Jan. 30, 2008

CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago's dance team recently captured first place in the college division at the Northern Illinois I Regional, which was administered by the Universal Dance Association, at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Ill. With the first-place finish, the Ramblers qualified for the Illinois Dance Team Championship, which will be held at UIC on Feb. 23.

UDA believes that the primary purpose of a dancer is to support athletic programs and to provide entertainment to the crowd before and during games. Dancers play an instrumental role in raising, leading and maintaining school spirit in and around their communities. Competition and performance-based routines are an artistic expression of the teamwork and talent of those who choose to compete and perform.

UDA holds roughly 48 competitions, featuring nearly 13,000 participants, around the country from September through April each year.