FAYETTE, Mo. - After spending several years as a member of the NAIA, the Central Methodist University competitive dance program will be switching gears and joining the National Dance Alliance (NDA) this season. The program will undeclare from the NAIA ahead of the 2020-21 academic year.

The NDA is often viewed as one of the most prestigious associations across the competitive dance platforms. Each year, the fiercely competitive national event features 100 teams competing in front of thousands of spectators. The 2021 NDA Collegiate Nationals, featured at an oceanfront venue, is set for April 7-11 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

There are two qualification options for the NDA Collegiate Nationals: camp qualification and video qualification. Bids to nationals through the camp qualification methods are based on the team's successful completion of specific requirements in the areas of participation, conduct, and camp achievements. Teams must have a minimum of eight (8) participating team members attending the same NDA Collegiate Summer Camp to be considered for a bid. The video qualification method requires the submission of one video that includes a 30-second Hip Hop routine, 30-second Jazz routine, 30-second Pom routine, and a 30-seconds of technical skills.

The championship event featured 16 divisions for competitive dance last season, four of which were available for NAIA programs to compete in. Some of the major benefits of joining the NDA are:

• Open qualifications to the NDA event, which leads to many more teams competing at the event
• No regional placement is required for qualification
• NAIA dance programs are allowed to select two of the available four divisions to compete in (Team Performance Open Division, Jazz Open Division, Pom Open Division, Hip Hop Open Division)
• The NDA event is a five-day, four-night event in April (after the conclusion of the basketball season)
• NDA offers "paid bids" to teams attending their summer camps that provide substantial discounts for teams that attend the national competition, as well as hotel assignment and other priorities/benefits
• NDA awards, championship trophies, banners, and jackets are presented to all "Advanced Division" winners
• NDA offers "Accu-Score" to help resolve scoring disputes during the preliminary competitions
• NDA utilizes the most modern, up-to-date electronic scoring systems in the industry

About the NDA:

Since 1976, NDA has built upon foundations of spirit, tradition and excellence. NDA continues to prove The Work Is Worth It through empowering young athletes across the country. By working alongside coaches and dance teams nationwide at camps and competitions, NDA strives to build not only strong athletes but great individuals.