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The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University Dance Team (LUDT) brought home top awards after attending camp at the University of Alabama for the first time.

The group set out with a goal to improve and learn from the best as they danced alongside nationally ranked dance teams, said Brixey Blankenship-Cozad, dance team coordinator and adjunct professor of dance. LUDT went on to surpass expectations, earn numerous awards and keep pace with Division 1A schools throughout the week.

The dancers spent each day mastering new routines, practicing team bonding activities and learning how to be a spirit leader in the LU community. LUDT received praise from other teams for their performances of dances they brought from ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University.

“After performing both routines we had many coaches, UDA Staff, and team members from other universities asking about our program and saying how amazing they are,” Blankenship-Cozad said.

LUDT’s various awards include First Place Division 1 Home Routine, Superior Team, Superior Fight Song, Program Improvement and Collegiate Recognition. Each of the twenty-four team members received superior ribbons on all individual routines that were taught and judged during the week, and nine LU dancers were asked to audition for the camp staff.

For taking first place, the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University Dance Team was invited along with Florida State to perform at the cheer awards ceremony on the final day.

“The team was an exemplary ambassador of ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University,” said Blankenship-Cozad. “It was the proudest moment for me as a coach to watch them keep right up with the most talented teams I have ever seen.”