Daytona Beach, Florida – The Mt. SAC Dance Team performed at the 2025 NDA College Nationals, competing in both the Junior College Jazz and Hip Hop Divisions. From April 9–13, the team delivered two powerful routines that demonstrated both technical precision and creative artistry, continuing a proud tradition of excellence on the national stage.
In the Jazz Division, nine dancers performed a striking routine choreographed by Clarisse Takahashi, set to the iconic Michael Jackson track, "Dirty Diana." The team finished fifth out of six in a strong lineup of programs, with McLennan Community College taking the top spot, Utah State University Eastern coming in second and Riverside City College rounding out the top three.
In the Hip Hop Division, 12 dancers brought energy and attitude with a bold routine choreographed by Dance Team alumna Florrie Ku, who also produced the team's custom music mix titled "Party Like A Rockstar." The routine earned Mt. SAC an impressive third-place finish out of seven, bested only by Odessa College and Utah State University Eastern.
This year marked the Mt. SAC Dance Team's return to Daytona for yet another year of elite competition—a tradition that began in 2013. The program proudly holds six NDA National Championships, with Head Coach Austin Hernandez earning two of those titles during his time as a performer, and Assistant Coach Julia Moran earning one.
Coach Hernandez reflected on the team's performance and progress saying, "I'm so incredibly proud of all my dancers and what they've accomplished this season. They've consistently pushed themselves in every rehearsal and worked hard to be the best versions of themselves. Our returners really set the tone from day one, showing how much this competition means to us. As an alum, it's incredibly rewarding to now coach the next generation and continue building on our legacy."
Looking ahead, the Mt. SAC Dance Team is ready to channel the momentum of this season into the future. "We look forward to what's ahead and will take this energy to elevate our program even further," said Hernandez.
Congratulations to the Mt. SAC Dance Team on another inspiring season!