Universal Dance Association (UDA) dance nationals is the largest college dance showcase in the dance world and on Jan. 17-19 colleges and universities from all around the country competed in the 2025 UDA dance nationals in Orlando, Fla. 

Qualifying universities and colleges compete in three categories: pom, jazz, and hip hop. They are then categorized by the size of school and NCAA status (D1A, D1, and open). 

The competition first gained popularity on TikTok during last year’s nationals due to University of Minnesota’s jazz prelims, with users trying to replicate the dances’ difficult fouettee combination. Ohio State University’s jazz dance to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” also gained attraction on the app. 

In this year’s competition, TikTok users are back for more. Ohio State’s jazz number instantly became another classic. As did University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ intricate hip-hop routine, and Louisiana State University’s head turning hip-hip number. 

Ohio State University took first place in D1A jazz; University of Minnesota took first place in D1A pom; and University of Nevada Las Vegas took 1st place in D1A hip-hop.

Louisiana State University’s hip-hop number to Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River” had everyone on the app talking. The dance features white umbrellas, which the dancers had issues with during prelims, but in the finals, there were no issues. The dance placed sixth overall in the D1A category.  

University of Nevada, Las Vegas took first overall in the D1A hip hop category. UNLV used a classic hit, The Notorious B.I.G’s “Spit Your Game”. The dance featured some of the most hype dancers in the competition. Audience members gave the dancers a standing ovation afterwards.  

Lastly, Ohio State University’s almost controversial jazz routine. The dance featured a song with no lyrics, but has an extremely jazzy feel. During the teams prelim debut, they brought a difficult turn combination, which dancers had struggled with. The turn combination was changed and made it easier in the finals. 

Kenny Huynh, a dancer and cheerleader, said “I really think OSU deserved that first place in jazz. I personally don’t know how I feel about UMinn getting first in pom.”

University of Washington and Washington State University also competed in UDA nationals this year. UW’s pom routine featured the exhilaration of being in Husky Stadium. WSU debuted with a sassy and fierce hip-hop routine to Justin Timberlake’s “Sexyback”. Both teams did not place, but did an amazing job. 

These university dance teams do an amazing job all year to put on these performances, and never disappoint. If you’re already looking ahead to next year’s UDA College Nationals they are set to be held Jan. 16-18, 2026 at the Walt Disney World Resort, in Orlando, Fla.