A Team On Fire: The University of Tennessee Dance

Posted March 30, 2021 in School

The University of Tennessee Dance Team is a program rich in tradition while committed to evolving in the ever-changing dance community.

Each season, the number one focus of the Volunteers is to represent the University of Tennessee at the most elite level at athletic events, in the community, and on the competition floor. With 6 National Championships under their belt, and the determination to build upon that success, they have established themselves as a premier program in college athletics.

This April, the University of Tennessee Dance Team will return to Orlando, Florida to put their season's worth of hard work on display at the 2021 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship!

"We are beyond thankful for the opportunity to compete," shared Coach Kelley Tafazzoli. "We recognize the financial commitment of our university and do not take their confidence in us for granted. We are most looking forward to seeing all the teams at the competition getting to do what they love. It has been such a trying year and just being present at the competition is a victory in and of itself."

In 2020, the University of Tennessee Dance Team shined as they took home the UDA National Championship title in Division IA Pom, took second place in Division IA Game Day Dance, and earned an impressive top-five finish in Division IA Jazz.

WATCH: University of Tennessee – Division IA Pom

Since their impressive showing in 2020, the Volunteers have been practicing hard to represent their university the best they can in Orlando this season.

"The process for preparing for nationals this year has been a marathon as opposed to a sprint – which as we know requires very different training," shared Tafazzoli. "We have been actively chipping away at our finished product whether it was via zoom, in person 6 feet apart, or in a traditional practicing setting. The end goal has never changed but the process definitely has shifted."

"This season you can expect a team on fire. We are all naturally competitive individuals – but together we are an undeniable force. Coming off of a National Championship adds a layer of expectation from a spectator point of view – however, it doesn’t change our approach on the inside. We are striving for polished routines full of attack, innovation, and fine-tuned technique."

You can't talk about the University of Tennessee without thinking about the incredible one-of-a-kind game day atmosphere at Neyland Stadium.

"Game day is what we do best," Tafazzoli shared proudly. "Every time we have an opportunity to support Tennessee Athletics in a game day – our goal is to change someone’s day! We assume that someone at each game is a “first-timer” and we want them to have the full Tennessee experience! We know that we are a piece of the puzzle and our role is important. Our cheer, dance, and mascot teams work so well together to have a unified presentation at all games to amplify the overall fan experience!"

In their Game Day routine this season, the University of Tennessee Dance Team plans to bring their iconic Rocky Top game day to the marley floor in a new athletic way.

"We are focusing more on the traditional game day elements that you would see in Neyland Stadium combined with the atmosphere of the national competition. We are very excited to showcase our traditions and fan engagement!"

Will the University of Tennessee continue to add to their list of championship titles this season? Tune in to Varsity TV April 27-28, 2021 to watch the Volunteers compete live at the 2021 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship!