For the fifth time in program history, Doane University's Dance Team brought their Tiger pride to the national stage—this year earning 6th place at the NAIA Competitive Dance National Championship. The event, held at Eastern Michigan University, showcased the best collegiate talent in the country, and Doane’s dancers rose to the occasion with passion, precision, and a whole lot of heart.
“It never gets old,” said Head Coach Ashley Lyon, who just completed her 10th season leading Doane’s dance and cheer programs. “Every time we make it to Nationals, it feels like we’re building something even bigger—and this group made us proud in every way.”
While this wasn’t Doane's first trip to the big stage (the program first qualified in 2019 and has returned every year since 2022), this year's journey came with its own challenges. Despite feeling “underscored” throughout the regular season, the team stayed laser-focused on their goals, ultimately earning a spot at Nationals via the NAIA selection committee.
“We knew from day one that returning to Nationals was our goal,” Lyon said. “Even when scores didn’t go our way, our team didn’t crumble. They stayed motivated and danced for each other—and that made all the difference.”
The Tigers made the 11-hour charter bus trek to Michigan with a roster of 11 dancers—three seniors, two juniors, three sophomores, and six freshmen (three of whom took the floor). With just six dancers required and a maximum of 16 allowed, Doane’s tight-knit team performed a routine packed with maximum-difficulty choreography, dynamic formations, and expressive musicality.
“Having a smaller group means every dancer stands out. There's no hiding on that floor,” Lyon explained. “But this team’s bond was special. They showed up for one another—on and off the stage.”
The pressure of Nationals didn’t faze the Tigers, especially with veteran dancers familiar with the venue and flow of competition week. From the lights and live stream commentators to the energy of performing in a major arena, the team embraced the full championship experience.
And while Doane is saying goodbye to three seniors this season, the underclassmen are already poised to carry the torch.
“Our seniors helped shape the culture and identity of this team,” Lyon said. “They believed in the vision we’ve been building, and their leadership will have a lasting impact.”
As for what’s next? Lyon hopes this latest Nationals performance continues to raise the profile of the program—both for recruiting and support.
“We’re growing every year. We’re outgrowing our space. The dream is to have so much talent knocking on our door that we have our own facility—no alternates, just a roster full of athletes competing for a spot,” she said. “We give scholarships. We train like athletes. We compete like any other sport. We just want more people to know what’s possible here.”
With a top-six finish on the national stage, Doane’s dance team has once again proven its place among the NAIA’s elite. Their dedication, resilience, and unity not only earned them a spot in the national spotlight but also continued to elevate the standard of what’s possible for the program. As they celebrate this season’s success and look ahead to the future, their performance serves as a proud milestone in the program’s continued rise.
