The Utica University Dance Team (UDT) made its debut at the UDA Nationals in Orlando this year, marking a significant milestone for the program. This achievement is the result of months of hard work, determination and teamwork, from perfecting choreography to raising funds.

According to coach Ciara Parrish, the most challenging part of preparing for Nationals wasn’t just learning the routine or getting into the right mindset for such a big stage, it was raising $25,000 to get there. 

“The team funded every single penny of the trip themselves through fundraising efforts, including various events and outreach to local businesses for donations,” she said. 

The costs—registration fees, airfare, meals, and accommodations—all added up quickly, and Parrish emphasized the importance of fundraising in making the trip a reality.

 “If we couldn’t raise the funds, we couldn’t go,” she said. 

Once the team committed to Nationals, they developed a strategic fundraising plan, executed it with determination, and ultimately surpassed their goal.

Watching the team take the floor at such a high-profile event was an incredibly proud moment for Parrish. 

“This moment was theirs, and I hope they always remember that they achieved it together as a team,” she said. 

The team spent countless hours refining choreography, incorporating new elements to showcase their skill level, and perfecting every detail. Knowing the hard work and dedication it took to reach this stage, Parrish said that seeing them perform at a national level reaffirmed just how capable and resilient the team truly is.

Rylee Mulholland, a senior and captain of UDT, grew up watching videos of teams performing at UDA Nationals, and said performing on the same stage with those teams was a dream come true.

“The moment we hit the stage made me realize we finally did it and it was then that I realized, I had never been more proud of my team,” she said. “I will never forget the rush of adrenaline and sense of pride in representing our team and university on such a big stage.”

The preparation for the trip had its challenges, particularly with the limited time to prepare and the financial burden of raising $25,000. According to captain and graduate student Antonia Palmisano, the team had just two and a half months to prepare for the event. 

“We decided to go to Florida and compete at UDA just two and a half months before the trip,” Palmisano said. The team needed to perfect their routine and raise the necessary funds, which initially felt nearly impossible. “However, by working tirelessly together and staying committed, our team pushed through the financial hurdle and turned a daunting challenge into success.”

The team’s debut at UDA Nationals is a significant achievement for Utica University’s Dance Team. Parrish hopes this experience will inspire future team members and strengthen the program’s presence on campus and in the community. 

“This achievement sets a new standard for the Utica University Dance Team,” she said. “It demonstrates that we are capable of competing on a national level and belonging on that stage.”

Looking ahead, Parrish believes this experience will inspire future dancers to dream bigger, work harder, and continue building the program’s reputation. 

“I hope this journey leaves a lasting impact, not just in the memories made but in shaping the team’s culture of excellence, perseverance, and ambition for years to come,” she said.