The LSU Tiger Girls headed into Orlando this past weekend with one clear goal which was to bring home gold to Baton Rouge. With tunnel vision set on claiming championship titles in both the Division IA Hip-Hop and Jazz categories at UDA Nationals, LSU arrived prepared to reclaim their crown.
After last year’s unfortunate and devastating prop mishap in their hip-hop routine cost them the chance for a medal, the Tiger Girls came into this year with redemption on their minds.
The Division IA Hip-Hop division, also a fan favorite, is where the Tiger Girls have built themselves a reputation. Known over the years for creating powerfully executed routines, technicality and intense stage presence, the Tiger Girls have delivered cultural resetting performances for back to back years. Iconic routines from over the years even include music from world-renown artists Michael Jackson, Ciara, Beyoncé, and Justin Timberlake.
This year’s routine raised the bar even further as this years hip-hop routine inspiration arises from Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime performance. A performance that is famously known for blending cultural and political relevance with artistic storytelling and technicality.
Adding to the significance of this performance was the involvement of Senior dancer Paige Manuel, who appeared alongside Lamar in the 2025 Super Bowl performance.
Following the hip-hop semifinals, the Tiger Girls sat confidently but not comfortably in first place, setting the tone for what many Tiger fans believed would be the next championship winning routine for LSU.
Before the announcement of hip-hop placements, the Tiger Girls placed 2nd in the Jazz category, the highest placement in program history.
Despite powerful back to back finals performance, minor technical errors are what ultimately pushed the Tiger Girls out of their spot in first place when it mattered most.
Though Tiger fans are completely devastated by this loss, the LSU Tiger Girls will forever be praised and remembered as one of the most decorated and influential teams to ever take the UDA stage. 2026 Nationals will serve as fuel to their fire and fans will be looking forward to their redemption at the 2027 UDA Nationals.
