Graceland Dance Earns Top Honors, Nationals Bid at Des Moines Regional

WAUKEE, Iowa — November 15, 2025 — The Graceland University dance team delivered a strong performance at the Dance Team Union Des Moines Regional Competition, held Saturday at Waukee High School, earning two second-place finishes, a special recognition award, and a bid to nationals.

Graceland placed second in both the jazz and hip hop categories, competing against collegiate programs from across the region. The team also earned the "Be Bold" award for its jazz routine, "Another One Bites The Dust," highlighting the team's unique choreography and musicality.

In recognition of their performance level, Graceland was one of only two collegiate teams at the event to receive a bid to DTU Nationals, scheduled for later in the season.

"We received two second places in jazz and hip hop," said a first year head coach, Lacey Larkin. "We were honored to earn the 'Be Bold' award for our jazz piece and so proud to be one of just two colleges to earn a bid to nationals. It's a huge step forward for our program."

Next competition details have not yet been released. The team will now shift its focus to continued refinement and preparation for the upcoming national championship season.

For more information on Graceland Dance and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.