Ohio University’s Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts Dance Team makes history

Ohio University’s Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts Dance Team makes history

Cue "We Are the Champions" as the Ohio University Dance Team came home from Nationals as champions in more than one way.

April 29, 2025

The Ohio University Dance Team (OUDT) has entertained and championed generations of Bobcats at various University and community events since its founding in 1991. For the past four years, the team has also taken their skill, energy and dedication on the road, competing at the Dance Team Union College Classic Nationals. This year they came home as champions, in more ways than one.

After spending the last two years in the runner-up spot in Division I Pom, the dancers made team history this year by winning their very first National Championship. Kendall Lilley, senior captain and Marketing & Business Analytics major in the College of Business, has been working towards this moment since stepping foot on campus four years ago.

We started competing at the national level my first year, learned some tough lessons along the way, and I’m so incredibly proud of what the team has accomplished in such a short time.

Kendall Lilley

The competition was fierce, especially from reigning Division I Pom National Champions Central Michigan University, who held the top spot at the end of the first day going into finals.

“Last year we ranked first going into Pom finals and Central Michigan ended up taking the title,” recalled Sydney Dadosky, junior captain and Multimedia Major in the Scripps College of Communication. “It was disappointing to come so close, so going into finals in second place this year, we knew we really needed to come together as a team to apply the feedback from the judges and deliver an epic performance for finals. We did just that, and we won!”

The team also made history with their innovative Division I Jazz performance choreographed to AC/DC’s classic hit "Thunderstruck." A risky departure from the traditional lyrical routines of years past (including last year’s 9th place finish), the team’s preliminary performance catapulted them directly to 4th place in the finals where the team ultimately earned an exceptional 2nd place finish out of 22 teams competing.

“Working through our jazz choreography is unlike anything I’ve ever done,” recalled Ellie Nuspl, junior captain and Exercise Physiology major in the College of Health Sciences and Professions. “We always challenge ourselves with technique, but working with Tribe99 choreographer Adrienne Arruda this year helped us realize how important a healthy team culture and effective leadership are to our ability to truly perform as a unified team. I learned so much about myself this year, including that I have what it takes to be a leader!”

With an average team GPA of 3.6, academics are not just a priority for the team, they’re baked into the program. Dancers earn academic credit through the School of Dance while on the team, not only for dancing, but also for engaging in leadership and team development, and training in sports psychology, technique, performance strategy, and more.

Dr. Ryan Johnson, OUDT associate director, is always in awe of the team’s performance ability, but was most impressed by the leadership and confidence exhibited at the competition.

“It’s been so gratifying to see their confidence and leadership skills develop through these experiences. As an educator, it’s rare and rewarding to see that growth first-hand, especially in the unique context of the performing arts. The dynamic power of interdisciplinary experiential learning was on full display throughout the competition weekend!”

The judging panel also saw something special in the ��ýteam beyond their performance on the floor, bestowing the team with the Champion Teamwear “Champion Award” for 2025. The award is given annually to one team at the competition who best exemplifies Champion’s values of Passion, Dedication, Teamwork and Innovation through the team’s performances, a positive team and fan presence at the competition, and community engagement at home.

“I could not be more thrilled for our program,” said OUDT Director Dr. Andrew Pueschel. “Our placements are a result of students’ hard work, athleticism, and passion for dance and community. The Champion Teamwear Champion Award confirms that we are living our values both on and off the dance floor.”

The award includes a plaque and custom team apparel prize package, which add to the team’s already impressive haul including a trophy, rings, and jackets celebrating their Division I Pom National Championship and 2nd place Division I Jazz trophy.

While this year has been one for the history books, the future looks brighter than ever as the team prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2026.

“It truly takes a village”, said Pueschel. “In addition to thanking our ��ýAlumni and donors, FAMClub, friends, and other supporters, we want to recognize the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts and School of Dance for their continued support of our expanded mission, and the Offices of the President and Provost for championing experiential learning, including the Undergraduate Experiential Learning Awards for students and Undergraduate Experiential Learning Stewardship Grants for faculty which partially supported the team’s participation in this year’s competition. GO BOBCATS!”

Learn more about the team here: /fine-arts/dance/dance-team