Consistency Is Key With San Diego State University

The San Diego State University dance team is a veteran team at the UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, and they are back this year with routines that are more challenging than ever. 

The Aztec’s have strong numbers this year with a total of 25 dancers and almost half of the team is brand new to the college dance team! 

A classic and consistent method of their practices has helped them to come together and get as prepared as possible for competition. Once nationals season begins, they have what the team calls “ADED”—All Day, Every Day. The create a solid schedule for each rehearsal that always begins with a run, stretch and core conditioning. For Jazz practice, they work on drilling the turn sections of the routine at least five times before they continue. 

Building consistency in everything they do is important to their process.

The team has a couple mottos to help remind them of the work they have put into this year and the family they have built. “We dance for each other” and “never let your team down” are the focus this season. 

Rachel Hanson, co-captain, says “the process we go through is not an easy one, but when we look around at practices and see our teammates, it gives us the motivation to work harder and dance harder for each other.”

The Jazz category is about finding that balance of technique and movement. The Aztecs have the movement and really wanted to challenge the technique this year which is their motivation behind the strong turn sections in their Jazz routine. “This routine also has some really nice formation visuals and we try to put a team trick in that will be a memorable moment,” says Head Coach Kaitlin Collins, who is assisted by Tori Kullmann. 

[WATCH] SDSU's 2018 Div. lA Jazz Routine

SDSU has been known to have team dance sections that showcase their Hip Hop style versus leading with the tricks and lifts. For 2019, they are sticking to what they know. The routine does not have a specific theme, however, it is “far from the norm,” says co-captain Nicole Mendrala. She mentions how this could be a risk, but they are proud of what they are bringing to the stage.

The team continues to spread the spirit at nationals each year and they spread the SDSU dance love throughout the year by hosting clinics for younger dancers who may want to see themselves on the team in the future. With a history dating back to 1998, you can guarantee the team will continue their legacy of bringing exciting routines and spirit to the national championship for years to come.

The Aztec cheerleading teams will be joining the dancers competing in DIA All Girl, Small Coed, and Game Day. Tune in to Varsity TV this weekend to watch San Diego State University show off their routines!

Written By: Megan Miles

Photography By: Christi Ransom Photography

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