The Harvard Crimson Dance Team made history this January, placing eighth nationally in the Division I Pom category at the UDA College Dance Team Nationals—the highest finish ever by Harvard, and tied for highest ever Ivy-League finish with Cornell, who placed eighth two years prior.

Each January, the dance team competes in Orlando, Florida, during Harvard College’s Wintersession. The competition, coined the “Superbowl” of the competitive dance world, consists of the nation’s best dance teams. In its leadup, dancers spend a week training for roughly twelve hours each day, working to perfect their pom and jazz routines. 

Their training began during the summer, when they built their repertoire of skills and technique. Once the fall semester was underway, they attended UDA camp to qualify for January. Upon qualification, they prepared new routines and balanced their time with rehearsing for, and cheering at, Harvard’s football games. As the team neared nationals, they also self-fundraised with raffles and bake sales to cover a majority of their competition costs. Entering 2026 Nationals Weekend, they were filled with excitement to showcase their six months of hard work culminating in this final event. 

After solely competing in the Pom division for two years prior, this routine highlighted the team’s difficulty through advanced acrobatic skills, multiple team synchronized turn sequences, and intricate movements, and chose to focus on a blend of popular songs rather than one theme. Best known for their Legally Blonde performance in 2024, the team shifted to showcase a smarter, more competitive routine that brought a greater attack. Friday night’s semi-final standings ended with one point separating the team from their competitors. On Saturday, they secured their victory after delivering a perfect finals routine. 

As the team brought home their first UDA trophy, the students valued the opportunity to compete against the best teams in the nation, but also to represent Harvard College on one of the biggest stages for competitive dance. 

“This win reminded us that building a legacy isn’t about a single moment of recognition,” former captain Dian Yu ‘26 said. “It’s about choosing each other again and again through uncertainty, sacrifice, and the unseen work that eventually makes these big moments possible.” 

Coaches Emily Booth, Tennille Hahn, and Mackenzie Quinn, and Joseph Bridgeforth III, the team’s pom choreographer, highlighted the team’s growth and commitment over the season. “After our first practice, I knew it was possible to make program history,” Booth said. “The countless hours the dancers put into perfecting these routines, and going above and beyond even when they were not on campus, brought them to new levels. I gave them the tools, but they put in the work to make the routine pop.” 

Booth also noted that hearing the announcement that the team advanced to the finals felt surreal. “The coaches knew it was possible, but it actually happening was a completely different thing.” 

The team expressed their immense gratitude to their coaches, writing in their instagram, “You all have shaped this team and your love for this program has allowed us to rewrite history. Through every long night, full out, and tough moment, you all have inspired us, leading us with your passion and love and always pushing us to be our absolute best. We love you all so much and are so grateful for each and every one of you.” 

With a historic season behind them and new goals ahead, the Harvard Crimson Dance Team strives to exemplify excellence, dedication, and school spirit—both on campus and on the national stage. 

Booth’s goal for the team is to capitalize on their momentum and reach the finals for both routines next season. 

“I want to show everyone how talented and well-rounded these dancers are,” she said. “And this year was only the beginning.”