Grand Canyon University Athletics
1st-place Home Routine makes GCU Dance history at UDA Camp
8/26/2025 9:50:00 AM | Dance Team
Lopes also take 1st for Spirit Program Fight Song at competition in Santa Barbara
The Grand Canyon University Dance Team traveled to Santa Barbara, California, this month to participate in the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Camp, where they trained alongside collegiate programs from across the country.
The Aug. 6-10 camp offered the Lopes the opportunity to refine their skills, learn new material and prepare for the upcoming season. Throughout the camp, the team learned material that was combined into a single game day routine. This routine, performed and evaluated by UDA staff, earned the team Game Day Superior overall among six other collegiate teams.
In addition, the Lopes made program history by earning first place in the Home Routine category. Each team performed a routine in the style of its choice, and GCU's hip-hop performance stood out to judges for its creativity, style and execution.
"What an incredible feeling, knowing that our hard work has paid off and proving to ourselves and others that we are capable of great things," Lopes fourth-year senior captain Malia Holdredge said. "This was a moment that made us feel truly connected as a team and was the jumpstart we needed to have faith in our journey to success."
Another highlight of camp came when the GCU Dance and Cheer combined to perform the GCU fight song. Evaluated by UDA and UCA (University Cheerleaders Associaiton) staff members, the performance showcased the collaboration, spirit and energy of GCU's Spirit programs and earned a first-place finish.
Individually, every member of the GCU Dance Team received a blue ribbon evaluation from UDA staff, marking the highest recognition awarded for memory, performance and overall execution.
"I loved how much I bonded with my teammates at camp," Lopes fourth-year senior captain Emily Gonzales said. "It really set the foundation for our team's relationships this year and created memories that will carry us through the season. On top of that, we pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones, which reminded me how much growth comes from being present in every moment."
These accomplishments reflect the program's commitment to excellence on and off the floor as the Lopes prepare for another successful season.
The Aug. 6-10 camp offered the Lopes the opportunity to refine their skills, learn new material and prepare for the upcoming season. Throughout the camp, the team learned material that was combined into a single game day routine. This routine, performed and evaluated by UDA staff, earned the team Game Day Superior overall among six other collegiate teams.
In addition, the Lopes made program history by earning first place in the Home Routine category. Each team performed a routine in the style of its choice, and GCU's hip-hop performance stood out to judges for its creativity, style and execution.
"What an incredible feeling, knowing that our hard work has paid off and proving to ourselves and others that we are capable of great things," Lopes fourth-year senior captain Malia Holdredge said. "This was a moment that made us feel truly connected as a team and was the jumpstart we needed to have faith in our journey to success."
Another highlight of camp came when the GCU Dance and Cheer combined to perform the GCU fight song. Evaluated by UDA and UCA (University Cheerleaders Associaiton) staff members, the performance showcased the collaboration, spirit and energy of GCU's Spirit programs and earned a first-place finish.
Individually, every member of the GCU Dance Team received a blue ribbon evaluation from UDA staff, marking the highest recognition awarded for memory, performance and overall execution.
"I loved how much I bonded with my teammates at camp," Lopes fourth-year senior captain Emily Gonzales said. "It really set the foundation for our team's relationships this year and created memories that will carry us through the season. On top of that, we pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones, which reminded me how much growth comes from being present in every moment."
These accomplishments reflect the program's commitment to excellence on and off the floor as the Lopes prepare for another successful season.
Awards received
- First place, Home Routine
- First place, Spirit Program Fight Song
- Outstanding Game Day
- Game Day Superior
- College Superior for Routine Evaluations
Players Mentioned
/ Dance Team
/ Dance Team
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