LU Dance Team takes home first place at College Classic National Championship

For the first time in program history, the Lamar University Dance Team captured the Division 1 (D1) Small Hip Hop national championship at The College Classic in Orlando, Florida in April 2026.

The dance team brought three routines to nationals, earning a major milestone as all three placed in the top five. In addition to a first-place win in D1 Small Hip Hop, choreographed by Macy Romero, the team placed second in D1 Small Jazz, choreographed by Dezja Kelly, and fourth in D1 Small Pom, choreographed by TJ Maple.

"Competing and winning on a national stage in only our second year in Division 1 Hip Hop speaks volumes about the talent, work ethic, and resilience of Lamar's students-athletes," Dezja Kelly, head dance team coach, said. "It brings well deserved recognition to Lamar University and to our dance team as we continue to grow and elevate."

Kelly, an alumna of the Lamar University Dance Team (2016-2020), said bringing home the program's first national championship ring and trophy marked a deeply meaningful and historic moment.

"It feels like a full circle moment and validates so much of the unseen work that happens on my end behind the scenes - the kind of work that only coaches understand," Kelly said. "From hand sewing and altering costumes ourselves, to long practice weeks, late nights, early mornings, film review, weekend rehearsals, and fundraising to make our trip to nationals possible, this team has poured everything into this moment."

She attributes the dance team's success to its drive, growth, and strong leadership. Through mutual support, discipline, and confident, intentional performances, the team rose to the occasion and elevated Lamar University into the ranks of the nation's best dance programs.

"From the moment we began competing in 2024, earning a national title has been the goal," Kelly said. "What stood out most at nationals was their willingness to be coached and to get better in real time. They were eager to hear judges' feedback, to watch film, and to make the necessary adjustments literally overnight. That takes maturity, accountability, and a true desire to improve, especially when you are competing against programs with years of experience."

Moving forward, Kelly intends to prioritize growing the program's visibility by celebrating the success of its student-athletes to generate greater interest and foster enthusiasm around the Lamar University Dance Team.

"We are focused on building even stronger teams by continuing to elevate the overall level of training, performance, and skill within our program," she said. "That includes providing more resources and opportunities for our athletes, while also attracting dancers who are driven, disciplined, and eager to grow."

Kelly believes the victory establishes a new benchmark for the program and hopes it will spark greater excitement and visibility for the Lamar University Dance Team while inspiring stronger community support throughout the year. The team performs at every home football and basketball game, showcases its talent during its annual spring performance each May, and continues to represent the university on the national stage.

"In addition to performance preparation, our dancers are continuing their athletic training year-round, which includes strength training, conditioning, and cardio," she said. "Balancing game day performances, national level competition preparation, and a full spring show production requires a high level of discipline, endurance, and commitment, and our athletes handle all of it while maintaining their responsibilities as full-time students."

Kelly credits achievements such as the team's first-place national title with bringing well-deserved recognition to the Lamar University Dance Team and fostering a strong sense of pride and accomplishment among its members and supporters alike.

With a team roster of 22 dancers for the 2025-2026 dance team, she remains optimistic about the future and the momentum the program has built, as the team continues to evolve and reach new heights.

"As a smaller program, we are often seen as underdogs," Kelly said. "This win helps break that stigma and prove that we can compete with and stand alongside some of the most established programs in the nation."

To learn more about the team, including information about their upcoming tryouts on Sunday, May 17, visit the Lamar University Dance Team website.