The Utah Tech University Blaze dance team is setting the stage on fire for the third consecutive year as they gear up to compete at the USA National Finals competition.
The Blaze dance team, similar to all other sports teams at Utah Tech, holds practice four to five times a week. Practice regularly starts with a quick workout, and then the team will start working on techniques. The remainder of practice is dedicated to perfecting the routines they perform at halftime shows, games, events and Nationals.
Last year, the Blaze made history by being the only collegiate team to medal in both of their categories. They placed third overall in their hip-hop routine and second overall in their jazz routine
Head coach Kori Esplin has established the team’s objective to secure their first national championship title. Esplin said the girls have already been practicing the routines that they will be performing at Nationals.
“Nationals is such an amazing opportunity because doing something that’s difficult always makes us rise and shine and become better,” Esplin said. “So no matter the outcome, they are going to be better people and better dancers, and to represent Utah Tech is a tremendous blessing.”
Esplin expressed an optimistic outlook for this year’s dance team, describing it as the most talented group she has ever been a part of. Esplin said the team’s mindset is what makes this year different.
Jordyn Reber, a junior general studies major from Newcastle, said the friendship between the dancers and coaches is what separates the Blaze from the other schools and teams they compete against.
“We have a very strong sisterhood bond, and we’re all best friends and very close,” Reber said. “That aspect, I feel, makes our dancing that much better when we compete because we all already love each other so much that we don’t care about the outcome.”
Brylee Prince, a senior integrated studies major from South Jordan, said she has been dancing since she was 3 years old and got her passion for dance from her mom who was also a dancer.
“I met my best friends through dancing all these years,” Prince said. “I’ve loved being part of a team, and dance is my safe place, especially Blaze. I love coming here and forgetting about all my problems and being with my best friends.”
The Blaze has a long way to go before the USA National Finals competition in February. Right now, their main focus is working on the routines for the halftime Homecoming football game along with other routines for various school events.
As Nationals approaches, the Blaze will continue to tweak and perfect both their jazz and hip-hop routine to have them competition-ready.
