floor performance that made headlines; a secondary jazz routine captured second place and went viral, sweeping across social media platforms and racking up millions of views.
In a statement obtained by KARE 11, head coach Amanda Gaines couldn’t hide her pride for the team, proclaiming, "I have honestly never been so proud of [the] team." The choreography—a tribute to their 2004 champion team—soaring to viral fame with audiences nationwide not only cheered but left in sheer amazement as the dancers executed movements that called for high-level technique and skill. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz even praised the routine on social media, calling it "badass."
According to a CBS Minnesota interview, this year's jazz routine was a homage to the same Aerosmith song, "Dream On," that spurred the team to their first dual national championship in 2004, Gaines dubbed it their "love letter to the legacy that is the University of Minnesota Dance Team." The team's photographer, Cobey Rouse, managed to contribute to the viral sensation with a TikTok video of the jazz routine amassing over 1.5 million views. His aim was not just to showcase skill but to elevate college dance to the recognition of an NCAA-sanctioned sport.
Amidst the team's social media triumph, other Minnesota colleges also made impressions at the finals. University of Minnesota Duluth, St. Thomas, St. Johns, Mankato, and the University of St. Cloud were notable contenders. St. Thomas placed fifth in Division 1 Hip Hop Finals and fourth in Division 1 Jazz while Mankato State University dominated Open Pom at first place, with the University of Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State also placing in the top five in other divisions.
