Stepping Forward to Defend The Championship
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.
