06/18/2026
“Where You Are” has been the heartbeat of our season, and as we prepare for DanceMakers Nationals next week, we can’t help but reflect on how beautifully their mission aligns with ours. At UCDC, we believe dance should feel like home—a place where every dancer is welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow.
DanceMakers reminds us to meet dancers “where you are,” and this season our families, staff, and dancers have embraced exactly that. Together, those messages create something powerful: home is not a destination—it’s being accepted where you are while being encouraged to become all you can be.
As we head into Nationals, we are incredibly grateful for the dancers and families who have trusted the process. Every rehearsal, every correction, every challenge, and every victory has helped shape this season. The hard work and dedication our dancers have shown never goes unnoticed.
We are also excited to celebrate two special members of our UCDC family. Congratulations to Jazz Company member Isabella Shortridge and Jazz Company alumna Bethany Stokes on an incredible year as members of the DanceMakers JV Collective and Collective. We can’t wait to watch them continue to shine next week.
No matter what happens on stage, we are proud of the journey that brought us here. Thank you for making UCDC feel like home and for allowing us to meet you where you are every step of the way.
Nationals, here we come… 1 2 3 4 UCDC ON THE FLOOR❤️🔥🖤
