Dance | 7/28/2022 3:34:00 PM

DALLAS, Texas (July 28, 2022) – After participating in the annual National Dance Alliance (NDA) Camp, the Texas Woman's University Pioneer Pride Dance Team received an automatic bid to the 2023 NDA Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida.

On July 22-24, Pioneer Pride traveled to Southern Methodist University to compete and participate in the 2022 NDA Camp. Over the three day event, teams learned new game day routines, team dance routines and other specific techniques.  The final day included competitions and All-American auditions.

According to the NDA, bids are given according to a point system based on all-around, game day routine, team dance, spirit and overall participation at NDA camps.

Pioneer Pride's head coach Marisa Martin said they performed in the game day competition and team dance, which is a routine learned and practiced at camp. PPDT was awarded second place in the team dance. 

"Coaching this team for the first time at camp was so rewarding," Martin said. "This team worked extremely hard to push past the mental and physical challenges brought on by camp. I am so proud of our growth from day one to day three and how the team kept striving to be better."

During the camp, Pioneer Pride also received the Spirit Stick, which is voted upon by campers. The Spirit Stick is given to the team who shows the most enthusiasm and excitement, spreads positivity to their team and others and works hard to improve throughout the entirety of camp.

The final day of camp also included All-American auditions.

Throughout the three days of camp, the NDA staff will nominate dancers to audition for All-American. The nominees are chosen based on their leadership, work ethic and dance ability shown during the camp.

This year, TWU celebrated three nominees: Madison Treu, Linzy Gott and Juan Tapia. Nominees then perform the team dance routine learned throughout camp individually on the final day of camp. Based on their performance, the NDA staff selects All-Americans.

Treu was selected as an NDA All-American this year by the NDA staff.

"Not only does camp push their dance ability, but it bonds the team together and creates a strong foundation for the year," Martin said. "This is only the beginning of our journey and I can't wait for the rest of the season."