Stonehill College Dance Team going for gold at Nationals next month

By Mia Dragone

Photo Credit: Stonehill College Dance Team

The Stonehill College Dance Team is getting ready for Nationals this April after a winning performance at the UDA New England Regionals.

Competing in the Division I Jazz and Hip-Hop categories, the team got first place for their hip-hop routine, setting the stage for their journey to Nationals.

Junior Captain Sophia Montesano ‘26 talked about the intense training that goes into Regionals.

“The weeks leading up to Regionals consisted of adjusting, cleaning, and running both routines to feel prepared and confident in our performances. Although we knew we were not at our peak just yet, we viewed the competition as our ‘mid-term.’ After receiving first place, we were proud but also motivated to get back to work and take our routines to the next level to prepare us for Nationals,” said Montesano.

Balancing academics, work, and an intense training schedule, the team practices six days a week for up to four hours. Fundraising has also been crucial for them because they are a self-funded team and need to cover expenses for the trip to Nationals.

Captains' practices on Mondays allow the team to come together. Montesano, alongside captain Lexi Ciallella ‘27, believes a strong team bond is very important.

“At the start of the Spring semester, we created a team vision board in which each member brought in pictures and quotes that portrayed our goals and mindset this year. The board is hanging in our studio on campus and serves as a reminder to us each practice,” said Montesano.

Annie Spaeth ‘27 describes Nationals season as both a challenge and a privilege.

“A saying that keeps me going some days is ‘pressure is a privilege.’ Being on SCDT, Nationals season is the most pressurized time of year—the demanding practices, the new skills, and the endless cleaning of routines. It is a privilege to feel tired at the end of a hard practice,” said Spaeth.

Following their win at regionals, the team wasted no time getting back to work, reviewing performance footage to perfect their routines.

“Although we were all so grateful and proud of our win, we knew that this was just the beginning and that a lot more work needed to be done. I can't wait to finish this season out with my best friends,” Spaeth said.

For Mia Shiney ‘25, this season is even more meaningful.

“Back in February, we competed at the UDA Regional Competition hosted by Endicott College. We received fourth place in jazz and first place in hip-hop. Reflecting on my past four years on the team, I feel that we are in a very good place, and doing well at Regionals really helped our confidence as a team,” said Shiney.

Shiney said the team's ongoing success is partly due to their winter training schedule and the direction of their coaches, Alli and Michelle.

“As a senior, I feel very thankful to take the floor at Nationals for the final time with this group of girls. They are humble, hardworking, and caring teammates who I have loved spending time with and cannot wait to cheer on in [the] years ahead. But this year’s not done yet, and I am ready to lock in for the final month with my amazing team,” said Shiney.

Before heading to Nationals, the Stonehill College Dance Team (SCDT) will perform at the annual Nationals Sendoff at Bryant University on Sunday, April 6.

“This team grows stronger every year during the week we are in Florida together, and we create memories to last a lifetime. None of it would be possible without the amazing girls on the team, our coaches Michelle and Alli, as well as all of our friends and families who support us each step of the way,” Montesano said.