Dance | 8/5/2024 1:39:00 PM

DALLAS, Texas (August 5, 2024) – For the first time in program history, the Texas Woman's Pioneer Pride Dance Team earned a Gold Paid Bid to the 2025 National Dance Alliance (NDA) College Nationals.

On July 19-21, the Pioneers traveled to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas to participate in the 2024 NDA Camp. During the three days of camp, TWU showcased their game day routine, learned a new team dance routine and also strengthened many techniques. On Sunday, the camp culminated with competitions, All-American auditions and awards.

Throughout the camp, teams earn points from various camp activities, placement in competition categories and votes from NDA staff members. Based on point accumulation, teams with the most points receive a gold, silver or bronze bid to nationals.

On the final day of competition, the Pioneers displayed incredible skill and talent, as they danced their way to not one, but two First Place finishes in Division II – taking first in Game Day and Team Performance Competition. 

For their excellence and spirit displayed throughout the weekend, the Pioneers earned their first Gold Paid Bid to the 2025 NDA College Nationals on April 9-13, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Fla. in program history. 

"We are beyond proud of this team for making program history at NDA Camp this summer," said TWU Pioneer Pride Head Coach Marisa Martin. "Each year, we attend a three-day camp and compete for a bronze, silver or gold paid bid to nationals. While at camp, we also compete in Game Day and Team Performance Competition. This year, we made history by taking home the first spirit stick on night one, two first place trophies in the DII Division, three All-American medals and a GOLD paid bid to nationals! As coaches, we are so pleased with the work ethic of this team and are so proud of our dancers. This season is off to a great start, and we look forward to taking this excitement into the rest of the year."

On Sunday, the final day of camp, NDA also hosted All-American auditions.

Throughout the three days of camps, the NDA staff nominate dancers to audition for All-America honors. The nominees are chosen based on their leadership, work ethic and dance ability shown during the camp. Nominees perform the team dance routine individually and are judged by the NDA staff based on their performances.

This year, three Pioneers were selected and honored as NDA All-Americans: Caden Hensley, Kendall Madkins and Maddy Keehn. This marked the second consecutive All-American honor for Hensley and first honors for Madkins and Keehn.

The Pioneers will begin training for the 2025 NDA College Nationals this fall and will also perform at other TWU athletic events throughout the fall and spring semesters.