YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN - The Grand View University competitive dance team traveled to Ypsilanti, MI, for its 8th NAIA National Championship appearance. After the preliminary round, the Vikings were sitting in third place with a first-round score of 88.83. On the final day of the Championship, the Vikings recorded an 88.66, which tied them for third place. Due to the Competitive Dance Rulebook, the Vikings would finish the Championship in fourth place for their 8th out of 8 appearances.
For the fourth year in a row, the Vikings are coming home with a top-four placing out of 43 NAIA Dance Teams.
Grand View made noise in their 8th out of 8 appearances in the National Championship, slightly bettering their score in the second round. The Vikings had an impressive season, holding a 2nd-ranking for most of the competition season. GVU is only one of five teams that have qualified each year the NAIA has hosted.
QUOTES WITH COACH KK:
"The success this team has had this year is unmatched. They have pushed themselves in the dance room and have pushed us coaches to be better. The veteran dancers on the team have paved the way for the future of the team and have continued the legacy of Grand View Dance. Being one of two teams to bring home hardware for four years in a row is something we pride ourselves on and shows the strength and consistency within our program. The senior athletes of this team have left a lasting impression on our program. At the national tournament, the team put out two great performances, topping their previous national tournament high score. We were a little surprised by the tied score after the final round but couldn't be more proud to be bringing home a fourth-place finish."
Final Combined Team Standings
1. St. Ambrose — 92.49
2. Midland — 92.13
3. Baker — 88.66*
4. Grand View — 88.66*
5. Oklahoma City — 87.86
6. Doane — 85.06
7. Graceland — 83.52
8. St. Francis — 83.41
9. Viterbo — 80.56
10. Aquinas — 80.28
11. Concordia — 75.23
12. Loyola — 71.82
* Baker (Kan.) wins tiebreaker over Grand View (Iowa) based on Section D, Article 4, Letter G of the 2023-24 NAIA Competitive Dance Rulebook.
