By Annelisse Bruder, Graham DeWitte, and Max Ichelson
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025)
After clinching a national title last year, Indiana University’s RedSteppers are back in the studio, stomping, sliding, and spinning with championship energy as they prepare to take another shot at the crown.
With the 2025 national competitions coming up on April 10 and April 13, the RedSteppers are chasing more than just another win; they are building a new legacy for themselves.
In a recent practice, the team moved with precision and power, executing complex formations and high-intensity choreography that showed why they are a team to watch heading into the competition.
“We know what it takes to get there,” said Jaylyn Hogan, a sophomore on the team. “In the fall we practice three times a week for four hours. But for competition, it’s every day. Most of us schedule our classes early in the morning so we can have the evening to practice.”
That work ethic paid off last year in a big way. The team competed in and did incredibly well in two different categories: jazz and spirit rally.
“Last year we competed in jazz for the first time and we placed 10th out of 40 teams,” Hogan said. “It was really rewarding seeing such a hard routine place so well.”
Despite the great finish in their jazz routine, it was their performance in spirit rally that took them all the way to the top.
“Our other routine, called spirit rally, placed first out of roughly 35 other teams,” Hogan added. “It was so nice seeing all the hard work that went into it pay off. The other teams were celebrating with us because they know how hard it is to get there.”
Freshman Jenna Hanland is experiencing that pressure for the first time—but she is embracing it, more than ready for what is to come.
“Yes, haha, a little bit,” she said when asked about the feeling the pressure going into nationals. “It’s hard when you have to double time it after a national championship last year, but it’s a good type of pressure, knowing that we’ve done it before and we can do it again.”
Hanland also reflected on one of her most memorable moments as a member of the RedSteppers so far: performing at Assembly Hall.
“It was crazy, there were so many people,” she said. “Growing up as a studio dancer I’ve danced in front of people before, but never that many. It was awesome.”
At practice, the team’s chemistry is undeniable. The dancers move in sync, encourage one another between reps, and make even the most grueling rehearsals look joyful. Coach Wood pushes the group with precision, demanding their best while reminding them of the opportunity ahead.
“There are a lot more eyes on us for sure,” Hogan admitted, “but it’s just as exciting.”
With their trademark intensity, innovative choreography, and deep-rooted pride, the RedSteppers are not just defending a title, they are performing with a purpose. And come next week, they will once again be dancing under the national spotlight.
Two RedSteppers share their thoughts and feelings about the year ahead of Nationals.
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Media Contacts
Annelisse Bruder
Cecilia Lomax
Dayana Alonso
Cupertino, California (Sept. 9, 2014) – Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled their newest venture, the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch, Apple’s newest product with its most personalized technology, combines the communication aspects of an iPhone with the directional and time-telling aspects of a traditional watch.
One feature that makes the Apple Watch stand out from other watches is its communicative abilities. Users can make and answer phone calls or send and receive text messages, without even having to carry their iPhones on them. Users can dictate their messages the same way they would on an iPhone with the Smart Replies feature. This provides convenience like never before.
Users can send unique messages from their Apple Watches, including their own heartbeat. They can also send voice memos through the Walkie Talkie features. They can even use the Digital Touch feature to send drawings to friends. They can customize their watch, so that their friends’ contacts are just one touch or click away, as they will be the first ones to pop up. This provides a unique experience separate from other Apple products.
The Apple Watch features a Digital Crown, a dial on the side of the watch to help users navigate their commands. It is comparable to the home button of an iPhone, and it is also a way for users to access the beloved Siri, Apple’s digital assistant. The Apple Watch is available in two different sizes, one that is 38mm and one that is 42mm.
“We thought not only of the function,” CEO Tim Cook said, “but also of the way it looked.” The Apple Watch has many different looks to appease many different audiences. There are many different watch bands, including the Sport Band, the Leather Loop, the Modern Buckle, the Link Bracelet, the Milanese Loop, and the Classic Buckle. Apple understands that this watch can be used in many different settings, and only offering one set watch band would not elevate the Apple Watch to its highest quality.
The Apple Watch also comes with 11 unique and different faces. From the classic analog clock face, to new and innovative faces, Apple has every user covered. The appearance of the Apple Watch faces are customizable, and can be personalized to a user’s individual liking. They can include a person’s activity statistics, their upcoming events of the day, the weather in their location, or even the current moon phases.
“Apple Watch, of course, is made to be worn,” said CEO Tim Cook, “and it can be worn all day, for any occasion.” Apple understands that many of its loyal customers have busy lives and are on-the-go, which is why Apple Watch has an Activity app to help with health tracking. The Activity app uses a built-in heart rate sensor, along with an accelerometer, to track activity. It is even able to measure calories burned. There is also a Workout app to help users achieve goals, and a Fitness app to track activity history and patterns.
Like Tim Cook said, the Apple Watch can really be used for any occasion, and that does not just mean for time telling, communicating, fitness, or directions. The Apple Watch accesses Apple Pay, helping users pay for groceries or new shoes with just the tap of a wrist. It also accesses tickets and boarding passes, so no need for users to worry about losing the important documents when going to the airport or a sporting event. When watching their Apple TV, users can turn the volume up or down and pause or play a program without even getting their remote out, as the Apple Watch also has a connected remote feature.
The Apple Watch will be available for users to buy in 2015. It will be updated to the newest iOS. Prices will begin at $349 USD.
Tim Cook discusses the features of the new Apple Watch.
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