UNO Dance Team Makes History at UDA Nationals

The University of Nebraska at Omaha Dance Team had a banner weekend at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) College Nationals competition in Orlando that included the group’s first dance division medal placement in team history with a No. 3 Finish in Division I Pom.  

The 19-person team also had a top three finish in the Division I Game Day category and a top five finish in Division I Jazz. Team coach Mo Marmesh said the team’s unity help drive them to the competition’s top tier. 

“This team dances for each other and for their school,” Marmesh said. “When a team is as unified as these 19 are, they have a level of determination that is unstoppable. They are truly a family. It's an exhausting weekend, both mentally and physically, and yet their focus and resolve to put out better, stronger performances after each round never faltered. I can only be proud of them, and I honestly cannot wait to do it all again next year.” 

The group’s historic outing Jan. 17-19 on the national stage followed a strong regional performance earlier this month at the UDA Spirit of America Regional Championship in Minneapolis.  

“I am extremely proud of what the dance team has accomplished and how the community supported their efforts,” UNO Spirit & Tradition Director Bill Pickett said. “Each year, they keep getting better and better.” 

The 2019-2020 UNO Dance Team members are:   

• Candace Aquila 
• Jadyn Bechtold  
• Brea Bradley  
• Mia Esparrago 
• Ellie Fangman 
• Joslyn Griffiths 
• Jenna Grote  
• Kai Harris  
• Kayla Horan  
• Cameron Krishna  
• Brianna Ostronic  
• Brooke Peterson  
• Abigail Quillen  
• Kylie Reiners  
• Cassidy Sarver  
• Emily Stephenson  
• Madison Stock  
• Shelby Tomasek  
• Joscelyn Vincent