University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Dance Team Captures National Championship
1/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
The Swedish sensation ABBA may have coined the phrase, "You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life. See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen."
But the Minnesota dance squad now can take ownership of it.
In 2002, the University of Minnesota had one of its most triumphant athletic years ever. The "U" registered three national championships under its collective belt including men's golf, men's hockey and wrestling.
Now in 2003, the trend continues. The Minnesota Dance team didn't "miss a beat" (terrible pun intended) and brought home yet another title for the "U," claiming the Division IA College National Championship administered by Universal Dance Association (UDA). The Golden Gophers edged out Big Ten foes Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan State, and according to head coach Amber Struzyk, accomplished their yearlong goal.
"We had three goals this season," Struzyk said. "To compete well in fall camp, take first in taping and win the national championship. For as long as I can remember, the team that came in ranked first has won. That puts some pressure on you because you are expected to win."
(The taping portion is part of the pre-competition where each squad submits a videotape of their dance routine to a panel of judges at the UDA prior to the national competition.)
The competition was held at Disney MGM Studios in Orlando, Fla., January 10-12. Since Minnesota was ranked No. 1 for much of the season, they earned a paid bid to the national competition. Not surprisingly, Minnesota had plenty of good fortune in its favor going into the event -- favor of elephantine proportions.
"Friday night before competition we had practice," Struzyk said. "When we were leaving, there was a huge semi-truck with an elephant inside with his trunk raised at us as we walked by. I didn't know this, but our choreographer told me that when an elephant raises his trunk, it's a sign of good luck. It was an amazing feeling because all the signs seemed to be pointing to us winning."
Indeed Minnesota was poised to capture the title. However, junior captain Lindsay Johnson admits she felt a mixed array of emotions before the contest.
"We watched the semifinals and got to see who we would compete against in the finals," Johnson said. "The day of competition flew by and then we waited for the results. After we finished and saw the video of us, I was nervous. But when the award ceremony came, I had a feeling of calmness."
Calm, cool, collected. All are mind-sets necessary for any big performance. Minnesota was brimming with them.
"Their confidence is unbelievable," Struzyk said. "I witnessed a lot of the teams being told by their coaches not to watch Minnesota because we had such an intimidating confidence around us. The girls' energy was so visible."
Johnson explains how the team prepared both physically and mentally. "Before we went on, each of us stayed in our `bubbles.' It's an individual way of blocking out the pressure and focusing on what we need to do. When the music starts, your body knows what to do, your team is with you and it all just comes together."
Not only is this the Golden Gophers' first dance national title, it is the first time they have finished higher than fourth. Unlike many of their counterparts, the Minnesota squad does not receive any scholarship money. However, Struzyk is confident that winning the national championship will have a rippling effect for years to come for the Minnesota dance program.
"It's not difficult to get dancers to come here because we have such a strong program," Struzyk said. "Minnesota high school dance teams and studios bring a lot of talented people who are used to not getting financial assistance. Winning never hurts in getting people interested either. Since we (won the National Championship), I've received lots of e-mails and calls from people interested in the Minnesota dance team."
Clearly, the Minnesota dance squad has become highly visible in the Twin Cities and beyond. The team competes at all home football, basketball and wrestling meets, in addition to appearances in the community. The squad holds clinics and programs and even performed at a bar mitzvah.
In fact, the squads' devotion to the "U" runs so deep, even residents of Orlando may now be able to join in on singing, "RAH-RAH-SKI-U-MAH."
"After we won, we started singing the Rouser and just enjoyed it as a team," Johnson laughed. "We sang just about every Minnesota fight song at every place and restaurant we went to."
Both Struzyk and Johnson agree winning the national crown in 2003 is only a preview of things to come for Minnesota.
"I was excited to hear a lot of the girls already looking forward to next year on the way home," Struzyk said. "We are now not just contenders, we are defending national champions. The sky is the limit for us and the girls are hungry for next season. "
Johnson echoes in full confidence.
"This year's team is incredible, but I know we will be good again next year. I am excited to go into my senior year as a national champion. I know we can repeat."
Record books beware. The Minnesota dance team is ready for a `two-step.' (another terrible pun intended.)
Written by University of Minnesota Graduate Assistant, Tim Ellis-30- "Dancing Queens"
