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Saginaw Valley State University

March 29, 2023

SVSU Dance Team reigns in virtual championship, heads to national championship

Young women in black leggings and sweaters post as group on floor

Saginaw Valley State University’s Dance Team had all the right moves to capture a top spot at the recent Dance Team Union 2023 College Classic virtual competition. The team was named Division II champions in the jazz category. They also claimed 2nd place in hip hop and 4th in the team performance.

The SVSU team will compete in the DTU College Classic National Championship, which will be held April 6-8 in Orlando. Dancers will compete in jazz, hip hop and team events. 

“I am extremely proud of the progress that has been achieved this season by our Dance Team,” said Jen McNally, coach of the SVSU Dance Team. “As part of the spirit community, we are ambassadors for our university, and I truly feel this team has made huge strides in showing this to our campus and community.”  

The SVSU Dance Team has competed as a club sport since 2016. The 15-member team performs throughout the academic year. All the members competed in the virtual competition and will travel to Orlando. The following students danced in the virtual competition:

  • Katie Bicknell, a pre-nursing major from Goodrich, competed in hip hop and team events. 
  • Sofia Giulianelli, a pre-nursing major from Washington, in Macomb County, competed in jazz and team events. 
  • Angelina Gjuraj, a pre-nursing major from Macomb, competed in jazz and team events. 
  • London Harvey, an education major from Bay City, danced in the jazz, hip hop and team events. 
  • Kailey Hawkins, an education major from Macomb, performed in jazz, hip hop and team events. 
  • Taylor Johns-Piro, a criminal justice major from Harrison Township, competed in hip hop and team events. 
  • Victoria Koury, a marketing major from Sterling Heights, participated in jazz, hip hop and team events. 
  • Hollyn Laur, a pre-nursing major from North Branch, competed in jazz, hip hop and team events.  
  • Jamie McKelvey, an engineering technology major from Almont, in Lapeer County, competed in hip hop and team events. 
  • Alexis McNally, a business major from Saginaw, competed in jazz and team events. 
  • Olivia Mitrzyk, an environmental studies and sustainability major from Bay City, performed in jazz and team events. 
  • Marlayna Russo, a management major from Clarkston, competed in jazz events. 
  • Emily Salgado, a marketing major from Saginaw, performed in jazz, hip hop and team events. 
  • Maddie Whitesel, a pre-occupational therapy major from Brighton, competed in hip hop and team events.  
  • Ella Yantz, a chemistry major from Bay City, competed in jazz and team events. 

Russo, the management major from Clarkston, has competed with the team for five years and serves as the assistant to Coach McNally. She recently was selected to the USFL’s Michigan Panthers cheerleading team (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/other/2023/03/22/meet-the-michigan-panthers-cheerleaders/70037919007/) .  

“I truly am so proud of my team and the growth we have achieved,” Russo said. “The 2022-2023 SVSU Dance Team made program history. I value the relationships I have made. Some of my best friends and roommates throughout college have been from this team. I value our professionalism, work ethic, and overall passion that we all share together, which is dance.” 

Follow SVSU’s Dance Team on Facebook and Instagram.