Vikings set new standard at nationals

The Augustana dance team’s first appearance on the national stage, held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando on Jan. 16–18, marked more than a milestone — it established a foundation for the program’s future.

Competing against some of the top teams in the country, the Vikings combined preparation and performance to prove they could compete at a higher level.

“It was everything I expected and more,” senior Izzy Dalton said. “Competing on that floor was just so crazy. It was the most fun I’ve ever had.”

The scale of the competition stood out immediately. Junior Madison Ryken said the atmosphere inside the arena was unlike anything the team had experienced.

“The energy surprised me the most,” Ryken said. “Everyone was constantly moving, practicing. The arena was so much bigger, and that definitely added to the nerves.”

Unlike performances at football and basketball games, nationals brought a large stage and unfamiliar audience. Ryken said the team relied on preparation to manage that pressure and trusted their training.

That preparation translated into results: Augustana placed 10th in Open Jazz A prelims with a score of 74.55 to advance to the semifinals. The Vikings finished 22nd in the semifinal round with a score of 75.5167.

“I think that’s when we realized we belonged,” Dalton said. “We were up there competing with teams that have been doing this for a long time.”

The team also found success in Open Game Day (Dance), finishing ninth in the category semifinals with a score of 82.5333.

For many athletes, nationals introduced a new level of competition. Sophomore Grace Straus, who previously competed at the state level in Minnesota, said the experience exceeded expectations.

“I’ve never competed with teams from all over the country,” Straus said. “What stood out was how supportive everyone was, especially other South Dakota schools.”

The team’s growth throughout the season was driven by an intensive training schedule.

“We practiced twice a day,” Straus said. “It pushed us mentally, physically and emotionally. I was doing skills I had never done before.”

That development was consistent across the roster.

“We’ve grown so much since the beginning of the season,” senior Asya Miller said. “Those practices pushed us to our limits , as dancers and as people.”

The experience also helped define expectations moving forward.

“I think it sets a new standard,” Miller said. “Now we know what it takes.”

Straus said the team entered nationals focused on gaining experience but will approach future appearances differently.

“We didn’t have a lot of expectations this year,” she said. “Next year, we’ll set bigger goals — like placing higher or making finals.”

The journey to nationals also required significant commitment beyond practice. Straus said much of the trip was self-funded, adding another layer of responsibility.

“A lot of people don’t realize how much fundraising we had to do,” she said. “We were practicing twice a day, fundraising and still supporting other sports.”

Even with those demands, the opportunity to represent the university made the effort worthwhile.

“We were exhausted,” Straus said, “but so grateful.”

With its first national appearance complete, the program now has both experience and momentum.

“It’s the most rewarding thing ever,” Dalton said. “All the hard work is worth it.”