Utopia Dance Team, St. Louis’ premier all-star pom and dance program, entered summer practices with just one goal in mind… to make it to team finals.  With a spectacular performance in the preliminary round, UDT was able to reach this lofty goal – an accomplishment that is a first for this program and unmatched by none other in this region. 

The competition was AYOP… America’s Youth On Parade.  Although this national competition is an annual event, the opportunity to compete for a spot on Team USA happens just once every three years.  Competition was held on the campus of the University of Notre Dame during the week of July 18-22. 

More than 75 teams competed in the preliminary round on Monday; just five were selected to advance to team finals on Friday.  Utopia’s junior pom team was one of the five squads that earned the right to compete for this prestigious title.  The remaining four contenders included a college team, two senior squads, and one other junior team. 

After a tough final event, Utopia ranked third overall and finished as the top-ranked junior squad of the week-long competition.  The winning team, a senior squad from Pennsylvania, will represent the United States of America in Neuchatel, Switzerland, host city of the 2012 World Championships.

In addition to being selected for Team USA finals competition, UDT earned two national titles… Grand National Junior Dance Team Champions and Grand National Mini Pom Team Champions. 

Both wins cap an exciting season and pave the way for the future of the program.  The girls intend on training hard for another season in order to defend these titles and will also set their sights on Team USA finals competition in the year 2014.

Utopia Girls are from in and around the St. Louis area and range in age from 6-22.  The girls practice just one night a week during the school year, for many of the girls are involved with their school cheer, dance, and sports teams.  Utopia largely represents the Mehlville School District, but does have girls from Lindbergh, Fox, Brentwood, Hillsboro, Webster Groves, and various private schools. 

Open auditions for the 2011-12 squad will be held on Wednesday, September 7^th from 5:00-8:00P.M. at Margaret Buerkle Middle School located at 623 Buckley Road.  Although it is preferred, dance experience is not necessary.  All interested girls are welcome and can find more information at www.utopiadance.com.  Utopia is under the direction of head coach Tiffany Wedel-Aboussie.