A Dance With A Message: University of Minnesota

Posted

Share This Post

The screen was dark, and the crowd was watching — waiting for the reigning 2017 division IA jazz champions to glide onto the UDA College Nationals stage.

When the announcer called their name, a group of sparkling figures appeared, holding hands, marching forward, ready to perform with purpose.

They found their places and waited. The music started and the routine spoke for itself.

“Row the boat” was the theme of the routine, inspired by the University of Minnesota football coach P.J. Fleck and his famous mantra inspiring perseverance and a never give up mentality. Fleck began using this phrase as his life and coaching mantra after losing his infant son in 2011.

To row the boat (and keep moving forward in life), no matter the situation, you have to keep your oars in the water and move forward. The dramatic music and movement of the choreography used in the team's jazz routine captured the spirit of the theme perfectly.

“We’re looking for more performance tomorrow. We want the team to take people on a journey with them,” the coaches told us after their semifinal performance on Saturday. And if you're a Minnesota insider, when you hear the music you know the piece features voiceovers from coach Fleck, which adds an even more personal touch to the routine.

If you missed the Golden Gopher dance team's day one performance, watch them take the stage in Pom and Jazz Finals LIVE, on Sunday, January 14, in HP Field House!

[Watch] The University of Minnesota's Semi-Final Performance:

Related News

The Summit 2026 Schedule: See The Performance Order For Today

The Summit 2026 Schedule: See The Performance Order For Today

Day one of the culminating event of the all star cheer season is finally here. The Summit 2026 kicked off Thursday morning, April 30 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the backdrop for thousands of athletes to make the memories of a lifetime.

Apr. 30, 2026

Insider Info: 2026 The Summit

Insider Info: 2026 The Summit

In 2026, The Summit again will bring athletes and cheer teams of all ages and skill levels to Orlando, Florida, where they will showcase their skills and compete for championships in one of the most iconic venues in sports.

Apr. 30, 2026

The Summit 2026: Here's What To Look Out For

The Summit 2026: Here’s What To Look Out For

What an incredible season it has been! But we're not done yet as teams now prepare to make the final climb at The Summit Championships! Each year, The Summit transforms Orlando into the epicenter of all star cheerleading, drawing the sport’s most elite athletes to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This is more than just a competition... The Summit represents the culmination of a season full of dedication, precision, and teamwork. This year's championship is set to feature top-performing teams from across the country—and increasingly, from all around the world! Varsity TV is looking forward to another memorable weekend of action on one of cheer’s biggest stages. Here's a look at what to look out for at The Summit 2026.

Apr. 22, 2026