The Tiger Girls’ journey to the Universal Dance Association, also known as UDA is fueled by their hard work, dedication and sisterhood.
The group has competed at UDA for 28 years in Division 1A Hip-Hop and Jazz and is coming off first- and third-place finishes in both categories last season. There is always pressure when preparing for UDA but the Tiger Girls always showcase their compassion and talent while dancing.
Most people don’t know that being a Tiger Girl is a year-round sport, full of training, workouts and camps during the summer.
While dancing at school sports events, the Tiger Girls also prepare for nationals with little time off. Getting ready for UDA can be stressful not just physically but mentally.
“The biggest way to help prepare the team is for all of us to be in the best mindset,” Tiger Girls senior captain Isabella Avila said. “Reminding each other that we’ve put in all the work and hours and that it’s time to trust our training has helped keep us in a motivated and competitive mindset. Also remembering why we’re here and who we’re doing this for has helped prepare us to be our best for UDA.”
The Tiger Girls learn routines early in the fall, from August to October. Then, they drill and put the final touches around November. The jazz and hip-hop routines are unmatched each year following. Their choreographer’s creative palette, along with that of their coaching staff, is remarkable, from the song selection to costumes and movements.
“If I had to describe our routines in a few words I would say for jazz it’s musically inclined and for hip hop it’s raw and passionate,” Avila said.
It’s a team effort to assemble a compelling dance that connects and resonates with the audience.
“Our coaches encourage us to always tell a story when we perform,” Tiger Girls senior captain Kennedy Cooks said.“The main goal of Tiger Girls has always been to entertain and put on a show, and we continue to push that everyday.”
Performing in front of an arena of people can be nerve racking, but the Tiger Girls practice day and night to become a character and engage with the audience to feel emotion.
“Rehearsals consist of running lots of reps of our routines in full and in smaller sections,” Cooks said. “We also do a lot of film study, breaking down our routines slowly to get us synchronized.”
The Tiger Girls describe themselves as a unit- held together from the bond they share through love and support. They are each other’s family. To help the team grow they always circle back to who I am doing this for.
“We keep our team motivated by knowing why you’re doing this,” Avila said. ““We do it for our teammates, the legacy, and for the people we care about. Our “why” is our biggest motivation throughout the whole process.”
